Meet Autumn Marmie

We were lucky to catch up with Autumn Marmie recently and have shared our conversation below.

Autumn, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

I developed my confidence and self-esteem from learning to just be myself. All of my life I tried to be what I thought society wanted me to be. I still struggle sometimes with imposter syndrome behind the chair, but I have learned that is a normal human trait and I have to remember to give myself grace sometimes. I read something online one time that said, “You spend your whole life trying to be like yourself.” That sat with me and gave me some clarity. Being myself I have attracted great friends when I moved to Columbus from a small town in Ohio, I created a brand where new clients feel like friends before they even sit in my chair and I have gained the confidence to turn away a client that does not feel like a good fit. I am not for everyone, no stylist is. That’s the beauty of the craft is you are able to specialize in whatever you choose.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I grew up in a small town called Cameron, OH. I went to Monroe Central High School and during my junior and senior year I attended the trade school at Swiss Hills Career Center. My whole life I either wanted to be a veterinarian, fashion designer, or work somewhere in the beauty industry. In school I would often daydream and couldn’t wait to get home to paint, draw or finish any of my crafts I had going on. The opportunity to take my artistic abilities and apply them to my clients vision and be able to bring out their true beauty is what lead me on this career path. Junior year of Cosmetology school mainly focused on book work. The summer going into senior year, I accepted an internship at a local salon called Country Clippins’. I learned so much from my boss and my coworkers. From communication skills, professionalism and the craft itself. I went into senior year ready for the hands-on courses. I was so excited to get my license and quit my fast-food job I maintained while in school. I continued the internship throughout senior year and after Christmas break, I was able to leave school after my three morning classes and go to the salon. I had a solid foundation of clients which continued to grow. By March, my teacher had informed me, and another intern that we would be able to take our state boards early. April 1st, 2015, our teacher took us to Grove City, OH for our test. First was the written exam, we had a lunch break and then came back for the hands-on part. I remember being so nervous. I’ll never forget that feeling of when my classmate and I opened our test results, and we passed! As soon as we arrived back in my hometown I went and placed my two weeks’ notice at the restaurant I was working at. After that I was able to leave school at lunch and go to work at the salon! Officially getting a paycheck. It was a dream come true. In 2018 I decided to move to Columbus, OH. I knew I always wanted to live in the city at some point. When I first moved here, I was scared. I was nervous to work for a new salon and also make a name for myself. I started bartending for the time being. I took a little break from hair; I was young and finding my footing in a whole new city and away from the comfort of a small town. I met some amazing people through bartending, made new friends, and now which are mostly all clients. I knew I wanted to get a salon suite or loft at some point. When Covid-19 hit that put everything on hold for a while. Finally in October of 2021 I finally decided to make the jump. I opened my salon suite in Powell, OH on November 1st, 2021. It was the scariest thing I have ever done. I barely had a clientele to start out with, I was still bartending full time and only doing hair part time. It took a while to get back into the swing of things with hair. I knew I needed to catch up on some education and the new hair trends. Then slowly, bartending became my part time job, and I was in the salon more. Next thing I know, I was able to quit bartending altogether and be full time in the salon. I sometimes doubted myself for not going into hair right away when I moved here, but that is all part of my story, and it’s made me who I am today. I’m not perfect, but I can say I am proud of the woman I am today and that little me would be happy to hear about where her career is at this moment. I love my job, and I love my clients. It is the best feeling ever to make someone else feel beautiful and they look forward to their hair appointments. I have built so many close relationships with my clients. It’s not only about the hair but creating a safe space for clients to vent, be excited, time away from other distractions and simply just self-care. I’m thankful I can work for myself and make my own schedule to have a good work/life balance. Clients definitely appreciate my flexibility by working late and on the weekends. I’ve also taken on a new service for spray tanning. GV Beauty Studios located in Canton, OH had asked me to be their Columbus branch. As of right now it is mobile but hoping to find a suite this year that is big enough to put both equipment for hair and tanning.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

One of the most impactful qualities I had developed was good communication skills. I try to be very transparent with clients, letting them know what would complement them best and if their hair goals are realistic or not. I also had to learn how to say no with something I am not comfortable doing. Clients appreciate your honesty. Another thing is to show up for your clients. No matter how close the relationship, you also need to try to leave some things at the door. I know life can get overwhelming, but you need to make sure you get good rest, eat and fuel your body before coming into work. These people look forward to their hair appointment, some have to take off work or hire a babysitter. You want to create a wonderful experience for them and do a fabulous job on their service.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

When I am overwhelmed with work, life, or any sort of challenge I am facing, I try to remember that I am only human. I take some time to myself to journal, rest and try to clear my mind. I deal with a lot of anxiety and in this career, it is a lot. It is so rewarding; I just have to make sure I do not over work myself and experience burnout. I have before and I find myself not doing my best on their service. Make sure to schedule small breaks between clients, do not over book yourself and take care of your mind and body.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://audies-image.square.site
• Instagram: @audiesimage_salon

Image Credits

Cheyenne Wagner Photography