Check Out Stephanie Smith’s Story

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

Hi Stephanie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started my career in the beauty and fashion industry over a decade ago after attending the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM), where I studied Visual Communications, and later pursuing professional training in hair. My very first production opportunity was with Playboy, and from there my career began to grow in ways I could have never fully predicted.

I went on to work with GUESS models, then transitioned into music videos where I had the opportunity to work with A-list artists, followed by red carpets, film projects, editorial work, and large-scale productions. Over the years, my work has taken me into incredible spaces and major events including the Cannes Film Festival, New York Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, Formula 1, and many more.

Throughout that journey, I’ve grown beyond being solely a hairstylist and makeup artist. I’ve worked in creative direction, production, talent management, brand collaborations, and content creation, which has given me a well-rounded understanding of both the creative and business sides of the industry.

Today, I’m also an influencer and mentor, and I’m entering a new chapter where I want to teach and help other creatives build their own identity, confidence, and career within this industry. I want to share what I’ve learned through years of hands-on experience and help others understand that there isn’t just one path to success.

My goal is to continue growing creatively while also creating opportunities, sharing knowledge, and helping the next generation find their place and build a lasting identity in this industry.

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?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. Working in Hollywood and the entertainment industry can be exciting, but there is also a darker side that people don’t always see. I’ve been presented with opportunities that could have advanced my career, but I chose to walk away because they didn’t align with my morals or values. Learning that every opportunity isn’t necessarily the right opportunity has been a huge part of my growth.

I’ve also had to take accountability for my own choices. There were times when I made irresponsible decisions that led to major disappointments, missed opportunities, and lessons I had to learn the hard way. But every setback forced me to become more self-aware, disciplined, and intentional about the woman and professional I wanted to be.

Through all of it, I’ve continued to rebuild, evolve, and move forward while developing a much stronger confidence in who I am and the value I bring. Today, I’m much less focused on simply being accepted in the industry and much more focused on building a career and legacy that actually reflects who I am.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a celebrity hairstylist, makeup artist, creative director, producer, and content creator with over a decade of experience across beauty, fashion, entertainment, and live events. I studied Visual Communications and Visual Merchandising at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles, and my career started in production with Playboy before expanding into work with Guess models, music videos, red carpets, film, celebrity clients, and major events including the Cannes Film Festival, New York Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, Formula 1, and more.

At the heart of everything I do, I genuinely love making people feel beautiful, confident, and seen. Being biracial has also given me a unique perspective on beauty and representation. I’ve intentionally built my skill set to work with people of all ethnicities, skin tones, hair types, and textures, which I believe sets me apart in an industry where artists are often specialized in only one demographic.

I’m most proud of the versatility and longevity I’ve built. I can step behind the chair as an artist, behind the scenes in production, lead creatively, or step in front of the camera as a creator and influencer. I understand how to take a vision from concept to execution while still making the person in my chair feel like the best version of themselves.

As I move into the next chapter of my career, I’m especially excited about mentorship and eventually teaching other creatives how to build their identity, confidence, and value within this industry while staying true to who they are.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
I truly believe my success has been built with the love and support of so many people. My father, who has since passed away, deserves a tremendous amount of credit. His military career and service made it possible for me to attend college through the GI Bill, giving me an opportunity that helped shape my future.

My mother was also a huge part of that beginning. She sat with me while I filled out college applications, helped me navigate the process, and took me to tour schools so I could envision a bigger future for myself. My grandmother has been another constant source of unconditional love, supporting me emotionally and financially throughout so many stages of my life and career.

Professionally, my best friend Brianna has been instrumental in managing bookings, maintaining client relationships, and helping me stay organized as my career has grown. Kelsie, my first celebrity client right out of beauty school in Los Angeles, took a chance on me early on, opened so many doors for my career, and ultimately became a close friend.

My mentor, LaLette Littlejohn, also played a major role in my journey by opening doors for me in production. When my professional kit was stolen, she even gifted me a new one so I could keep working. That kind of support is something I will never forget. My neighbor Paul was another important person in my journey, especially after I became a mother. He consistently encouraged me, supported me, and spoke life into both me and my work. My good friend Andre who bought so many flights to make sure I got to the big gigs that opened even more doors. He invested in my career so much because he believed in me. After my father died he helped me get to and from gigs after moving back home. I can’t thank my support system enough.

And lastly, I have to give credit to my friends, family, clients, and online community who continue to support what I do, engage with my work, share my posts, and genuinely keep up with my journey. Every opportunity may have my name attached to it, but there have been so many people behind the scenes who helped me become the woman and professional I am today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://stephstudios.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephanie.a.smith?igsi=MTM2bWI1aHR5M2Q0dQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephanie.a.smith.5?
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@stephanie.a.smithh?si=QcTgfiuPRkHRV-O-