Today we’d like to introduce you to Stacey Hubrath.
Hi Stacey, 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?
Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, I attended an Aveda cosmetology school after graduation in 2004. I was an artist formerly and immersed myself into the art of hair as if I was a natural. Using geometry, to revisiting the color wheel, the only difference was my medium and I quickly became successful using the techniques I spent years learning previously. I was hired at a high-end Aveda salon and worked my way up the bustling commission ladder. I started as an assistant/inventory manager working 12 hours a day, 6 days a week to eventually become an Aveda hair cutting coach and master stylist by 2010.
I had that ah-ha moment, helping others perfect their own unique craft, teaching and guiding them while continuing my personal education traveling the world, and obtaining specialized certifications. I loved helping others feel worthy and confident while fulfilling my own creativity. I quickly realized the World is my oyster and would tell myself, you can achieve anything you wish in life, go anywhere you want because you have the opportunity and ability to do so. So… I decided to do just that and relocate to Texas. I had to continue pursuing my hopes, dreams and longed to experience the new. No one became successful being comfortable.
In early 2011 I made the trip down to Austin, Texas. I had no real plan. I had a few interviews lined up, an empty apartment waiting for me, whatever I could fit into my tiny hatchback car and my dog… That was it, and it was perfect. I was never so scared in my life; I knew nobody and everything was completely different. Soon, I was hired at a busy high-end salon in the Warehouse District where I worked on building my clientele for 3 years. I became so booked with no more room to grow and decided it was time to go out on my own.
I left the commission structure and started working at a small boutique “booth rental” salon in the Rainey Street District. I finally had complete freedom and control over my own business. Everything I was looking for prior and felt this was my stepping stone towards my ultimate goal. I worked hard, continued the education I wanted to receive, and honed into my environment and craft.
Later, I started diving deep into the movement of gender-neutral pricing, low toxic/nontoxic hair care, and sustainable beauty. I traveled a lot taking classes, learned from others surrounding me, and slowly made the transition into this amazing community. I finally found where I belonged, what I’ve known all along, yet was only able to semi practice at that time.
Fast forward, we’re in the midst of a global pandemic, our business shut down for months and I really had to refocus my plan. I became lost for a spell and honestly, I didn’t know if I wanted to continue being a stylist. I did not understand the CDC recommendations and physically touch other humans for a living. To say I was terrified is an understatement… However, if not for the pandemic I would not have had access to the amount of online classes I took during that time. Whether business-related, interior design, to my woo woo spirituality courses. Really, it didn’t matter… I took whatever classes I could to gain knowledge and continue my personal growth. It was a time I will forever cherish, although unsolicited.
A full year later, I started manifesting daily, I explored my higher self and really listened to my signs. Actually, I became quite obsessed with it all. I needed that strong sense of fulfillment and meaning behind what I’ve been doing the past 17 years and that’s when Stay Wild Salon was born.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not, as a young and hungry stylist, you learn to work as much as possible. In Cleveland, our pay grade was much lower and hardly sustainable. The more I worked, the more burnt out I became and felt I was floating through life with no real purpose. I was barely able to afford my bills working 6 days a week and at one point became so in debt I almost filed for bankruptcy.
Moving to Texas, with little too, no money I created that same hustle mentality. I was lucky to be placed in a bustling salon where I could grow. The opportunity was there and for that I was grateful. I was told what days and hours I must work and my schedule became so jam-packed I was left with zero lunch breaks during 12-hour shifts. It became extremely toxic, I was unhappy, and beyond burnt out.
I knew this wasn’t the end all be all or was it? After 3 years I finally took that well-deserved vacation with my now Husband, Dennis. I came home from that trip, walked into work, and said “I quit”. I finally had the time and support to sit and think really hard without the outside noise surrounding me. It was the best decision, at that time, I ever made for myself.
I left and started at another busy, yet boutique “booth renal” salon. I believed this could have been my answer. However, that same toxic mindset kicked in again after a few years. Again, this can’t be the end all be all. I wasn’t fully able to immerse myself into the practices, beliefs, and boundaries I’ve now set. I knew in my heart, there was something better suited for me and decided to curate my future endeavors with the help of my amazing husband.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Stay Wild Salon?
Stay Wild Salon opened June 2021 in the East Cesar Chavez District. We are a gender-neutral salon featuring low/nontoxic, holistic hair care and sustainable beauty. We strongly believe in curating an inclusive, respectful, and aware environment while embodying the unique story of each and every guest. Everyone is welcome here. We employ small-batch, naturally sourced ingredient beauty brands allowing us to become a clean-air salon.
I specifically, specialize in modern, lived-in colors and hairstyles best suited to you and your lifestyle. All textures, all hair colors are to be celebrated, I’m here to enhance them. My mission is to hold space and gift the ultimate confidence within you so you can illuminate for the world to see. It’s pure magic.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Be true to you, be kind, continue being your authentic self and learn to say no. When something or someone is no longer serving you, its ok to just say it and move on. Be honest with yourself and others around you. Know that you are worthy of everything you set your mind to and be the creator of your own universe. You are only as powerful as you allow your mindset to be, so trust the process.
The pandemic really taught me we might not have tomorrow, and if that’s the case I’d rather say I tried doing something I’m passionate about than to say I never tried at all. That’s the easy road, a cop-out, and I’m not here to take that road. Become comfortable being uncomfortable and continue your personal growth. Keep your light alive and thrive.
Contact Info:
- Email: Hello@staywildsalon.com
- Website: https://www.staywildsalon.com/
- Instagram: @stayce_wild_hair
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/staywildsalon/
- Other: @staywildsalon
