We were lucky to catch up with Gracey Leep recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Gracey, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
As a kid, I always strived to want to include everyone and share kindness. I was adopted as a baby and the pain of rejection always followed me throughout my childhood and never wanted others to feel left out. Alongside that, I grew up in a family that always encouraged creativity and seeing the world differently. My mom would always buy my siblings and I disposable film cameras, plus with having to send adoption updates- we were constantly going to wal-mart to drop/pick up film. It was one of my favorite errands to do partly of being able to see the outcome of how your photos turned out. Throughout middle school and high school, as things slowly turned more electronic, our daily trips to drop off film rolls slowly began to dissipate. Not only that, I was heavily bullied in school because of the color of my skin, my diverse family and especially about my hair. It made me feel even more rejected and affected my self confidence. Yet deep down, I didn’t want others to feel like how I did and wanted people to know they are beautiful just the way they are. After high school, I went to cosmetology school to pursue a career that I could personally connect with people while at the same time, could encourage/spread confidence and joy with others. I found my love and inspiration as a stylist for photography as I began diving into the social media aspect of the hair industry and even styled shoots. My husband had encouraged me to get into film photography after I had expressed interest in polaroids and wanting to try film photography. Not only that, but he bought me my first film camera for Christmas in 2020 and ever since then, I began learning the ins and outs of film. A few years later, I decided to pursue a degree at community college for photography in hopes and aspire to open up my own photography studio. That way I can make even more personal connections with others whether behind the chair styling or behind the camera!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
When I’m behind the chair in the salon, I mainly focus on major color projects such as transformational blonding, vivid colors and coloring in general. I also love finding new inspiration when creating content for social media and find it a fun interactive way to connect with clients. My coworkers tend to call me “everyone’s hype girl”. Knowing that anyone can walk out of the salon feeling confident in who they are makes every part of my job truly special. Outside of the salon and when I’m behind the camera, I love shooting engagements, nature and anyone in their true element. Even if that means collaborating with creative friends and local artists too! I will soon be rebranding my film photography to Freedom Film Co. as a way for people to be free to be themselves, freedom to express and free to love who they are!
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?
Early in my journey, especially as a stylist, I worked under a season stylist my first year out of cosmetology school. She helped shape my journey, pushed me to be my best and care for clients. I was able to ask her anything I couldn’t understand and took the time to teach me. Perseverance and never giving up, as I faced co workers and employers that tried to limit me and lastly, but most importantly- faith.
My advice to others would be it’s never too late to ask for help, learn something new from someone else or get continuous education. It can grow you tremendously. As basic as it sounds, don’t give up on yourself or your dreams (or be afraid to dream) just because there’s a negative influence around. We know people can tend to be controlling or “stomp on the little guy”, but that doesn’t mean they’re “better” as far as treating people with kindness. Pursue your dreams and share love and kindness along the way! Having faith, and it may be sensitive for some, but I truly believe we are all loved by God and created for a purpose and to love one another. We’re not perfect at it, that’s for sure, but I try to seek how Jesus loved and not judge. You never know how much that can make a difference in someone’s life even if they believe something else. There were times that it was a struggle myself but I had someone still come alongside me and reminded me of God’s love.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
Within the last 12 months, the biggest area of growth for myself would be addressing my mental health including postpartum depression and anxiety. There was a lot of hurt and anxious feelings I was silently dealing with and it wasn’t until after I had my daughter and having a traumatic postpartum, that I finally went through therapy. I constantly was having panic attacks and secluding myself and even to the point where I did need additional help of antidepressants to work through some of my past. present and learn how to grow into the future. It was really humbling asking for help in different areas from family, friends and medical professionals whether it was during pregnancy or after- it still reminded me of it’s okay to ask for help and feel like I don’t have to carry the entire world on my shoulders!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://graceyleep-film.square.site/
- Instagram: @graceyleep.film (soon to be freedomfilmco) and @graceyleephairstylist
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/graceyrunalshairstylist
- Other: Hair page link: https://graceyleephairstylist.square.site
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