Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Coates.
Hi Stephanie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
My name is Stephanie Coates formally known as Stephanie Williams, when I was just a little girl, I always loved playing with Barbies and doing their hair, whether it was braids or pretending I was coloring their hair! As I got older the passion followed and I would do my friend hair with box color I which I came to learn that was not the right way nor the way I wanted to continue to do hair. I had my firstborn in 2009 when I was 22 and a single mom. I knew I wanted to pursue my dream in the hair industry! I had to make it happen, I would tell myself. So, when my son was 1 years of age, I was fortunate enough to have my mother help me with him while I worked full-time and enrolled in the Fila Academy in Brooklyn Park Maryland part-time. I was so eager to graduate that switched my life around to do what was more beneficial for myself and my son. So, I started working part-time and school full-time. Huge shoutout to my mother Kim.
After I graduated, I was able to go right to a salon in Glen Burnie MD, hair 2002 with a good friend of mine. In 2012 I had my second born and after a few years there I decided I wanted to try something different and went to a barber shop, Sports Clips where I learned so much about men’s and boys’ cuts. I must say a flat top was the most challenging cut I had to learn, this was a fast-pass job, and I was all about it.
A few years down the road in 2015, I had my last-born son, and shortly after I was hired at Lucky 3 hair studio in Baltimore, MD, unfortunately, I left there just under a year because I wanted to enjoy all
The baby stages with my last-born son. And so, I was a stay-at-home mom for a few years.
In 2022 we had a tragic loss in the family and after all that I knew it was time for a change and I had a new mindset, I looked at life so different because life is too short & I was offered a job at Fitz Hair Studio that is owned by Dawn Fitzgerald. This opportunity has been a huge blessing to myself and my family. Some may think it’s weird or odd that this is the salon I chose to work at because I am the bonus mother of the owner’s 2 amazing boys… To us this isn’t any of that, to us this is family, growth, lots of fun & love!
Since I was giving this opportunity and have a huge support system behind me and my husband Mark who has always been my number one fan and supporter, this man held our family down while I chased my dream & worked my buy-off, all while he worked his full-time union job, took care of our 5 boys and our house.
Have been able to do things for my family that I was never able to before for instance,
I have been able to start my own business limitless beauty, LLC, save money to buy a house and I have gained so many new wonderful clients along with my very loyal clientele who has followed me since day one. I can’t thank you all enough without you all there would me no me!
I love what I do and the passion I have for the hair industry and everything it and I stand for! I have been at this chasing my dream for years for 12.5 years. I will continue to keep crushing my goals. With God, family, and faith anything is possible.
The main reason I love what I do is to make other women feel like beauty queens and just feel great about themselves. Sometimes in life we just need a little pick me up, hair therapy has always been a great choice. My clients aren’t just clients they are family to me!
I would like to thank each and every one of you for always being there, trusting in me with your hair needs! I am always expanding my clientele and hope to have you as a client/ family one day!
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?
I would love to say yes, it’s been a smooth road but as we all know life shows up every day. It’s what you chose to do with it that matters! I have 5 boys, and that can be challenging at times when they’re smaller as far as daycare is needed, school, sports, etc… Trying to juggle all that and get my business up and going hasn’t been the easiest.
I sat down with my husband Mark, and we went over all the obstacles that could be thrown our way but made it work. I knew this is what I dreamed of and wanted to get business growing to be bigger and better than ever! That’s exactly what I did, no matter what life throws at you. Everything else can be worked out!
Sometimes I get so busy with work and don’t get home until late in the evening that I miss out on school pick up homework, dinner & showers but I always make sure I’m home in time to tuck my babies in and say prayers!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a creative hair stylist I love to think outside the box. My clients l trust enough in me to choose what’s best for them! Of course, we always talk about it first in our consultations! I love balayage, and foiling work, loud colors like exotic colors are my jam!
The most common thing I’m known for is balayage and keeping my client’s hair healthy and sleek after any color services. I always offer a hair mask free of charge!
I’m most proud of the growth I have made in my business in the last year, I know my guardian angels have been right there with me! I am also proud of all the hard work and dedication I have put into my business. Also, my shop family, they are the best group of women to work with!
What sets me apart from others is my work ethic. I am very precise with my work, I work fast but my work is clean also I’m always there to give a helping hand, I will always put everyone’s needs before mine. I will always be there to listen or give advice.
What matters most to you? Why?
The main thing that matters to me most is Family and friends, but my career is very important at to me as well. Without any of those things, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I want to grow my business even more. I have put in a lot of work to be successful thus far with my career while still putting in the time to be a great wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt & friend!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/hairbystephc_05?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hairbysteph.coates05?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@stephaniecoates4?_t=8a5XnAu69HO&_r=1
Image Credits
Stephanie Coates
