Today we’d like to introduce you to Sloane Cotner
Hi Sloane, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey in the beauty industry began in college, charging $20 to my sorority sisters for bar nights and formals. Over time, those casual gigs grew into styling for their major life events—engagements, weddings, and even baby showers.
After college, I pursued my passion further by attending beauty school, where I specialized in styling and blonding. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to have incredible opportunities, working with brands like Dibs, Bloom, and Form, and being featured in publications such as Wed Society, Style Me Pretty, and Salon Magazine.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When I first started out, I struggled with feelings of inadequacy and constantly compared my work to others. This eventually led to a brief hiatus from the industry for a couple of years. I think it’s common to feel like you have to follow a specific path when starting out in any career, but that mindset made me lose my passion for the beauty industry altogether.
During my time away, I worked in marketing while doing hair and makeup on the side. Over time, I realized my true passion was still in the beauty industry—but on my own terms. Embracing my unique path is what ultimately brought me to where I am today, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the journey.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a hairstylist and makeup artist specializing in blonding and all things bridal beauty. One of my proudest achievements has been building a recognizable brand for myself. It’s incredibly rewarding when clients come to me specifically asking for styles or colors they’ve seen me create on others, rather than bringing in inspiration from the internet. Knowing I’ve set a standard for what they’re looking for and earning their trust to bring their vision to life is truly fulfilling.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I believe the best way to find a mentor is by identifying an artist you admire. Following their work and learning from them is a great way to develop your own style. Early in my career, I started by reaching out to artists I looked up to, offering to assist them or signing up for their classes.
This approach not only helped me grow my skills but also allowed me to build lasting relationships. Some of those mentors now reach out to me when they need extra help or even refer clients my way. It’s an incredibly rewarding feeling to have earned their trust and respect.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stylesbysloane.com
- Instagram: @stylesbysloane_
Image Credits
@Kristinpaigephotography
