Daily Inspiration: Meet Marci Sauter

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marci Sauter

Hi Marci, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When I was invited to share my life’s journey with Voyage Phoenix Magazine, I was thrilled but also curious since I lacked professional experience. I didn’t have a background in the industry, professional photos, or a history of a career working as a hairstylist. All I had was my story, my camera, and an amazing support system during this journey called life.

As I reflect on those early years, I am grateful for them and can say I wouldn’t change a thing. Life can be a strange journey. You can either choose to embrace what comes along and enjoy every moment or you can bury yourself in doubt, regret, and what if’s, always chasing the end dream and forgetting to embrace the journey itself. I truly believe that everything in life happens for a reason and that no matter what we face, good or bad, there’s a purpose behind it all. During my journey, I feel I have fulfilled my dreams and more. With that being said, I hope my story inspires you to live life to its fullest, to be your extraordinary self along the way, and to believe that it’s never too late to pursue the life you were meant to live.

Growing up in Arizona, my parents were my inspiration for having a successful life, including becoming a wife and mother. Daddy was very accomplished, holding two Master’s Degrees, a successful career with Honeywell, and as a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Air Force. This made it possible for mommy to work only voluntarily and be at home with their 5 children. She was a master at running the house, managing the kids, and teaching us how to work hard, take chances, and grow, all while loving and guiding us through life’s ups and downs. She set the bar high and was instrumental in motivating me to create opportunities and make the best of them. She was my inspiration. Although I always wanted to pursue a career in Cosmetology following high school, I knew the chances of meeting any potential husband in beauty school would be limited. I felt like I was going to have to sacrifice one desire for another, understanding that a career in the beauty industry would be on hold for now.

I attended college for the next two years but soon realized I was in it for all of the wrong reasons – not for an education or a formal degree but just to take advantage of the increased “dating pool”. I ended up with a mountain of debt, degree-less, husband-less, and had given up on dating and finding the perfect man for me. I was tired of giving everything I had in relationship after relationship and started to question my decisions, my actions, my way of life, and the future I had hoped for. I needed a change. There had to be more than just focusing on “finding love”. In May 2003, I decided I was going to have fun dancing my way through life, enjoying going out with my friends and living for the moment with zero attachments. That all changed on the night of August 28, 2003. I made a spontaneous decision to go to Rocky Point, Mexico, with my friend. We left the following day, checked in to our hotel, and headed out to start our evening. That night we closed down the bar at Manny’s on the beach. Little did I know, a new beginning awaited me – it would be the first day of my forever.

It was around 11 pm when a young man stopped us, explaining that it was his friend’s birthday, and asked if we’d sing to him. I told him I’d give his friend a birthday hug instead. We followed him over to his friend sitting in a chair, leg crossed over his knee, hand resting on the back of his head, wearing a faded dark t-shirt, shorts, and a very lived-in Abercrombie hat. I leaned over, hugged him, and said, “Happy birthday”! My friend then leaned in and did the same. At that moment, I saw the birthday guy’s gorgeous blue eyes, beautiful face, and sexy goatee. I took a step toward him, sat on his lap, grabbed his face, looked him in the eyes, and went straight for his lips, giving him a dramatic birthday kiss.

Next thing I know, my friend’s dragging me to the dance floor. After a moment, I told her that he was freaking hot and I was going to make him dance with me. I ran back, grabbed the birthday guy’s hand, and started dragging him to the dance floor where we started dancing and talking. Ian is his name.

After a few moments, we realized we grew up near each other, went to the same high school, knew the same people, and that we were currently living within a mile of each other. My friend and I ended up hanging with him and his friends for the rest of the night. After a while, Ian invited me to take a walk with him on the beach. He took my hand and off we went. We walked for a bit, found a cozy spot in the sand near the water, and started talking and getting to know each other. We were very honest, upfront, and not afraid to be ourselves.

He shared his story and I shared mine. He was shocked that I didn’t freak out about him having a 2-year-old daughter and I was relieved that I could be my honest, bold, complete self without being judged. It was magical, intentional and I was happy.

When he dropped me off at my hotel, we planned on seeing each other throughout the weekend. The following morning, after getting ready & heading out around lunchtime, my friend and I were on a mission to find Ian and his friends. We looked in bar after bar but could not find him.

The next day, the same thing happened only now, our trip was coming to an end. All I knew was that he lived in Mesa, supposedly within a mile of my house. I got home from the trip, told my parents all about him and our weekend, unpacked, went to bed, and cried that night, devastated that I’d never see Ian again.

The following morning, I got up and headed to work. At the time, I was working at Gold Canyon Candles as a Distributor Rep, helping new and established distributors, run their candle business smoothly. I finished up around 4:30 pm that day and the receptionist needed to leave early so I volunteered to cover for her. At 5 pm, I went to transfer the calls to voicemail for the night when the phone rang. I hesitated but then decided to answer. A gentleman asked to speak with Marci, I said hi and explained that I was just helping at the front desk, not currently at my own, but assisted him anyway, assuming this was one of my distributors calling. The gentleman said, “Hi, this is Ian, we met in Mexico.” My jaw dropped and I was literally speechless for the first time in my life.

Ian continued, “Hello?”. After hearing nothing but silence, he said, “Oh no, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to bother you, I’m not stocking you. I’m so sorry, I won’t call you again…” I finally yelled, “No…Wait!” and could not for the life of me, formulate a freaking sentence! I was trying to ask him what happened and how he found me, only fumbling my words, thoughts, and emotions. I was shocked and in disbelief that this was him, I could not believe it. Ian remembered I worked for a candle company, used the Yellow Pages, and saw that Gold Canyon Candle Co. had an office here. It was his first call to try and find me and I answered on the other end of the phone.

If that’s not a sign, I don’t know what is. He proceeded to tell me he had his daughter that evening, he’d be putting her to bed around 7 pm and wanted to invite me over for dinner around 8 pm. He was going to make me his nana’s homemade macaroni and cheese with meatloaf. I was in heaven and a nervous wreck! I rushed home, got ready, and headed to Ian’s, which was just a few minutes away. My heart was racing. It was the perfect first date and the best macaroni and cheese I had ever had. He walked me to my car, I held his hand, he opened my door, gave me 3 quick kisses, we said goodnight and I left.

The next day, he called me on my lunch break and invited me over for a 2nd homemade dinner date. This time, I hugged him and gave him a kiss when I arrived. After we ate dinner and cleaned up the kitchen, we were sitting on the couch talking when his daughter started crying. He excused himself and went into her room. I could hear her sweet little voice but couldn’t make out what she was saying, I just remember that it was the sweetest conversation I’d ever heard. A moment later, I saw him walk out and go down the hall with her hand in his. She’s got long blond hair and was wearing a little white t-shirt with her diaper hanging out. I saw him pick her up, tuck her into his bed, kiss her goodnight, and close the door. That was the moment I fell in love with Ian and his baby girl. This was the beginning of my love story and my forever.

Ian proposed to me on December 25, 2004, and on March 31, 2005, we were married by “Elvis” in Las Vegas, NV, at the Mon Bel Ami Wedding Chapel. We’ve been blessed with 3 children: Blake, our anchor, born March 2008, now 16 years old, thriving in life and a blessing to have; Oliver, our angel baby, born still on April 29, 2010, he’s the bond that holds us together; and Olivia, our rainbow baby, born March 2011, now 13 years old, and the light in our lives. What an extraordinary journey we’ve had together.

I’ve experienced many amazing moments in my life that have made a major impact on me. Not all have come easily. I have learned what true love really is and without any doubt, that it is possible to find what you’re looking for. Although we have suffered a terrible loss that changed us forever, it was this loss that made us stronger together and created an unbreakable bond between us. Through it all, the good, the hard, and the unthinkable, we have lived life to its fullest, never taking anything for granted. We have loved more than we thought possible and have had an unmeasurable growth in our relationship. I have a husband who loves me, understands me, and supports me, who works tirelessly so we can achieve our goals and improve our future together along the way. He is my forever, my best friend, and my one and only.

After 18 years of fulfilling my dreams of being his wife and a stay-at-home mother to our children, everything fell into place for me to pursue my career within the beauty industry. Ian and the kids were ready to support me while I attended Aveda Institute’s full-time Cosmetology program.

My Cosmetology training began on July 5, 2023, graduating A-List on May 31, 2024. During this time, I gave it everything I had.
I set goals, worked hard, and exceeded my expectations. I learned so much more than initially anticipated when first enrolling. I learned about the art and science of hair, the salon business industry along with finances (taxes and budgeting). I learned about the importance of product knowledge and retail sales, I experienced creative cutting and colouring, men’s cuts and straight razor techniques, balayage, foilyage, highlights, blending, and more. I acquired skills in braiding and coiling along with styling and finishing. We had lessons on wig applications, hair extensions, and the variety of methods that can be used. The training sessions for skin care, facials, massages, waxing, mani’s and pedi’s, and artificial nails, were amazing and I developed a passion I didn’t know I had. The list goes on and on and the only problem I had was that I loved absolutely everything! Every opportunity I had received, had made an impact on me and what type of stylist I wanted to be, one who wasn’t afraid or intimidated by anything. I was going to be able to take care of any guest/client that comes my way. While Aveda was the foundation, with hard work, dedication, motivation, external education, and opportunities within the Aveda community, I was able to accomplish and experience more than I had hoped for.

In October & November 2023, I was able to participate as a make-up artist and hairstylist for Arizona Fashion Week. What an honor it was working alongside all of the designers, creators, and Ryan M Scottsdale’s incredibly talented team of artists. Here’s a rundown of the amazing shows:

1) Fashion House Grand Opening – Hairstylist

2) Hous of Hendo – Hairstylist & Make-up Artist
Lucky Rose; Lena Mars; Laveur; Faith Builders; Usama Ishtay

3) House of Donaldson – Hairstylist & Make-up Artist
Lamark Cole; Sheila Tucker; Brand X; The Aesthetik; CBK; Kenneth Barlis

4) Dria Dair – Hairstylist & Make-up Artist
Northern Cleve; Siyousen Mozzerati; Michael Ngo (See portfolio for images)

In February 2024, I was able to participate as a make-up artist and hairstylist for ASU Planet Chic Fashion Show: Alien Look – Giovanna Manzo; Designs by Egr; Pinkkbluntz; By Ale; Audrianna
Campos; Ellen and Sonia; Tech Noir Candy; Lena Mars; Sabrina Marie; NYX Krosting;
Funky Angel; Tropic of Virgo

From February – April 2024, in preparation for my photo shoot project, I was able to dig deeper into certain areas of interest outside of my daily curriculum:

1) Salty Dreads – A professional Dreadlock Artist who makes and creates premium handmade dreadlocks in Portugal. I was infatuated with the artistic talent and watched every video offered to learn how to tie, take care of, and maintain temporary dreadlocks.

2) Renate Dreadshop – Dreadlock Accents & Decorations Installation Course

3) BELLAMI Hair Extensions Master Series – Certified Extensionist (all methods)

4) Aveda Esthetician Master Series with Trisha Dowling – Skincare & Facials

4) Nail Technician Certification by Hiilei Sato – Acrylic & Custom Nail Certification

I believe when you are given the opportunity to express yourself, it should be a representation of you, your beliefs, the style you have, the talents you offer, and the passion you want to pursue. My photo shoot titled, Bohemian Bloom, features my daughter, Olivia. She is my rainbow, my little free-bird. She is what gave us hope again, bringing us back to life after burying our son, Oliver. She is our representation of love, life, and hope. Bohemian Bloom is a depiction of my lifestyle, my way of laissez-faire, and the artistic talent reflecting my pursuit of excellence and mastery within the beauty industry. From her auburn hair and concaved layers to the hair extensions, braids, and dreadlocks, this is what I represent; this is what I am passionate about, what I strive to create with every guest who sits in my chair. I want my guests to feel beautiful inside and out, to be proud of who they are, and to live the life they choose without fear of getting in the way of making a change.

I graduated from Aveda Institute on May 31, 2024. I was given an opportunity to start working behind a chair at Eden Aveda Salon, having an amazing time doing what I love. On August 20, 2024, Ryan M Scottsdale salon owner & master stylist reached out with an opportunity in mind. I was able to connect with him, shadow and assist him for a day and I was above the moon! Ryan offered me the job and I couldn’t be happier! I get to learn, assist and train with Ryan himself and his incredible team of artists! What a dream come true!
As for me, I am living my best life surrounded by my favorite humans and get to work my magic at Ryan M Scottsdale, in Scottsdale, AZ.

I put my heart and soul into everything I do – my family, my friends, my clients and my career. I hope you find my journey uplifting and inspiring, letting you know you can have the life you’ve dreamed of. It’s never too late to start.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Creative Hairstylist, Specializing in Cutting & Styling, Make-up Artist & Extensionist

As a visionary hairstylist, makeup artist, and extensionist, I thrive on unleashing my creativity to transform each client’s look into a masterpiece. I skillfully craft individualized styles that accentuate every face shape, hair texture, and personal flair. Whether it’s a subtle enhancement or a bold makeover, I take pride in understanding each client’s unique desires and needs, tailoring my expertise to bring their vision to life. With every snip, stroke, and application, I pour my heart and soul into creating looks that not only elevate my clients’ confidence but also reflect their authentic beauty and personality. In my chair, artistry meets technical precision, resulting in truly show-stopping, one-of-a-kind transformations that leave a lasting impression.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Embracing the decision & taking a leap of faith by transitioning from a 16-year role as a devoted wife and stay-at-home mother to a full time cosmetology student was pretty scary and definitely an adjustment. This journey required courage, resilience, determination, and an amazing support system. I had to navigate this new routine, balancing academic demands, practical training, and personal growth, by trading familiar comforts for creative expression and skill-building. I had to rediscover my new way of life, reigniting passions, and unlocking fresh opportunities, balancing my home life & school. With each passing day, I’m embracing the thrill of taking things as they come, trusting the process, and excitedly anticipating the empowering future that awaits – one where I can inspire confidence, beauty, and self expression in others as a creative and passionate hairstylist.

Contact Info:

• Website: ryanmscottsdale.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rustyblondebehindthechair?igsh=MXV2MWdkOHlwNHk4bw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rustyblondebehindthechair?si=cdWw7-WPCavPcjCd
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/marcisauter?igsh=MWR4M3UwbWZqaXdxZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr