Today we’d like to introduce you to Skye Shepherd
Hi Skye, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
From a young age, I was always fascinated by the transformative power of beauty. I remember orchestrating playful makeovers with friends, complete with impromptu fashion shows for my family, where every new look sparked joy and a sense of wonder for me. This early passion naturally evolved into a deep love for hair and beauty transformations.
During high school, I discovered a particular affinity for vivid color, a discovery that has since become a cornerstone of my stylistic signature. I dedicated myself to mastering the art of vivid transformations, constantly seeking out new techniques and inspiration to push the boundaries of conventional beauty.
Today, I stand as a hairstylist who not only honors my roots but also continuously evolves through education and practice. Every day behind the chair fuels my inner child with so much joy as I was able to follow my first true passion in life. I love unconventional beauty, being a safe space for others, and showing that beauty is for EVERYONE with no limits.
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?
My journey hasn’t been without its fair share of challenges. Graduating cosmetology school right as COVID hit was a whirlwind. The world was shutting down, and suddenly, the in-person interactions and hands-on opportunities to continue to learn and grow as a new stylist became unavailable. Navigating the early days of a global pandemic while trying to launch my career tested my resilience in ways I hadn’t imagined.
Adding to the struggle was pursuing my passion for creative color in an area steeped in conservative norms. I often heard discouraging words, warnings that a living doing what I love, pushing conventional beauty, was simply not a viable path. Those moments of doubt and external criticism could have easily derailed my dreams, but instead, they fueled my determination to prove that bold, authentic expression has a place in every community.
I also faced the challenge of carving out a space where both my clientele and I could feel free to be our true selves. It took time to find a community of like-minded, accepting individuals—both clients and fellow stylists—who celebrated creative differences and supported one another. Finding and building that network has been a transformative experience in itself, reinforcing the belief that authenticity and acceptance can thrive even in the most unexpected places.
Each of these obstacles has shaped me, taught me resilience, and affirmed that staying true to my vision is not only possible but also incredibly rewarding.
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?
I am a licensed cosmetologist and certified eyelash technician. I specialize in color services, with an EXTREME love for creative, vivid hair transformations. My work is known for its intuitive rainbow nature, I rarely rely on mapping any color service and instead trust my instincts to guide the color placement, resulting in dynamic, one-of-a-kind looks that truly reflect the individuality of my clients.
Just three years after becoming licensed, I opened my own salon located at Salon Lofts in Liberty Township, OH Loft #16. I’ve earned recognition on several prestigious platforms: placing in the Top 10 at The Rainbow Convention, ranking in the Top 100 for creative color at the One Shot Hair Awards (a global competition with OVER 14,000 entries in the category), being named a Stylist of the Month in August 2024 with My Favorite Stylists, and being featured in the My Favorite Stylist 2024 Yearbook magazine. Collaborating with renowned professional fashion color brands over the past year has further cemented my reputation as a leader in creative color.
What sets me apart is my unwavering passion for what I do. Anyone can do hair, but it takes a unique blend of talent, intuition, and creativity to truly make it ART. Creativity isn’t something that can be taught, it’s an innate gift that I bring to every transformation I create, ensuring that each style is as bold and authentic as the person wearing it.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Living with a rare gene mutation that leaves me severely immunocompromised with little to zero white blood cells, has always made personal hygiene, sanitation, and staying home when sick a top priority for me. When COVID-19 hit, it wasn’t just another challenge; it was deeply personal and frightening, especially as I had to work so closely with the public during such uncertain times.
This experience underscored the importance of being mindful about who I interact with. I quickly learned that the type of clients I welcome into my space matters greatly. Watching some people disregard safety precautions while others were just as committed to keeping everyone healthy helped me understand the kind of community I want to build—a space where care for one another is paramount.
Ultimately, these lessons have reinforced my commitment to creating a safe, respectful, and health-conscious environment for both my clients and myself, ensuring that every appointment is not only a confidence boost but also a shared commitment to well-being.
Pricing:
- Creative Color: Hourly Pricing
- Extensions: $150 +
- Blonding: $115 +
- Color: $110 +
- Lash Extensions: $65 +
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.salonlofts.com/skye_shepherd
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/style_w_skye
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stylewskye
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@style_w_skye
