Cam MacNeille on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Cam MacNeille and have shared our conversation below.

Cam, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I am due with my baby boy in a few short weeks and have been soaking up all the quiet time at home before he arrives! We have been decorating and building our nursery which has been so fun for me to do and given me a new creative outlet outside of the salon.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Cam Alyse (hence @hairbycamalyse on IG) I always figured using my first and middle name would be a safe business name even throughout possible marriage/name change! I’ll always be known by that tag online which is so special and fun! I just recently moved into a new studio within the same building I’ve been at for the last few years. It was a rewarding build as I downsized and have reprioritized my business and plans for the future. Like I said before, I am about to have a baby boy join my family so I will be on a 2 month hiatus for maternity leave and coming back October 1st with a new schedule and new things coming to the studio! I’m eager to get back to work and continue building my business as I’ll be taking on New Hair Extension Clients when I return to work this fall! My clientele is 80% extensions so I’m looking to expand a little more and accept a handful of new clients in my chair.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
I would say my first mentor Behind the Chair taught me the most and shaped me into the stylist I am today! She put her assistants and new hires through and intense program where we had to take on models and test outs before we could have our chair and take clients in the salon. If we failed or had a no show we had to pay $50 to prepare us to hustle and understand what the real world is like in this industry. It definitely kept me motivated and focused on building what I have. Her standards were high for us to work in her salon and it has made me a better stylist today! I look back and appreciate my first BtC job immensely.

What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
TW: drugs/abuse

I was married to someone who ended up relapsing and overdosing in my home. This led to me having severe PTSD for a few years and having to go to a lot of therapy to recover and move past finding my ex-husband in that condition, saving his life and dealing with all that aftermath at a young age. I’ve ended up doing multiple sessions of EMDR and that has really improved my ptsd and mental health since dealing with all of that trauma! I’m in a really happy and healthy relationship with a baby on the way now, and my business is thriving so I am very grateful for this lesson I had to learn and where it’s brought me today!

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
They’d probably say family is what matters most to me! The people that have been there for me through thick and thin through all of life’s ups and downs are who matter most to me for sure.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days. 
I truly feel like I could tap dance to work with how much I love where I’m at currently! My clientele is amazing and I’m so grateful for everyone that has sat in my chair especially throughout my pregnancy. I’m feeling really refreshed and motivated as I come close to maternity leave and prepare to make my comeback in the Fall. I’m really excited to take on new clients and try out a few new hair extension lines I’ve been eager to test!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @hairbycamalyse