Today we’d like to introduce you to Sierra Liestman.
Hi Sierra, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am an independent hairstylist, I started Hair by Sierra Elizabeth (HBSE) in 2023. I had worked in a commission setting for 2 years prior to that. I had the opportunity to start on my own and I leaped. I had started in a suite, which I loved at first, then I started to get lonely. I was craving more, I needed to push myself further because I was outgrowing that space. In this suite rental, there was about 16 renters in their own rooms and what I loved about this space is that all of us renters got to know eachother. For example, when we had down time we popped into each others rooms and talked and got to know each others clients. That’s quite unheard of in the private suite world. During that time and with those renters, I had made some of my closest friends, been around some people that truly inspired me. As I was growing out of this space, the girl next door to me was feeling the same. We were ready to push the boundaries, expand our knowledge, create something big. That’s was led Kayla and I to Color and Crown Creations. Just two girls who really loved what they do and were ready to create what we have been craving. This space is a chair rental style, but has the supportive feeling commission salons have.
Ever since moving into this new space, I feel like my business, my work, and my brand are elevating to new levels. I’m becoming known for lived-in colors, blondes, and balayages. People, I don’t even know, have been reaching out to compliment my work, and that gives me a lot of pride to know my hard work is admired.
My biggest accomplishment to date is that this year I had entered into the Behind the Chair One Shot Awards, I had entered into a couple different categories. I knew being nominated was a long shot, some people try for years. But, after a long wait I had found out that I was nominated in the Top 100 in the Cool Balayage Category. I will be attending an award show in Ft. Lauderdale at the end of August to be recognized for the award, alongside very well-known and talented hairstylists.
I will also be creating a video soon of my process with East Marlow, we are hoping to shoot in September!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I wouldn’t say anything in life is a smooth road, there is new obstacles waiting around every corner. But what I can say is that along this journey I have learned that most of it boils down to your attitude. Life is 99% attitude, and you get to choose yours.
I will also tell you that this career brings a lot of struggles behind closed doors. We not only have to be good at what we do, but also have to master social media. in 2026, that is solely your marketing. Sometimes I find myself saying “I just want to do pretty hair!” but no one will see the pretty hair unless you post about it on social media. Now don’t get me wrong, social media is also our biggest weapon. I have made some of my biggest connections through social media, most of my clients have found me from social media, social media can change your life if you master it. Another struggle many stylist face is that our income relies solely on the public; recession/budgets, trends, etc. You really need to learn to be flexible and ride the wave, and also plan for the unexpected. The hair community can be really amazing and uplifting, but also can be quite toxic. It’s vital that you search and find like-minded individuals and hold on to them.
We’ve been impressed with Hair by Sierra Elizabeth LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My name is Sierra and I own Hair by Sierra Elizabeth located in Buffalo, MN. I have been in the hair industry since 2019. I operate within a chair rental salon that I also manage. HBSE is located within Color and Crown Creations owned by Kayla Voit.
I offer many services ranging from haircuts to custom colors to hand-tied extensions. I have been specializing in lived-in blondes and brunettes lately. I mostly do colors and hand tied extensions on a day to day bases. I will usually have 2-3 colors and 1-2 extension clients per day, tue-fri.
I would like to say that I am known for my knowledge of color, health and integrity of the hair while creating some of the most beautiful colors. I love the connection I have created with every single person that has sat in my chair.
Most of my clients come to get their hair done, but usually end up also having a mini therapy session as well. Talking through life and getting through life together while reminding one another to take care of ourselves. Life has some really low lows, and some really high highs. My chair is a place to talk about it all, and leave feeling lighter, brighter and more like you.
I want readers to know that my brand is you. You matter to me, how you feel, look, and carry yourself matters to me. You are my walking billboard.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I often joke to my girlfriends that i’m scrappy. What I actually am is adaptive, strong minded, optimistic, nurturing, supportive, knowledgeable, and listen to my intuition.
I’m a type C girl in a busy world, I am very organized within my disorganization. Most of my clients can testify to my chaos, but trust the creative chaos is what creates the magic.
Being able to take the good with the bad is crucial in learning how to feel success in a business, especially a small business.
Pricing:
- Lived-in color and haircut – $220-$250
- hand-tied extensions – $125 per row
- Full Blonding – $220-250
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.colorandcrowncreations.com/
- Instagram: hairby.sierraelizabeth
- Facebook: Hair by Sierra Elizabeth
