Meet Star Stanescu of Smart Style in Mesa

Today we’d like to introduce you to Star Stanescu.

Star, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I grew up watching my grandfather cut hair at his barbershop and knew it was something I wanted to get into! Every time I would see him expertly craft a good pompadour or shave a high and tight, even straight shave a gentleman’s face, I would pay attention to their reaction when he turned them towards the mirror. I absolutely loved seeing how just a simple cut or shave could make someone feel so good, so confident.

When I got the chance to join our local Cosmetology School at the East Valley Institute of Technology, I JUMPED on it! They were only taking a limited amount of students at the time, and I wanted to make sure I was one. I got there at 4:15 AM to sign up and realized I was the 59th student in line. I was so worried but thankfully made it in! I worked so hard to make sure I got my hours in, while also attending high school. I earned my cosmetology license a few weeks before I graduated high school and immediately went to work.

I was so thankful to find a home at Smart Style in Mesa, Arizona. I’ve been with them for 15 years and they have definitely helped me become the stylist I am today. They provide tons of hands-on training to help us grow. My favorite was when I went to a three days intensive color class held by Matrix. I learned an array of new things, and they gave me so many ideas. Really opened my eyes to what was possible, and helped me get into creative colors. That’s where I found my passion for vivids! The hair truly becomes a blank canvas to paint a masterpiece you and your guest come up with.

Please tell us more about your passion, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
They gossip, vent, and just chat about the week while I set their hair! It really is a lost art it seems. Not very many stylists enjoy doing the roller sets and styles. I really do though, it can be cathartic, and I think part of it is the relationships I’ve built with these ladies. My longest guest Alice has come in to see me every single week since 2005. Okay, actually I missed one week, but I was in labor with twins, so she styled it on her own that week… you can bet she was calling to make sure I could get her in ASAP though! She truly feels like a family member and I love her dearly.

Whether it’s a vivid color, perm, highlights, style, or even just a fun new cut, after 15 years, I STILL get that excitement of turning my guest around to see their face light up. I love that connection with people and being able to make someone feel great about themselves. It’s why I do what I do!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Everything about being a hairstylist has been a dream. I get to come to work a job that I love, and have fun with my guests and coworkers! The only real physical obstacle I’ve run into so far was trying to work while eight months pregnant with twins…. that was pretty tough. Thankfully, our salon team is truly that a team! If someone needs help, everyone is willing to chip in. The last few weeks before I had my babies I couldnt reach the shampoo bowl, thankfully I had all the help I could need.

Mentally a challenge I’ve had is learning that asking for help is NOT a bad thing. Early on in my career, I thought that asking for help made you look uneducated. Now, if something does happen to pop up that I don’t understand or could use another perspective, I know to go to my fellow stylists! Whether it’s our own awesome team at our salon or hopping online to ask my hairstyling friends. It’s OK to not know something! Really, it is! Everyone could learn something new, that’s what makes this business so invigorating. There is always something to learn!

What do you do? What do you specialize in?
As of yet, I’m known for my creative vivid colors. I’m so thankful I have a group of fun guests that come in and let me get down to it on their blank canvas of hair. No matter what we do, it’s always pleasing!

Vivid colors are becoming less taboo, so it’s great to see more and more people requesting them.

I’m constantly eager to learn new techniques for any part of hairdressing, so while I may be obsessed with vivid colors now, it really could be anything in the years to come.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
In the next 5-10 years, I see hairstylists becoming more empowered. Finding what they love to do best and just going for it! I think social media has helped the hair industry, and hairdressers themselves in so many ways, and it’s only going to get better. It’s so much easier now with social media to show off your work, something you’re really proud of. When I first started, it wasn’t so, everything was more word of mouth. Now, within seconds you can get your art out there! It’s amazing. I’ve learned to post as much as I can, no matter how crazy I think it may be. There’s someone out there who will love you for it! You never know who you might be inspiring.

Contact Info:

• Email: starvonstanescu@gmail.com
• Instagram: @Star_Stanescu
• Facebook: Www.facebook.com/starvonstanescu

Image Credit:
Star Stanescu

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