Sarah’s Journey to Become a Hairstylist

by Level 1 Stylist – Sarah

Helloooooo Brooklyn! I’m Sarah, and you may have recognized me assisting the talented stylists here at [salon]718, but now I’m beyond excited to announce that you’ll be seeing me behind the chair!

A little history of my hair career- I didn’t have one! I graduated from SUNY Cortland with a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management in 2014, and after working in sales positions through multiple sports/fitness industries, I was finding that sitting behind a desk simply wasn’t for me. Although I’m grateful for all that sales has taught me, I knew that I was built for a hands-on career where I could let my creativity positively impact others. Where work wouldn’t feel like “work” and where my job would only help shape me into a better “me.” So, I instantly started looking up beauty schools. I always experimented with my hair and found myself braiding and styling my swim teammates’ hair in college, so I thought, hey, why not go for it?

After graduating from Arrojo Cosmetology School in 2018, I was eager to continue getting my hands in as much hair as possible. The first salon I was hired at, Red Door in Garden City, Long Island, my education expanded way past just “doing hair.”

Throughout that time, word got out, thanks to social media, that I was licensed and eager to keep learning. Friends and family contacted me looking for a fresh set of eyes on their hair, and I began practicing cut and color techniques that I was learning in both the salon and online/in-person classes. That was when I started to really understand the connection you gain with the person who’s putting their trust into you and when my love and passion for this industry flourished even more.

The importance of salon operations and client relationships really set in where I was experiencing how stylists really grow with whoever is sitting in their chairs, and THAT is what opened my eyes up to the difference between a good stylist and a great stylist.

Flash forward to June 2020, where times were uncertain in the beauty industry, and I’ll never forget the conversation I had with our [salon]718 owner, Michaella, who spoke with such positivity and drive to move forward. That was when I knew that I wanted to be a part of her team. Being hired in the middle of a pandemic gave me confidence that this was going to be an unforgettable opportunity. I was about to be surrounded by a group of people who were set on tackling anything that was thrown at them and continue to grow no matter what.

When I started working at 718, I never felt as if I was working “under” anyone as an assistant, but rather side by side as I took each challenge and question they threw at me as an opportunity to learn and grow. I was like a sponge who wanted to soak up as much knowledge and advice as possible. And I found myself understanding the little things that make each stylist here so unique. Little things that I want to carry through and take with me as I continue to shape myself into a stylist that I’m proud of here at [salon]718.

My goal as a stylist is to enhance your natural features so that you feel confident and beautiful from the moment you leave the salon to the next time you sit in my chair. My color techniques specialize in balayage and foiling that is customized for each person, which will give you that healthy glow and bright shine throughout the hair. As for cutting, razor cuts tend to be my favorite as I love creating texture and natural movement through the hair. Speaking of texture, styling curls is an absolute favorite of mine! I think embracing your natural, unique curl pattern is a very comforting experience, and I’m looking forward to guiding you through a styling routine that works specifically for your beautiful curls!

Experience [salon]718’s emerging talent and book Sarah at our Prospect Heights salon on Vanderbilt Avenue.