Today we’d like to introduce you to Grace Rivers.
Grace, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started my hair journey when I dropped out of community college in Bend, Oregon in March 2020 due to my classes going online because of covid. I was going to school to be a teacher, but once I dropped out, I reflected on what I wanted to do and what I wanted my life to look like. I decided that I really cared about independence, creativity and having free time, and more importantly control over the free time I have. When I considered the different options for a career, hair seemed like a pretty obvious choice. I didn’t really know what I was going to do with it other than that it logically felt right. Once I moved to Austin, I started hair school, and fell in love with cutting hair, specifically razor cuts and working with curls. I apprenticed for 2 years under Madison Williams and learned so much about cutting hair, curls and how to show up as a professional stylist. Now I work at Strangebird Salon 5 days a week, cutting hair, connecting with my clients and really honing my craft.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Yes and no. I feel like i’ve had an invisible guide pulling me along through the days without any clients, the long days of working two jobs and not knowing how i’m going to make ends meet. I’m not sure why i’ve stuck with it but I am very grateful I have.
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 am a haircutting specialist! Since i’ve been out of school i’ve only focused on cutting hair. I went into my training program with a focus on razor cutting and working with curls, and I feel like that’s still very much where my passion lies! I’m known for shags and masculine shaggy short shapes like mod cuts and mullets. I’m really proud of how I make people feel in the chair. I work hard to make it a fun and light environment when i’m doing hair. Whether it’s giving my client space to be quiet and relax or catching up on our lives and talking about pop culture, I want everyone to feel comfortable. I’m also really proud of how comfortable my clients feel collaborating with me on their hair and their vision. I always say that I get the privilege of cutting it but yall have to wear it everyday so I want it to feel like you.
What does success mean to you?
I define success by the impact I make on my peers and clients. We live in an intense world right now and I strive to add some positivity through the interactions I have day to day. Doing hair has given me so much perspective through connecting with the community and I hope I can give that back!
Pricing:
- 120/hour
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.strangebirdsalon.com/home
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracerivershair
- Other: https://linktr.ee/gracerivers
