Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Olexa
Heather , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I stated my career 20+ years ago. Perfected my skills at the iconic Bumble and bumble in NYC where I was a stylist behind the chair, taught classes to other stylists from around the country at our in-house academy and my mentors at Bumble recognized my skill set and elevated me to the editorial team working Fashion week. As an editorial stylist I worked on magazines, commercials and runway shows including Fashion Weeks in NYC, London, Milan and Paris which I still work on today.
Following my time at Bumble and bumble I became an independent stylist continuing my editorial work, teaching and celebrity clients along side my loyal clients.
Traveling lead me to Austin. After spending some time in the city I decided to make the move to ATX. My passion for hair started when I was very young living in my magazines and as a cleaning girl in a high end salon. I’d thumb through those magazines daily , drooling over the life the hair dressers that created those looks lived . Creating artistically but also giving people the hair that both made them look their best and also the confidence that comes along with loving your look . When I see a new client I spend time with them , learning who they are ,what their lifestyle is like . This information is just as valuable as their inspo pics . Whats the use in giving someone a smashing cut and color but them recreating it doesn’t meet their lifestyle or worse yet is impossible for them to do themselves .
The importance of my relationship with my clients has driven me to create a space just for us . I have a private studio space that soaks in the sun. By having a private space it allows for a more intimate experience where my clients can reveal to me their hair goals , their insecurities with their hair and I can interpret that into a style that works for them . Also since we are in a private space there isn’t any distractions from other salon guests and the appointment can be all about the client , which is always my intent . I’m a Master Stylist specializing in razor cuts that grow in without that terrible awkward stage . I actually started my career as a color specialist and an east coast color technique educator . So I really love to color my cuts.
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?
From long hours , little pay , being treated well not so nicely my apprenticeship was very trying . But being pushed that hard , to make things happen , to handle the pressure resulted in me receiving an education in hair equivalent to an Ivy League degree . Picking up and moving from NYC to ATX presented its own set of challenges . In NYC I had the connections and relationships and a clientele , moving here I had to build that all over again . It was tough at times for sure .
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?
What sets me apart from others is that I’m always looking to grow, always looking for the best solutions for my clients , always listening to my clients but not always giving them what they ask for because to be honest what they ask for isn’t always whats right for them . When that comes up I sit down with the client , lets say its a certain haircut they want but it will just not give them the results they want with their face structure , I explain to them why this cut will not produce the result they are hoping for , doing this sensitively of course . I then look for ways we can achieve the vibe of that cut they brought me inspo pics of that will work for them .
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My mentors have been people whose work I’ve admired . I’ve approached them ,formed a relationship and they have taken me under their wing . The main thing is find a mentor that appreciates who you are and can take their knowledge and pass that along to you while still letting you be who you are .
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.Heatherolexa.com
- Instagram: @Heatherolexahair
- Facebook: Heather Olexa Hair
- Twitter: Heatherolexa
- Youtube: Heather Olexa
- Yelp: Heather Olexa Hair
