Daily Inspiration: Meet Heather Cooper

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

Hi Heather, 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?
My career began in 1996, I was not sure what I was supposed to be doing with my life. I was working in your typical restaurants and retail stores, and completely unsure of what to do with my life. In one of my jobs I met a girl who was going to cosmetology school, I had no idea really what that meant but what I did know is that she was so happy all the time! I decided to look into it and that is all she wrote… I signed up for school and I’ve been doing ever since.

I’ve worked for several large commission salons in Cincinnati and I was the Operations and Admissions Director for The Salon Professional Academy for 5 years. Leaving the salon to pursue the Operations role was one of the best things I could have done but I missed the creative side of myself so after those 5 years I realized I needed to get behind the chair again.

I took the leap of faith in 2015 and opened a suite space in Salon Lofts in Hyde Park Cincinnati. After only a few months I knew it wasn’t for me, it’s a great space but I wanted more. I missed having a salon family but I didn’t want to go backwards. I search the Cincinnati area for a year to find a salon that could take me. This was super hard because I do so many things and no place has space for me.

I kept looking and with the help of friends, I found a basement studio space in O’Bryonville. It was tucked away under the Kismet Store and many would have thought it wasn’t a good option because it was so hidden, but I saw the vision and went for it! I figured what is the worst thing that can happen? If it doesn’t work out I will find a new place. Well 5 years later, several booth renters who found their way to me and covid, we now sit in a gorgeous storefront on Madison Rd. in the heart of O’Bryonville. Shortly after the reopening of businesses last year the space became available so I grabbed it. I was terrified because of all the things happening in the world but again I put it to faith and jumped on the opportunity.

Now, a year later, we are doing great, it’s been a journey for sure, very expensive and stressful however I wouldn’t change a thing. As a booth rental salon, I hope to offer service providers a space to do what they do and do it independently. The goal is for everyone to thrive, grow professionally and still feel independent of my brand. I am always willing to help where I can or be hands off if that is the wish.

My salon space is calm, cool and relaxing, this is important to me as I spend a lot of time there. I have tried to create an environment that is soothing and welcoming to all! I don’t do drama and I won’t allow for it so those who want to be with us will need to embrace that mantra… NO DRAMA, unless it’s your lashes!

We offer a beautiful line of hair care products, DAVINES and also feature our new boutique section for small gifts, accessories and cards. Because we are all independent our salon is primary for appointments, however, we do welcome a walk-in. I try to lead a calm life, I am a mother of 5 sons, ages 31-18, grandmother to 4 boys and surround myself with people who support me and my life. When I am not at the salon you can likely find me hiking, doing yoga or playing with my grandson Hudson lives here in Cincinnati.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Yes! When I decided to move to my new location last year it ended up costing me a lot more than planned. I was able to make it work and get it done but I can say it was for sure stressful. In the current situation of our world that adds another level of stress and struggles, government shuts downs, restrictions on space and distance and of course so many not getting salon services done for so long this added a level of strain that I couldn’t believe.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am many things, and always looking for more. Currently, I am a Master Manicurist, Esthetician, Lash Artist, Certified Permanent Makeup Artist, Educator and MUA artist. Most of my days now are primary applying eyelash extensions, microblading and manicures. I typically have some Saturdays where I will be on location offering bridal makeup services also. The last 6 years, I have also been building my teaching career, I currently offer training for Microblading, Powder Brows, Classic Eyelash Extensions and Makeup.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
My only thought for the readers is for those who are considering a career in cosmetology, I hope your journey will be a fun and exciting as mine has been. The Ohio Board of Cosmetology licensing is only the beginning, continue to train and gain as much knowledge as you can, if you don’t stand out you will just blend in! It won’t be easy but it is worth it.

Pricing:

• Microblading $500
• Powder Brows $550
• Lashes- $175 and up
• Bridal Makeup $85 on location
• Teaching/ Classes- $1000 and up

Contact Info:

• Email: toolboxstudiosalon@gmail.com
• Website: www.toolboxstudiosalon.com
• Instagram: @toolboxstudiosalon_cincy
• Facebook: Toolbox Studio Salon

Image Credits:
Richard Corsmeier
Bethany Stewart
Audrey Gannaway