Art & Life with Stephanie Ford

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Ford.

Stephanie, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I would definitely call hair my first passion. I had a wonderful relationship with my first hairstylist. From childhood until I enrolled in beauty school, she was the only one who touched my hair. In my teenage years I used babysitting money to get my hair done, at that time, it was a top priority in my world. Jeannie (my stylist) pushed me to go into the field of cosmetology. She was always attending hair shows and stressed the importance of always learning and growing as a stylist. She was truly an amazing example of what I wanted to become. I am so thankful for the interest she took in me.

I enrolled in beauty school immediately after graduating from high school. Once there, I felt like I was finally in a place where I could excel. I’m not someone who is wired for a traditional classroom setting. This was the first time I had the chance to learn in a tactile way. I love working with my hands, and this realization was a huge breakthrough for me and my confidence.

While learning and growing in my career, I always kept a slew of hobbies. I’ve dabbled in jewelry making, weaving, sewing but the interest that always stuck around was home renovation. Around this time I started dating my boyfriend who is a carpenter by trade, having found someone who shared my love of projects helped my passion for home renovation really take off! I can truly say I was a landlords dream tenant. Every rental I lived in was better when I left it. I keep myself busy upgrading and repairing the homes.

This Summer, after years of renting, we finally purchased our first home. Just South of the city we found a small farmhouse. The bones are amazing, but it needs some TLC (exactly what we are looking for). My time is now split between getting my clients all glammed up in the city and getting my hands dirty out in the country. For me, this is the perfect balance!

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
At the salon, I get joy from creating a look that suits my client. I love helping people find a style that best represents them and makes them feel confident. One of my greatest strengths behind the chair is connecting with clients. Helping someone come into their own and like the way they look is a giant win for me! I hope each person feels enriched after spending time with me and takes away a positive attitude and outlook along with their new hair.

When designing my home, I embrace a handmade craftsman style. I use as much recycled and natural materials as possible and decorate mostly with plants to give the space an airy and open feel. The furniture in my home has been passed down to me from family or found and restored, giving the space a rich history. I want people to walk in an immediately feel comfortable.

What do you think about the conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?

Today things seem to be less and less about quality and more focused on speed and mass production. People are moving quickly and not focused on the present task or moment. Making things that take time, effort and love are rarities and therefore truly catch my eye. I would love to see people supporting local business in their everyday purchases. There is definite spark in people wanting unique and handcrafted things. I would love to see this grow into the norm, creating a more sustainable living environment for artists.

The biggest thing a city can do to help artists thrive is hiring from within their neighborhood. Using local carpenters, painters, and talent to build something the community can be proud of.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
You can catch me behind the chair at Salon Modello in Old Fourth Ward. I’m currently accepting new clients and would love to make your hair dreams come true!

As far as my home improvement projects go, If you ever find yourself with a surplus building materials or a piece of forgotten furniture that needs a little love, I’m your gal!

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/stephfranny/

Image Credit:
Sarah Stover

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