Today we’d like to introduce you to Zoë Burr.
Hi Zoë, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Honestly, I feel very lucky to be where I am today in life. High school was difficult for me for various reasons, so I ended up getting my GED. I felt lost for a while and ended up attending ACC for a semester to please my parents and follow the path that is suggested for most.
I remember I got my hair cut by a family friend, and we had a long conversation about her career and all the pros and cons of it. At this time, I was really trying to learn about all my options and hear the perspectives of different people. That conversation really resonated with me and something told me that I should take a chance on the beauty industry. I loved that it gave the opportunity of creative expression with myself and the art that I could create.
After this, I knew that college was not for me. I didn’t want to work a typical 9-5 job, so I immediately called my dad and left community college. Thankfully both my parents were pretty supportive. I enrolled in beauty school the next week and completed the program in about a years time.
I met my lifelong friend, Leanne, there and we both got hired at Red Stella Salon while finishing up with school and getting our licenses. It was so nice to have someone by my side that understood my experiences and was going through it all with me. At Red Stella, you have to complete a six months long apprenticeship before you can start doing hair. This means assisting advanced stylists and doing the “dirty work” that no one really wants to do. It’s not easy and at times, I really had to pull myself up by my bootstraps. I am so glad I did it though because I learned SO much and don’t think I would be where I am today honestly without that education. Thanks to my boss, Alisha, and multiple other stylists there, I was truly set up for success.
After that, it was really all about trial and error, and that’s the difficult part of this career. Your ego will get hurt and you have to accept that failure is the ONLY way you will learn. To be successful in this field, you do have to have some tough skin and be willing to learn and grow from what you experience; I would say that is how I have ended up where I am today. I have persevered, adapted, and taken in as much knowledge as I can. Not only that but I am truly passionate about what I do and that pushed me even further.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t always been the smoothest. It is hard going against the grain and following what you think is best for you even when others may disagree. I would say the most challenging aspect though is being humbled honestly. It’s always hard to accept defeat, and as creatives we are always our most harshest critics, especially when it involves real people. Most of us are in the industry not only for the art but also to make a difference in people’s lives and how they may view themselves. When something happens unexpectedly and people aren’t happy, it’s really hard to accept. But no one is perfect and mistakes are inevitable; it’s about what you do after the fact to better yourself.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a hairstylist and like to label myself as a razor cutting specialist. More specifically you will find me using my straight razor more than anything else, and this is something I am definitely proud of because it is a very specific way of cutting. The majority of what I cut is shags, mullets, and flowy layered cuts. I also LOVE bangs, 90% of my clients have them! I love to create custom shapes that are easy to maintain and offer a soft and seamless grow out. You will either see me finishing a style with a bouncy blowout or a more organic finish of hand styling.
As far as color goes, I do a lot of hand-painted balayage and fashion colors. I love the lived in feel of balayage and that it allows my clients to go longer in between appointments.
I am also very passionate about hair health. If you sit in my chair you will notice that I not only explain everything that I am using but also HOW to use it. I want your experience to be relaxing and educational, and I hope that many can take something away from their visit and truly enjoy their hair that much more once they leave the salon.
What makes you happy?
So many things make me happy. My family (including my animals!), my career, my independence, books, art, sunsets, and so much more. I could never narrow this question down because happiness comes from so many different places and things.
Contact Info:
- Email: zoeburr10@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.redstellasalonaustin.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justsnippin/
