Meet Erika Starr

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Starr.

Hi Erika, 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.
I’ve always had a passion for fashion and beauty, but I never thought I’d be a professional hairstylist. I wasn’t one of the ones that always did hair growing up, but I did win best dressed during my senior year in high school. I actually decided to go to hair school at the age of 29 after two failed marriages with two small children. I needed a career that would provide flexibility in schedule and atmosphere because the corporate world just wasn’t providing that for me. I had to find a way to work for myself, without feeling like working.

My initial vision was to become a celebrity stylist that offers hair, make-up, and fashion styling. In Atlanta, that wasn’t so far-fetched; however, I had no clue on how to do hair or make-up other than my own. So, I decided to go to cosmetology school at a small community college. It was at that point, that I found my untapped passion for the art of hair. I became licensed in 2010. I worked in different types of salons to learn skills that I felt I didn’t learn while in school. So, I worked in weave salons to learn how to do weaves, hair-cutting salons to learn how to cut hair, and team-based salons for more education. The money didn’t just start rolling in as I had imagined. I still had to work corporate jobs full-time and take clients after work and on weekends. All my co-workers would come to my home salon for services.

I finally, made the commitment to go full-time doing hair in 2016. At that point, I knew that I had to continue my education and become more knowledgeable in color, hair cutting, and hair care. I worked alongside some of Atlanta’s best stylists. I built a solid clientele. Opened my own salon suite in East Atlanta with a business partner, but I felt it was time for a change in scenery and relocated to the Phoenix area almost 2 years ago. Starting all over was super scary and I felt like I was free falling without a net! I worked at Ulta Beauty for about 8 months, but the corporate salon just wants my thing. So, I stepped out on faith to work at one of the hottest salons in Chandler, All Mix’d Up Beauty Lounge.

After 1 year my clientele has grown so fast, that I now have opened Erika Starr Hair Studio inside the Phenix Salon Suites at Ahwatukee. My current goal is to move into educating and mentoring other stylists, while continuing to offer a high-quality experiences to my clients. I am also working on a line of hair products and extensions.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has definitely not been smooth over the past 13 years. Gaining confidence in this industry was a struggle for me because I had to figure it out on my own. I didn’t assist other stylists coming out of school, and I come from an era where most stylists kept their knowledge to themselves.

So. I messed up a lot! That made me feel like I was never going to make it, and I often would just give up. It took a pandemic and a move across the country to an unsaturated market, to truly realize just how valuable and skilled I am. I have learned to never stop being a student in this ever-changing industry.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Haircut Repair Specialist and Educator. I can literally cut any fabric of hair into any shape or style. Visualizing the shapes and geometry of hair is something that has always comes easy to me; although, I have put in many hours of training. I service a diverse clientele with different fabrics of hair, and that is what I am most proud of. My training over the years has never placed me inside a box.

I feel free to be me, which flows into my clients. I allow them to be who they are, no matter what. I’m just happy that I never gave up! I’m so proud of how far I have; which only gives me more hope for what is to come! What sets me apart is the experience I provide my clients. From scalp massages to custom cuts and color! I would like to think that each person feels seen and heard when they visit me.

What are your plans for the future?
I am currently working on a product line and a hair extensions collection. My website will be up and running by Fall. I will also be doing more education and mentoring up-and-coming stylists.

It’s time that I pour into the next generation of beauty professionals. The biggest change is my new salon studio in Ahwatukee! It’s my 2nd salon since 2013. That is a big deal for me because I have worked so hard to be here.

Pricing:

• Haircut- $65
• Relaxer Experience- $165
• Curly Keratin Treatment- $250
• Perfect Platinum Pixie- $485

Contact Info:

• Website: https://erikastarrhair.as.me/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erikastarrhair/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ErikaStarrHair/

Image Credits
LHolley Photography and Daniel Hollins Photography