Meet Lindsey Holcomb | Hairstylist | Salon Owner | Industry Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lindsey Holcomb and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lindsey, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
In the beginning, I went to beauty school through my high school vocational program. My stepmom is a hairstylist and she inspired me to go to beauty school because I thought I could never be a waitress or anything like that to get me through college. So at first it was just something I thought I’d do while going to nursing school! Once I learned that nursing school was not for me I started to fall in love with doing hair and decided to make a career out of it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
To put it simply, my passion lies in the people. Nothing gets me more giddy than a “aha moment” and getting there by understanding and connecting with people. In the beauty industry there are so many opportunities to mentor and meet people right where they are at and that’s what I try to do with education. More specifically, teaching the art of hand painting; French balayage. We can create such beautiful masterpieces that are so unique and can not be replicated. It truly is an art form. I believe that is what sets me apart and allows me to connect with other professionals . I’ve really had to work through some struggles, it isn’t always easy. But remembering that I am a work in progress, there’s always room to grow, and that even when things are hard they are always – what I like to say is – figureoutable! Like many stylists, my family didn’t support my career choice at first. They thought I should pursue college and a “real job”. So I’m grateful today that I can say I do have a real job and it is so fulfilling and it’s allowed me to create a beautiful life for myself and my family!

I’ve also had the privilege of working with my mother in law and sister in law to open our salon. We have created a beautiful space and team where we provide an environment where stylists are independent booth rental but they have the support of a team culture while harnessing the freedom of building their own business.. It truly is the best of both worlds at our salon!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live about 20 minutes outside of Cleveland and while it’s not exactly a vacation destination there are many things we are known for here! For example, the rock n roll hall of fame, the Great Lakes, and we even have a little wine country east of the city. While the city is exciting, I’m from a small town called Lagrange which is French for “the farm” and that’s what we do out here! My kids are very active in 4H where they raise cows and pigs so my family tends to get a little messy out here!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I had many mentors along the path to where I am today. I have always sought out education opportunities whether it be technical skill training or learning how to grow a business. The one that stands out the most is Candy Shaw. She saw something in me before I saw it in myself and has encouraged me on my journey of becoming an educator. I’ve learned so much more from her than how to teach. Candy and the relationships I’ve made with our entire education team at Sunlights has taught me to believe in myself and nurtured my passion for teaching the next generation. I’d also like to mention the love and support I’ve received from my husband. He has always been my biggest supporter no matter how crazy my ideas or ambitions are, he has always been in my corner to help make things happen. There are many more people I could mention that have been there because this industry is full of talented people that have lifted me up along the way and I’ve learned so much that I would’ve otherwise not have gotten to where I am now. That’s the wonderful thing about creative, artistic, driven people; most of us know that collaboration over competition gets you much further in life.

I’d also like to mention an organization that’s near to my heart, Beauty Changes Lives. Last year I received a mentorship opportunity and prior to that my mother in law received a scholarship that allowed her to further her education which then catapulted her career. She’s in her 50’s and she didn’t really start reaching for her dreams until then and BCL was a big part of that. I’m so proud of her but also so incredible grateful for the donors and supporters of BCL. Last March at America’s Beauty Show we had the opportunity to speak on behalf of the scholarship programs at the Beauty Changes Lives Gala to help promote donations and support. It was an incredible experience to give back to this wonderful industry. I’ll never forget that evening, it was special in so many ways! Since then I’ve been working on building funds to create a memorial scholarship in the name of my late friend and coworker, Michelle. If any beauty pros or someone seeking to go to beauty school I urge you to apply!

Website: https://www.lindseyholcomb.com

Instagram: Balaybylindsey

Other: https://directory.disbeaute.com/professionals/lindsey-holcomb.html

Image Credits
Desttany Lee Photography