Rising Stars: Meet Cam MacNeille

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Cam MacNeille.

Hi Cam, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to pursue the industry! I worked in salons throughout high school and went straight into cosmetology school at 18. I graduated with a job secured at my dream salon in Scottsdale and built my clientele there for two years. Once I was ready to go booth rental, I jumped to Downtown Mesa, where I stayed for 4 years.

In March of 2023, I opened up Sunbird Salon! We celebrated one year of being open and completed an expansion/rebrand for our studio. I currently have an assistant/co-stylist and am hunting for one additional stylist to join our team! I am beyond thrilled to look back and see where we have landed at seven years in this amazing industry. So grateful for my clients & supporting stylists!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s definitely a bumpy road in this industry. I try to stay aligned with genuine people as best I can and steer clear of the drama we tend to get as stylists.

I have left a few companies/salons that were toxic and have always trusted my gut feelings surrounding where I should put my energy for my career. I think I ended up exactly where I was supposed to! Everything happens for a reason, and I’m excited to see where we end up in another 5-10 years.

I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I currently specialize in Hair Extensions & live in blondes! I have been in education since November 2020 and have loved meeting many talented stylists through teaching extensions.

I chose to go independent with educating in 2024 and host 1-on-1 classes for K Tips & Wefts and Social Media & Business. I still service my regular color clients and only take new extension clients. I’m very humbled to have this amazing specialty and work with what I have so much passion for!

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I think these days, social media is powerful. If you interact with your fellow stylists online, chances are they will return the favor and engage with your posts as well!

I’ve attended hairstylist retreats and seminars, which have been beyond helpful for me to network and meet stylists around the US! I can confidently send one of my clients moving out of state to a trusted stylist if needed with these networking events and from meeting other stylists.

Contact Info:

• Website: Sunbirdsalonstudio.com
• Instagram: @sunbirdsalon & @hairbycamalyse