Meet Trailblazer Sherry Griner

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sherry Griner.

Sherry, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
When I was younger, my mom blessed me with bangs, and with the responsibility of doing my sister’s hair. As I grew up, it became of passion of mine to style hair. I did mine and my friend’s hair for dances and weddings. My Mom always said I should do Hair for a living. But I said, “No mom that’s not a career.” So, I pursued marketing career and have 7 years in corporate America decided the corporative wasn’t for me. I had a few friends that did hair and I saw where it could go and how being a cosmetologist and owning your own business is an amazing career! So, I quit my job and went to beauty school. Set up a five-year plan to have my own studio salon. I have been doing hair for 7 years now. I absolutely love it! I am color certified, extensions expert and travel all over the valley for weddings doing makeup and hair.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It hasn’t been easy to start over. Especially at age 27. To go from a salary, benefits and corporate card to making minimum wage. When you first start in a salon you make little to no money until you build up clientele. And it didn’t help my first salon owner was not trust worthy and cheated us by skimming off little percentages from our commission. But I kept reminding myself why I left the corporate world. I worked 60 hour weeks, was never really off even when on vacation. Co-workers would so easily try to steal credit for your work. I would run myself crazy for what? No real gratitude or reward at the end of the day. But when I have a woman cry in my chair because she never thought she could look so beautiful that makes my day! Or a little boys face light up because we cut his hair short for the first time and he finally feeling like he looks more like his dad. Or a bride who can’t stop thanking me for making her look like what she had been dreaming of her whole life. That fills my soul and makes my job not feel like work. My advice to women just starting in a career is to remind yourself why you chose that career. If it doesn’t fill your soul or make you happy then figure out what will. But remember nothing worth achieving is easy.

We’d love to hear more about Urban Imprint studio salon.
I specialize in extensions, certified colorist and wedding hair and makeup. I am known for all three of those pretty evenly. What sets me apart from other stylists is my attention to detail, and commitment to my clients. I may run a little behind with my clients, but my next client understands because they know I will not say no and I will not let you leave my chair and unless you love your hair!

Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
Instagram

Contact Info:

• Address: Urban Imprint studio salon #122 inside
  L’mage studios
  1712 E Guadalupe Rd Tempe, AZ 85283
• Phone: 480-204-4034
• Email: urbanimprintsalon@gmail.com
• Instagram: @loveyourhair_bysher
• Facebook: @urbanimprintsalon

Image Credit:
Blonde bride photo by Anicia Beckwith photography, Bridal party photo by Sophie J Photo

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.