Exploring Life & Business with Cecilia Findley of Cessified Studio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cecilia Findley.

Hi Cecilia, 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’m your go-to Beauty Enhancer with over 20 years of experience in the hair and makeup world. I’m a mom to two pretty awesome teenage boys who keep me on my toes, and I’ve been blissfully married to my best friend for over 18 years. Life’s a balancing act, but I thrive on connecting with amazing people and diving into creative adventures like singing, painting, and all kinds of creative shenanigans. My entrepreneurial spirit sparked early—at age 5, I was already selling lemonade and “reading fortunes” outside my home in California and my grandparents’ home in Mexico. I’ve always loved creating things and finding ways to bring joy to others through business exchanges. But my real turning point came at 35 when I had to reinvent my career path. After being unexpectedly let go from a job I loved—just shy of my 10-year anniversary—I had to rethink everything. The position had allowed me to be creative, work with teams, handle administration, conduct training, and build networks. With two young boys (ages 6 and 10 at the time) I knew they observed how we handled life’s challenges. That was one of my turning points and embarked on a new journey of self-reflection and mental health at that point. I channeled my energy into creative pursuits, particularly my longtime passions: hair and makeup. I dove back into cosmetology, immersing myself in educational programs and learning from industry influencers. While searching for the right salon fit, I discovered new concepts that weren’t around when I first became a cosmetologist in 2004—especially around mindset work. During this transition, I decided to build a stronger business foundation. I took a small business course at my local community college, which led to creating Cessified LLC in 2018. Now I run my own Beauty Enhancing Studio, where I have been accommodating my clients for 3 years and created a place for clients an other entrepreneurs to enhance themselves. Here, I collaborate with each client—my canvas—to enhance their natural beauty through personalized hair and makeup services. I’ve created a safe space where I provide dedicated one-on-one time for individuals, groups, and families, ensuring everyone receives their “me time” exactly as they need it. This journey has taught me the importance of helping others see their own beauty and strengthen their confidence while being comfortable in their own skin. I’m on a mission to reimagine the traditional salon experience by offering more than just beauty services—I’m here to boost creativity, nurture self-care, and strengthen your most valuable asset: YOU. Looking ahead, I want to create this nurturing atmosphere. Not just for my own business, but by partnering with other like-minded entrepreneurs. Picture a vibrant hub where self-care meets creativity, where other artists/creators from different industries collaborate in harmony. It’s about creating a judgment-free zone where you can be unapologetically yourself. Everyone deserves to enjoy self-care without fear, judgment, or guilt. While my focus is hair and makeup, I know this challenge exists across other industries. I believe fellow entrepreneurs would love to expand the Cessified Studio community to create similar positive impacts in their fields! Whether you’re looking to enhance your look or just want to chat about life’s adventures, I’m here for it! Let’s make magic happen and celebrate the beautiful, unique you!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has definitely been an adventurous ride, but I wouldn’t say smooth. I know taking the initial leap to even get started is a huge struggle in itself. You have to take a lot into account based on your lifestyle or current situation, while simultaneously making a decision on what your main passion is and actually take action. There are so many internal conversations, doubts, fears and unknown territories happening in my head, that it causes overwhelm continuously. I think that going down this road forces you to step outside your comfort zone and dedicate time to explore, investigate, get curious and ask questions about your main focus. I needed to learned systems or apps to help me keep track of things across the board, but also quickly learned that I needed to dedicate time to actually learn them. Or realizing that the way I work needs structure, but with the flexibility of changing or customizing how I connect with each individual in my unique way. These elements form an ever-evolving foundation for my business, and I’m learning that it’s okay to grow with it—and to wonder what lies beyond the finish line while enjoying the journey.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Cessified Studio?
Cessified Studio is more than just a salon – it’s a vibrant hub where beauty services meet artistic collaboration. Drawing from my diverse experience in the beauty industry, I’ve created something unique: a warm, welcoming space that breaks away from traditional salon stereotypes. Here, beauty enhancement isn’t just about vanity – it’s about self-expression and personal growth! I’ve crafted an environment where self-care takes center stage, sprinkling in some beauty magic that helps you shine as YOUR authentic self. My specialties? textured and flowy haircuts and fantasy colors that let your natural crown dance with life! What sets me apart is my dedication to genuine connections. I don’t rely on automated booking systems or automated interactions. Instead, I take pride in personally connecting with each client, understanding their unique style and communication preferences. Yes, it takes more time, but I’ve developed a structure that allows me to maintain these meaningful connections while respecting everyone’s boundaries. The result? Something truly special – a safe space where you’re not just getting a beauty service, but finding support and encouragement in ways I never imagined possible. It’s about creating an experience that leaves a lasting positive imprint, helping you feel both beautiful and empowered!

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I think the biggest lesson I have come to reference is recognizing how much of my genuine curiosity was highly taken for granted. When I was younger, as I was growing into my young adult years, I realized how heavily influenced I was by society that I created this version of myself that I was having a hard time connecting with still. That’s the most important lesson by far. I’m working towards bringing that curiously, creative, multifacetedly loving human back to life!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.cessified.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceci.cessified/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cessified83?mibextid=ZbWKwL
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ceci.cessified

Image Credits
The R2 Studio Odd Fox Photography