Daily Inspiration: Meet Heather Schaeffer

Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Schaeffer.  

Heather, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I began my hair journey in 2010 when I was 17 at a large salon franchise where I soaked in all the tips, tricks, and knowledge from some of the best educators and stylists in the industry, including Oribe Canales! I was young, and I was eager to learn. I spent the first half of my career perfecting my skills while styles such as ombre and balayage became popular. These looks were new in the industry, so I gathered what I had learned from the stylists and trialed my own techniques to create “lived-in” off-the-root looks. After eight years behind the chair, I decided I needed more. I had learned that there was more to being a hairstylist than working like a well-oiled machine. I moved to a family-owned salon near Lakewood, with a more intimate setting. I loved the walkable city, customer loyalty, and the personal connections the area had to offer. There I worked closely with a team of women to help support a small business and its owner, learning what it took to run a business. It required more than the hairstyles and friendly smiles. I fell in love with the idea of creating a space that felt like it was a reflection what I value as a stylist and a guest. After 12 years in the industry, I decided to take a leap of faith and open my very own salon suite! It was the best decision I have ever made. I pride myself on the ultimate guest experience. I feel I have created a warm environment to provide luxury hair services for my guests. I am fast approaching the one-year anniversary in Habits Hair Studio in Lakewood. I am booked, busy, and the guests and I are happier than ever! 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I must say this road has come with its challenges, but I am fortunate to have experienced these opportunities along the way. I have always been a very ambitious and motivated person. I had to put myself out there in uncomfortable settings; nothing fell into my lap. When I was just starting out I spent a lot of my personal time and money taking classes from educators that I loved. I spent my paychecks traveling to different cities to learn several hair extension lines, such as Great Lengths and Dream Catchers. In doing so, I have made many amazing connections with some awesome people. Making these connections has introduced to me to so many different avenues and made it possible to make educated decisions on what services and which company’s products are important to me. I have found that taking the initiative to educate yourself and put yourself out there is going to take you to where you want to be! 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in “lived in color.” Lived in color is a look mixing balayage and highlighting to create a blended natural finished look. It’s great for low-maintenance guests or someone who just wants to enhance their natural color. I also specialize in extensions. I have been trained in so many different types, but I love Keratin Bond and I-Tip extensions. Both techniques are gentle on the hair and easy to manage. I love to help woman enhance their natural beauty and hair while maintaining an easy lifestyle. I am most proud of my ability to make hair inspiration a reality! I set myself apart by customizing every color and extension service catered to your everyday life. My goal is to give my guests the knowledge and tools to recreate a smooth finished look at home. 

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Being asked to create a look or style I have never created before has taught me some of the most important lessons of my career. It forces me to use what I already know but also teach myself in the moment. Thinking quick on my feet, staying calm, and understanding all the variables. It can sometimes feel like a complicated math problem! I think the fear of failing can hold us back from trying something new even if we are unsure of what the outcome may be. I have always tried to not let fear stop me from trying something for the first time or even a second or third time! You have to trust in the power of failure. I use it as an opportunity to learn and make something beautiful out of something that may seem scary! Some of the best lessons I have learned are from “fixing it”. Every situation is different. Every starting point is different. Doing color is an art, and every situation is so unique that even if you’re trying to achieve the same end goal, there are many different paths to get there. Finding the path for each individual person that sits in your chair is a skill you continuously try to grow. 

Pricing:

• Haircut $65
• New Client Haircut $45
• Color pricing proposed during consult.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @heathheathhair
• Other: Text: 2164063491

Image Credits
Kailey Marie Photography