Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Samantha Courtois. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Samantha, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
Being in a very artistic profession it is so important to keep your creativity flowing. As I am sure everyone can relate to, there are times when you just feel your worst. You think “have I lost my passion?” “Do I still enjoy what I am doing?” This is where creativity comes in. When I get into these slumps, I know it’s time to spice things up and take a step out of my comfort zone. Whether it’s signing up for a new class, or looking up upcoming trends in the beauty industry and trying out new techniques, I know It’s time for something new. Todays world of technology makes it very easy to get inspiration from photos and videos online. I can then bring in, my more daring guests and do some fun, creative looks. For example, I once wrote different options for hair color, cut, & style, on a bunch of cards. I then blindfolded my guest and she picked a handful of cards and we created a look out of what she picked. It was a surprise to her and me, which was extremely fun and we made a fun video during the process.
Another way to keep the creativity juices going, is getting into different parts of the beauty industry. I have been fortunate in meeting many great photographers over the years and I have been able to work on a lot of different photoshoots. Some allow me to us my own personal creative opinions, which is probably my favorite thing to do. Getting to see the image of your work after being published or even getting to keep a copy for yourself to reflect on, always keeps me wanting to improve and do more.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
The beauty industry is an amazing thing. I began my journey in high school taking a Cosmetology class offered by a nearby tech school. In high school, you don’t see the world as a bigger picture yet, so I did not think too much into it. I enjoyed styling hair, and I hoped to have it part of my future. As years went on, I had ventured into the corporate world managing a local restaurant. One day, my aunt Michele said to me, “Why are you putting all your energy into a “back up plan” career, when your first choice is hair? Shouldn’t you be focused on hair, if that is your dream?” My wheels started turning, she was right! From then on I decided to dedicate myself to the dreams I wanted to accomplish. (I am always so grateful for Michele, who pushed me to follow my dreams)
From there I got my Cosmetology license and a job at a salon in town, and the rest is history. I opened my salon 10 years ago and it was the BEST thing I ever did. I really have tried to create an environment that is fair, supportive, and encouraging. I have been blessed to work alongside some pretty awesome staff and together we have been dominating the wedding industry. Of course I love my guests and friends who have been with me over the years, and I absolutely love making them feel beautiful, accepted, and appreciated. But, I also love working with brides. Being apart of a day so special, is an honor. Myself, and team really pride ourselves in our ability to work with Brides and give them a very special day.
Special Shoutout to my core 4> Jaci, Makayla, Courtney & Nicole.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Three qualities/skills that have most impacted me would be;
1. Power of believing. Knowing that you can actually achieve your goals holds a lot of power. It’s all about setting a timeline for yourself and holding yourself accountable. You can do and be, whatever you want you just have to believe in yourself, and keep going. Manifest the best things in your life.
2. Perserverance is key. Everyone has up and downs, but when you’re down you need to find ways to bring yourself back up. I got divorced when I was in my 20s. I was so embarrassed, and I felt alone. Everyday, my clients came in and told me about their lives, their stories, their journeys. I realized, I was not alone at all. Almost all of my guests went through the same thing, or something similar. I always thought I was helping others and I realized they are also helping me. They helped me persevere through my rough times and come out on top.
3. Hard work is underestimated. Sometimes people look at me and think “must be nice” when I take a vacation or do something that others may envy. What they don’t see is the HOURS of work I put behind it. Although I like to work “smarter, not harder”, hard work is necessary to grow, learn, & move ahead in the world. What separates me from the millions of other salon owners or hair stylists out there, is the I am constantly working. Working on myself, working on my salon, working on my family…It is the reason I continue to have success.
What advice would I give to people early in their journey?
Don’t settle for average. You can accomplish anything in 3 steps>
1. Believe you can do it
2. Work hard
3. Persevere through the difficult times and keep going
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
I am extremely fortunate to have a family that is overly supportive, and honestly each person in my family has given me qualities that excel my success and also personal life. The person who has really pushed me to follow my dreams is my Aunt Michele (Shelly). I mentioned her in a previous question, and she has been vital in helping me make a transition in life into the beauty industry. Her ability to problem solve and decompartmentalize certain situations has always been something I admire. She helps push me towards my goals, yet also holding me accountable which forces me to sometimes get out of my comfort zone and do things I didn’t think I could do. She introduced me to “The Secret” (along with other similar books) which changed my way of thinking entirely. Expanding my mind helped catapult me to where I am today. For the, I am forever grateful.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.5diamondsalon.com
- Instagram: @5diamondsalon
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/5diamondsalon
Image Credits
Head shot photo- Alex Wiciel Other images – Hien Nguyen
