Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Cortina.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Stephanie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Hi, I’m Stephanie. I’ve officially been in the beauty industry since 2006 when I became a licensed cosmetologist. However, my journey began long before then. Growing up my early teens weren’t only about friends and fun. It was when I started to use my hair to express myself, whether through a dramatic cut or trendy color. It was an outlet for me. I found myself experimenting with not only my hair but the hair of anyone who would let me. I didn’t always have the best result but it was always a lesson learned.
I graduated high school in 2004 and decided to attend beauty school shortly after. Back then, I thought I was just pursuing a hobby. Little did I know it was a stepping stone to discovering my passion. After completing beauty school, I worked at a few salons until I found the right fit. I knew the importance of finding a salon that I felt comfortable at. It was there that I was going to build a steady clientele, a foundation, a career, a future. I was given the opportunity to join a well-respected salon that provided continued education. I took full advantage continued to grow as a stylist, found my personal touch and built that strong clientele. It took me six years to build but it just goes to show success doesn’t happen overnight.
In 2013 I decided to take a leap of faith and introduce to the world my very own business Adorn Beauty Salon (mind you at this time I was a single mother of a five-year-old and very little money to build a business.) I was scared, but I just knew in my heart that it was my time. I had no choice but to be successful and If I was not scared, then my dream wasn’t big enough.
Fast forward to today, seven long years as a successful small business owner. Seven crazy years of hard work filled with ups and downs. It has always brought me pleasure knowing my job can make people feel good about themselves but Since the very 1st day of Adorn Beauty Salon work was no longer a job. It’s where I go to live my dream and make people feel beautiful. I feel like I’m the luckiest girl in the world. I made a career for myself doing what I love, playing with hair everyday. I meet amazing people and hang out with clients who have turned into friends!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it was definitely not always a smooth road. In the beginning it was tough trying to make something out of nothing. There’s been plenty of obstacles whether it be in my personal or my professional life that could have held me back but I chose to grow from the experience. I believe it’s the bumpy roads that make the success that much more enjoyable. I am extremely grateful for my clients, friends and family that have continued to support me.
Adorn Beauty Salon – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My business is Adorn Beauty Salon. The word Adorn means ‘to make more beautiful or attractive’ which is what I take pride in. It’s a studio suite located in Peoria. I provide all hair services for men, women and children. I specialize in all creative cut and color services, from the latest trends or high fashion colors. I’m trained in all chemical services such as straightening systems, perms, as well as install/removal of extensions. I continue to remain educated in a wide variety of color brands and services in order to achieve the best results for my clients and the integrity of their hair.
What I am most proud of is that my work speaks for itself. Over the years, my clientele has continued to grow by word of mouth. I’m grateful because there’s a ton of other stylists that people can choose from and they choose me. I believe what sets me apart from others is that I remain humble. I treat everyone as they are my friends because that is how I truly see them. I get to know them, I relate to them. It brings me joy knowing they leave feeling like the best version of themselves.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I haven’t had one specific moment that has made me the most proud. I think it’s all the little moments that have built up to make me proud of what I do. I’m proud of how far I have come. I’m proud that a service I provide can make someone feel better about themself. Most of all, I think it’s that I never gave up on my dream. Now my two kids can see me and always know that nothing is impossible. I hope they are the ones proud to call me mom, see for themself that no set back is enough to stop you and hard work always pays off!
Contact Info:
- Address: 13720 N. 75th ave
suite 240 - Phone: 6233137381
- Email: adornbeautysalon.stephanie@gmail.com
- Instagram: adorn_beauty_salon
- Facebook: Adorn Beauty Salon

Suggest a story: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
