We recently had the chance to connect with Grace Cottell and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Grace, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
I think the beauty industry as a whole is deeply misunderstood and undervalued. As a Professional Cosmetologist, people are often surprised when I explain that it’s not all glitz and glamour. We don’t just “play” with hair, makeup, and nail polish all day, we are licensed professionals with specialized training that blends creativity, science, and artistry. It’s an incredible privilege to have your hair worked on by someone who has invested the time and education to do it correctly and safely.
What many people don’t see are the behind the scenes demands: the continued education, the physical and mental energy, the business management, and the countless hours that go into providing a seamless experience. Our work may look effortless, but that’s because of the dedication, passion, and expertise we put into every detail!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Grace Cottell and I’m a Professional Cosmetologist based in Las Vegas, NV and Claremont, CA. I specialize in custom color, creative transformations, and haircuts, but what truly drives my work is helping clients feel like the best version of themselves. My brand is just me @gracecottellhair, id say my work as a stylist has a modern yet edgy aesthetic that reflects both my artistry and my commitment to making the salon experience inclusive, comfortable, and uniquely tailored to each client.
What sets me apart is not just the technical side of what I do, but the way I approach beauty as my own fun flavor of creativity & science. I love to create hair content for both clients and fellow stylists, I’m so passionate about sharing knowledge that empowers people inside and outside of the salon. Right now, I’m working on building a stronger presence here in Las Vegas while also expanding my social media to connect with a wider audience and hopefully meet more clients!
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was just a curious kid who loved to express themselves through art, color, and any kind of transformation. I was always drawn to experimenting, whether it was painting, playing with my hair and makeup, or finding new ways to reimagine something ordinary into something beautiful. That child still exists in me for sure and is the core of my passion. It’s the very reason I love this industry so much, it gives me the freedom to keep creating without limits, while helping others feel confident in the skin they were blessed with.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could sit down with 8 year old me and say one thing it would be: “you really don’t need to shrink yourself down to fit into anyone else’s idea of who and what you should be. The things that make you different, the way you see the world, your creativity, your willingness to do everything out of love are all exactly what makes you so strong. Trust your path, you always find your way.” I think she’d know exactly what I meant.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
In my humble opinion, I think one of the biggest lies the beauty industry tells itself is that image and branding are everything. While those things will for sure help you get noticed, they don’t necessarily sustain a career long-term. What really matters at the end of the day is skill, integrity, and building meaningful, lasting relationships with clients, coworkers, or the community in general. Another thing we often overlook is the mental health aspect and that it is a very real problem: burnout, constant comparison, and the pressure to always appear perfect are actual challenges but are rarely talked about openly. I think acknowledging those realities and supporting each other is a huge part of what allows professionals alike in this industry to thrive both creatively and personally.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What pain do you resist facing directly?
I think the pain I’ve resisted facing directly is the fear of not being enough or not meeting other people’s expectations. Early on, I would shrink myself or hold back in order to fit in or maybe avoid some type of confrontation/disappointment. Over time, I’ve learned that avoiding fear doesn’t help and it actually just stunts my growth. I’m learning each day to tackle it head on by trusting myself, embracing my creativity, and focusing on what I can control rather than trying to meet everyone’s standards. It’s a work in progress.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracecottellhair?igsh=b2t3N3hkMnMwMjh6&utm_source=qr
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gracecottellhair?_t=ZP-8zgIxEVclVX&_r=1
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