Today we’d like to introduce you to Liz Wilson Stitt.
Hi Liz, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I always had a passion for beauty and completed cosmetology school and high school at the same time while living in Southeastern Massachusetts. As a young stylist, I learned that continuing education is the key to success and growth in the hair industry and I got involved with education- working for a large manufacturer as an educator. That was 20+ years ago, before social media, and it was a lot harder to learn new things. Being connected to a big brand was the only real way to learn or teach. In 2003, I moved to Atlanta and started working for a large salon. I soon became education director there, training and mentoring new stylists. I continued to do some contract education for manufacturers, but I found that in salon education was an extremely rewarding way to give back in my industry and love watching newer stylists grow from cosmetology school graduates that can barely hold scissors to confident and talented hairdressers. Life brought me to Florida around 5 years ago, and after working as Education Director for a multi location salon, I decided I was ready to change the way I worked and do things a little differently. After 25+ years in salons and behind the chair, I’ve observed what I think works really well and some things that don’t. Both stylists and clients’ needs and expectations have changed, and I wanted to built something where both can thrive and feel supported and respected. Hence, the birth of Citizen Mane Hair Studio.
Citizen Mane is a one-on-one, gratuity free studio that is focused on curating an environment where stylists can create beautiful work in a stress free environment, make a predictable income and have the balance most professionals desire. Clients receive thoughtful services in a relaxing, chaos free environment, with zero surprises at checkout.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have definitely been bumps in the road. But I choose to look at everything as a learning experience. I’ve had to build a clientele in 3 different states and work for multiple salons and manufacturers. All of this has taught me to be adaptable and trust my skills as a hairdresser. The use of technology and social media has been a huge learning curve for an older millennial like me! Thankfully my love of learning and challenges have always pushed me forward. I believe in collaboration over competition, but I do always push to beat my own best and to continue to grow always.
The decision to start my own business has had it’s own set of challenges but even though it’s hard work, it’s the most rewarding work I’ve ever done and I’m extremely proud of what I’m building. It’s never an easy decision to leave the comfort of an environment you’re comfortable in, but nothing changes if nothing changes, as they say. I finally listened to that little voice telling me it was time for something different, and I’m so happy I did.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I love all things hair but my specialties are customized razor and curly haircuts, low maintenance color and extensions. I think what I’m most known for is being a problem solver. Most clients come to me with a problem they haven’t had luck finding a stylist to solve for them. I believe what sets me apart is my ability to really listen, set realistic expectations and create a plan for making my client’s hair goals reality. Anyone can give you one good haircut or color, but the real skill comes from creating predictable results for your clients for years to come and adapt to their changing needs whenever necessary. I believe I build a trust with my clients that allows them to relax and enjoy the experience of getting their hair done again.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I’m not sure I would have described myself as a risk taker 5 years ago, but if I really look back on my life thus far, I guess I am. I have restarted my career in 2 different states after leaving Massachusetts and I left a very comfortable salon job to start Citizen Mane. While it’s easy to focus on what COULD go wrong, I think it’s important to focus on what COULD go right. I was terrified my clients wouldn’t follow me or I wouldn’t know how to navigate some of the aspects of owning a business. Making the decision to add to my team and hire stylists was also a big step. As scary as those things have been, I feel like I’m right where I’m supposed to be. The biggest lesson I’ve learned through all the changes in my career is that if you work hard, treat people well and focus on your self without comparing to other people- the success will come.
Pricing:
- all services include all required treatments and add ons
- we are gratuity free, always
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.citizenmane.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/citizenmanestudio/
