Rising Stars: Meet Stephany Smith of Huntington Beach

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephany Smith.

Hi Stephany, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I didn’t take the traditional path into this industry. I went to beauty school at 25, worked for free just to learn, and built everything step by step with no shortcuts. That slow start ended up shaping everything I do now.

After graduating, I assisted a prominent hairstylist in Huntington Beach. He didn’t actually need an assistant, but I showed up anyway. I worked every day without pay at first simply because I wanted to learn. Eventually, I earned my place, assisted for almost two years, and moved onto the floor to build my own clientele.

After several years behind the chair, I helped my best friend, Jamie, build Parlour Eleven. The idea of a salon that we wanted to create fueled by martini shopping haha! Parlour became a ten-year chapter that shaped me creatively and professionally. During that time, I became an educator for multiple color brands, leaned into creative color, and built a strong social media presence.

When that chapter ended, I was going with the flow. I worked at another salon and made a bunch of new friends.
In time I started thinking about opening my own salon, my intention was never to return to the original space. I was focused on what was next and what i wanted to build differently. Around that same time, Jack (my partner) and I made the decision to take a leap of faith together. He left his job, and we committed fully to building something of our own. When the opportunity came up to purchase the very space where so much of my foundation had been built, and it happened to be within my budget, it felt like a sign worth paying attention to. From there, everything moved quickly. We poured our time, energy, and trust into bringing the salon to life. Jack stepped into the role of managing the day-to-day, while I continued working behind the chair, and build the foundation, and shaping the vision for what the space could be.

That full circle moment wasn’t planned, but it felt right. We built this together, each taking on roles that played to our strengths. I get to do what I love creatively while also leading the brand forward, and he helps make sure the structure supports the vision.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the biggest challenges has been learning to shift from being just a stylist to becoming a business owner and managing other stylists. Creative work comes naturally to me.. the business side has been a constant learning curve. I’ve had to get comfortable making hard decisions, trusting my instincts, and letting go of what no longer served me, even when it was uncomfortable.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a hairstylist at heart, but I approach my work as both art and experience. I specialize in color, particularly lived in color/creative color and transformations that feel bold but still wearable. My goal has always been to create hair that feels luxury but edgy and fun!

I’ve also spent years working as an educator for multiple color brands, which forced me to truly understand the craft, not just execute it. Teaching refined my process, pushed me creatively, and shaped how I communicate with both clients and other stylists.

What I’m most proud of is building a career that goes beyond the chair. I’ve helped grow salons, mentored stylists, and created spaces where individuality is encouraged and creativity feels supported. I care just as much about how someone feels in my chair as how they look when they leave.

What sets me apart is intention. I don’t rush, I listen, and I’m thoughtful with every detail. At this stage in my career, it’s about longevity, trust, and creating work that feels true to the person wearing it.

What does success mean to you?
In a lot of ways, we already feel a small version of success. Opening our doors and creating a space people genuinely want to walk into took an enormous amount of time, energy, and trust. Doing that in a short window was a huge milestone for us and a reminder that the vision was worth betting on.

A big part of success for me is my team. I’ll really feel it when every stylist here is thriving, booked, and confident in their own business. We already have a powerhouse group, and I love watching everyone grow, support each other, and feel supported!

Success isn’t a finish line for me. It’s something we’re already feeling in small ways and continuing to build.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Manekharacter.glossgenius.com
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/manekharacterhair
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/manekharactersalontique

Image Credits
Alex Abercrombie (all single pics of me)
Andy Giraud (salon still photos)