Life and Work with Cass Griggs

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cass Griggs.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born and raised in Tucson, AZ. I have always been very proud of that. I grew up building a strong relationship with the land we lived on. I was involved in a variety of activities from 4-H, to AYSO, synchronized swimming, horseback riding to building forts in the Tanque Verde wash… I always felt encouraged to pave my own way and pursue my own definition of happiness. I was surrounded by leaders who set high moral standards and exemplified a work ethic that I admired, even at a young age.

I was in kindergarten when I decided to become a hairstylist. My squad of Barbies all got regular trims and styles. I practiced braiding and learned clipper skills on our horses. I never lost this love of hairdressing. I graduated high school a year early to continue my pursuit of happiness in the hairdressing world, and I received my first cosmetology license at 18.

It was a combination of my adolescent experiences and amazing leaders that led me to open my first hair salon at age 23 in San Francisco, CA. I named it Studio Tucson because I wanted to bring a taste of the Old Pueblo to The City. In just a couple of short years I had a bustling neighborhood salon. I put the community first. I welcomed everyone and I got involved in as many volunteer and networking opportunities I could find. I hosted free parties, trunk shows, Yoga classes, running clubs, book clubs, displayed local artists work, invited bands to play, held free hairstyling classes, etc; acknowledging everyone as an individual, and providing a safe place for expression.

I felt like I was doing what I love, and having a positive impact on the world around me, but I felt a strong motivation to bring these accomplishments back to my hometown. I sold Studio Tucson Salon in San Francisco and I opened Belle Starr Salon in Tucson in 2015. Belle Starr Salon continues to welcome everybody and promote healthy beauty and human connection through a myriad of services, events, volunteer opportunities, and collaborations.

I have continued to prioritize my guests’ interests and goals and modeled my business around providing support and care for the community first. Belle Starr Salon provides ongoing education and professional training for our stylists, and we choose to partner with people and companies that share our ethical values. I believe it takes a village to raise an environmentally conscious salon, and I am proud to have the support of the people of Tucson.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
“If you don’t like the road you’re walking, pave a new one.” – Dolly Parton… seeing as I’m not a professional road paver, this task has proven to be quite challenging at times. Navigating the intricacies of building a business is at times just as stressful as it is rewarding. It can be painful when you feel let down or when your trust is broken, and it can be extremely difficult to separate emotional conflict from your business. Never stop believing in yourself and in the inherent goodness of others. If you approach every challenge with love and patience and with gratitude for the growth that you will obtain from overcoming, you will always succeed.

Please tell us about Belle Starr Salon.
Belle Starr Salon is about caring. We happily do our part to Keep Tucson Pretty and truly believe that we can be the change we wish to see in the world. We promote healthy beauty and community building through a variety of salon services, events, products, and involvement. We are known for our collaborations and support of our local entrepreneurs, artists, crafters, and, of course, for creating amazing hair magic!

There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
Find many mentors; Be a mentor; share your passion, share your ideas, stay inspired and let people know that they inspire you. Don’t be afraid to reach out to someone you look up to, you may be surprised by the response! I have taken inspiration from so many different people, places, and things, and I never stop looking for more ways to ignite that spark within!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bellestarrsalon.com
• Phone: 520-488-6441
• Email: bellestarrsalon@gmail.com
• Instagram: Bellestarrsalon
• Facebook: Bellestarrsalon
• Other: https://app.shedul.com/online_bookings/8322/link

Image Credit:
Julianne Capati @juliannecantfly, Ashley White @modernaquariansigns, Christopher Berry @mikmaan

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