Today we’d like to introduce you to Marjorie Lightford.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
According to my mom, I have ALWAYS been obsessed with hair. I even wrote a book about it in the 2nd grade called “Bad Hair Day”. I didn’t remember that book but she kept it and brought it to my cosmetology school graduation. I remember falling in love with hair in the 3rd grade when my family moved to Memphis, TN. One thing I quickly learned about Memphis was that you had to have your hair done and that it needed to look like you walked out of a salon practically every day. My mom was not willing to spend that kind of money on a 3rd grader, so I learned how to do my own hair.
Eventually, I became good at doing my hair and good enough to become a kitchen-tician. In middle school, I had grown women coming to the house every two weeks to get their hair done. They knew I didn’t have a license- I was too young but they didn’t care. Eventually, I got a job working at the mall but still did hair on the side. There was a cosmetology program at my high school but I never considered becoming a hairstylist professionally, so I didn’t do it. To be honest I didn’t think it was a respectable career and besides, I knew I was going to college because that’s what I was “supposed to do”. When I got to Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN, I was still doing hair on the side only now it was out of my dorm. I was the dorm-tician. I did very well academically in college but couldn’t figure out what I wanted to be.
My family thought I would make a great lawyer and so I went with it until summer after my junior year of college when I was feeling lost. For the first time, I prayed to God for direction in my life. It was that summer that He revealed to me that I would be in the hair industry. Immediately I was at peace. It seemed so obvious but I was blinded by what society told me I needed to do to be successful. I went on to graduate and two months later I enrolled in Paul Mitchell The School of Nashville. Cosmetology school was nothing short of amazing and I had the time of my life. Here’s the thing, I wouldn’t be the hairstylist I am today without the Bachelor of Science degree in Human & Organizational Development AND my cosmetology license. Combined they have equipped me with a skill set that I believe has helped me maintain a progressive hairstyling career.
During Cosmetology school I said “yes” to every opportunity. I also freelanced and gained all kinds of experience in bridal hair, photoshoots, fashion shows, etc. Upon completion of cosmetology school, I was able to join a salon team that allowed me to work my way up through the ranks while at the same time I had the opportunity to be the marketing director for the salon. I learned a lot at this salon and eventually, I was ready for the next phase of my career and so I asked God for direction once again and He told me to move to LA. God has never failed me and so my husband and I left everything, packed up and moved across the country. When we arrived in LA I interviewed and auditioned at salons and was made several offers but ultimately decided to do my own thing. Doing my own thing took A LOT of work and A LOT of faith.
Thankfully, I was able to meet Celebrity Hairstylist Felicia Leatherwood and sign-on with her agency, Texture Management. It has opened many doors for me. I recently hit my one year anniversary in LA. I am amazed and extremely grateful for all the opportunities that have been afforded to me thus far. From red carpets to tv shows I have done a lot. It’s kind of hard to believe it’s only been a year. I don’t know what the future holds but I know it’s gonna be great!
Has it been a smooth road?
Yes, I have always had a progressive hairstyling career. I am truly blessed. All of my success in my hairstyling career I attribute to my faith and spirituality. It has kept me grounded and guided every step I have made in the hair industry.
Please tell us more about your work. What do you do? What do you specialize in? What sets you apart from competition?
I am a certified hair colorist but I pride myself of being able to do it all. I always say I am a “Jack of all textures and a master of transformations”. I love a good challenge and because of that, I am constantly evolving my skill set to be able to provide exceptional and creative services for my clients. I am constantly learning and I attract people who tend like to switch it up. What sets me apart from others is that I am a problem solver, resourceful, a team player, willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done right and I am not afraid to say “no”. I always have the client’s best interest at heart and no matter how close the relationship, when I am working as your hairstylist I always keep it professional.
For clients who are seeking salon-type appointments, I provide private concierge services where I travel to you. Booking is done via email at marjoriethestylist@gmail.com. All production and studio work and appearances are booked through my agency texturemanagementteam@gmail.com.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
LA is a big city and very diverse. I’m probably more traditional than other millennials, but to me, LA is not the place you go to find yourself. You need to know who you are before you arrive. I wanted to move here back in 2006 but didn’t feel ready until 2018. It took me 12 years to make the move, and now that I’m here I’m so glad I waited. The key to making it in this city is finding your community. Find a community that will build you up and holds you accountable. Without community, you could lose yourself or worse, never find yourself.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.MarjorieLightford.com
- Email: marjoriethestylist@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/marjthestylist?igshid=3of0zfdvt2vb
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marjorie.thestylist/
Image Credit:
Dewayne Richards
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