Today we’d like to introduce you to Paisley Starks.
Hi Paisley, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Not only has hair been a passion of mine my whole life, but so was the joy it brought me to make someone feel beautiful. To make someone feel their absolute best, to fill them with confidence and make their day. As soon as I graduated high school, I enrolled immediately into hair school. I worked in Nashville, my hometown, for about six years. I’ve always been interested in educating stylists and helping them grow and succeed. I had a mentor that took me under her wing, taught me more than I could ask for, and grew me into the stylist that I am today, and I’ve always wanted to give back to the industry and support stylists the way she did with me. I spent countless hours (and dollars) on continuing education, achieved numerous certifications and became Nationally specialized in Redken color, design and finishing. I loved my clientele in Nashville, but I knew that it wasn’t my forever home and I always dreamed of living in a bigger city, but not to be too far from my family. I moved to Atlanta in 2018 and started again from the bottom. Having to make all new friends, find an entire new clientele and build my brand all over again. It was difficult but worth it. I worked at a salon for a few years and finally made the big decision to go out on my own and open my very own suite. Owning a business is far from easy, but it’s allowed me to completely and unapologetically be myself, express myself and endlessly create myself and a safe haven for my clients. Now ten years strong, I plan to continue growing myself and other stylists that are truly passionate, hard-working and committed to bettering themselves and their craft every day. Bigger plans are in the making for the future, but I’m genuinely enjoying where I am now.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road to success is never easy, but hard work makes for a better future. I wanted to prove wrong the stereotypes of the hair industry. I wanted to challenge myself to be the best that I could be. My work ethic has always been extremely diligent, and I made it a goal at a young age to be self-sufficient and independent. Building a clientele is very hard work; it’s never handed to you. I did it twice, and honestly, I don’t intend on doing it a third time. I moved here, wasn’t allowed to take clients and assisted for five months while making little to no money and trying to support myself in a new city. Nevertheless, I persisted, worked my butt off, and built an amazing clientele again. This industry is very competitive, and I believe that keeping secrets to your trade is selfish. I work long hours on my feet, and I know I won’t be able to withstand the exertion on my body forever. I hope that I can pass on my knowledge to eager stylists and build a community of like-minded, passionate, sharing and kind individuals and artists.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I like to say that I did not choose the blonde life, the blonde like chose me. I specialize in all types of blonding, custom coloring and extensions. I also work with vivid colors, keratin smoothing treatments, men’s hair, makeup, wedding/special event styling and editorial photoshoots. I’m most proud of my growth in blonding after spending countless hours foiling under Redken colorist Kelsey Quinn and my extension transformations after training with Bellami educator and extraordinaire Caitlin Meehan.
How do you think about happiness?
My family, the amazing people that I have in my life, my dog, music, queso, experiences, and feeling that I can truly be authentically myself. The world can be a very difficult place, and people can be very hurtful. It’s important to me that I surround myself with genuine love and support while giving it in return.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @paisleypaintsatl
