Meet Frances Smith

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Frances Smith. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Frances, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

I was the only girl with three brothers. I fell third in the line up. It’s very easy to not be heard in my family. I remember sitting at dinner and trying to out shout my siblings just to be heard. I went as far as practicing yelling outside. Once I matched the level of intensity at the table I finally felt heard. My father was a typical man’s man. I refused to let the sex I was born into define who I was. If my brothers could do it, so can I. I fought to be seen as an equal within my family by refusing to do or be lesser than what was expected out of my siblings. Oh, I’ll always be seen and heard!

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

I am the proud new owner of Evolve Hair Co. located in Clarkston. I have been in the hair industry since 1986! I named my salon based on the evolution of my career. From a young (not so good) stylist to an educated stylist that in turn had the pleasure of teaching new stylist how to be excellent from the beginning of their career. During this time I took to the position of Salon Director (probably not a good one at that!) after many years and therapy session on how to be a good leader, I found myself ready to downshift to independent stylist and small shop owner. I was ready for my exit strategy! However, little did I know that at the age of 55 I was heading into a buying larger booth rental salon! I wasn’t ready to sit back and wait to retire. I have a game plan to go into retirement while still being an entrepreneur.

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

I heard it takes 10,000 hours to be a master of your craft. So study and learn

Don’t be embarrassed to say you don’t know how to do something! Just ask. It’s a blessing to pass on knowledge! You have to learn before you can start to share right?

Fake it till you make it. I can’t tell you how many years I thought everyone is going to see through the charade. Listen, they don’t know either!

Just don’t stop! Mistakes are great how can you learn if you don’t stumble a few times! Each stumble will just make you stronger and more resilient!

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?

Well that takes a village!
I don’t have enough space for all the people that have helped me. I can say it starts with my childhood and my family. through my career. I came from a salon of strong independent women who urged me to be a strong independent woman. But believing in myself and knowing that there is better out there keeps me reaching beyond what the norm says is possible. God says fear is of the Devil. Well, to hell with the devil I’ll face my fears all day knowing that Gods got me! No one said it was gonna be easy but staying the same is like going backwards!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Evolvehairco.com

Image Credits

Frances Smith