Today we’d like to introduce you to Zoe Hefter-Smith.
Hi Zoe, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
From a pretty young age, I found myself always braiding and curling friends’ hair. Always drawn to it. But of course, never even brushed my own. After high school in 2015, I went to community college but quickly realized it was not the place for me. In early 2016, I enrolled at Toni and Guy Hair Dressing Academy “in the meantime” or “until I figure out what I want to do with my life”.
I completely underestimated everything doing hair could bring me, from relationships to supporting myself financially. I worked in two salons out of school in Laguna Beach where I was born and raised. Assisted 5 days a week and worked in a blow dry bar the other 2. I then got the opportunity to move to Bozeman, Montana, in January of 2018. A move I thought would be until my boyfriend finished his last year and a half of school turned into almost 6 years. After a year and half of living in Bozeman and working at a few salons, we were packing up to move back to California. In the midst of us getting ready to leave, I was asked to be a part of a new salon that was opening up in Bozeman. I met with the owners a few times and decided I needed to stay, and thus the next 4 amazing years were spent at Velvet Studio. A creative space for hand-picked stylist to harness their skills as an art form. Giving me mentors, an outlook on hair and workflow that I had never experienced before. I owe everything to the women that showed me the way at Velvet. Learning to look at hair in an intuitive and intentional way. Based off feel and look for each individual rather than following a set of rules has really given me the foundation of the work I do today. I spent 4 years breaking down everything I thought I knew about hair, all while creating a successful clientele in Bozeman.
Then, the ocean started calling me home, which I always knew would happen. Bringing us to the present, in July of 2023, we moved back to Orange County. I quickly found East Eighteenth Salon in Casta Mesa and have been enjoying my new journey back home. But as a new stylist and artist.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My favorite movie growing up was Greece. I think the song “beauty school dropout” played in the back of my head. Created a story I would tell myself: That you go to cosmetology school when you don’t go to college. This was during the time I watched everyone around me going away to universities. Immediately, this idea was a personal roadblock that I don’t think I ever really talked about. It definitely gave me a hard time taking this path for myself seriously when I started out. It took me some time until I felt confident in saying, “I’m a hairstylist,” when people asked what I do. Confidence takes a long time to grasp in this industry; nobody really understands how much goes into doing hair. The knowledge, time, education, experience. The hair world is always evolving, and changing confidence comes and goes as you continue to learn and try new things. Which, on the flip side, might be my favorite thing about this industry. So much personal growth, and always room for more.
My current obstacle is working on rebuilding my clientele in Orange County. The last few years in Bozeman I had clients booked out for weeks, yet I’ve chosen to start over.
I would be lying if I said there isn’t a mind game that happens when you’re busy and when you’re slow. Another natural ebb and flow of this industry. It’s teaching me patience and rebuilding my self-assurance in an entirely new way.
In an area that is so saturated with incredibly talented artists, where do I fit in it all? These are tough questions I ask myself daily, and I’m sure I’m not the only one.
A big reason I chose to move back to Southern California is the abundance of inspiration to pull from. I am eternally grateful for the new clients that have found me so far and reconnecting with people that I have not seen in years. This is what fills up my cup, knowing I’m making the best decisions for myself and my career no matter how difficult.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I grew up in a family of artists. Went to an arts and foreign language elementary school that was basically year-round 1st-5th grade. And on the weekends, we took more art classes. It’s all I’ve ever known and loved. I think ultimately that is my passion – creating.
Finding the artistry in doing hair has been the biggest way for me to feel more connected to this industry, and my place in it. Doing hair has given me the ability to live the lifestyle I want and support all my other creative endeavors.
When I’m not in the salon I’m usually at my art studio, always making something. In 2020, I started metal smithing and have a small jewelry line. In my jewelry, you see a lot of bold shapes, irregularities, and organic textures. Metalsmithing has given me more insight into my creative process in general and my voice as an artist. Which celebrates the individuality and uniqueness of each piece of jewelry or each client that sits in my chair.
If it’s not hair or jewelry, I’m probably knitting a sweater, sewing, or I’m designing and building something with my fiancé. He is a woodworker/craftsman, and we are always finding ways to create together.
I bring all of these aspects of myself with me to the salon.
I think I’m best known for carving shapes and soft textures utilizing both my straight razor and shears. I love to create the yummiest shags, soft face framing, or the edgiest cut you could dream up. This, paired with painting and foiling lived-in, low-maintenance color, creates a unique cross of softness with an edge (and some sass).
I’m passionate about teaching my clients ways to achieve their best hair days at home. I strive to make my clients feel celebrated and supported and leave looking the way they want to feel.
I’m currently most proud of the way I lead my days with passion for multiple creative expressions. Always looking to learn and grow. That these are the things that support me and my life, and I get to share that with others every day.
I couldn’t be more grateful.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I’ve always been into the “self-help” genre, and of course, top of that list is The Four Agreements. I recommend this to everyone because it is a gentle reminder to be the best possible version of yourself and treat people the way you want to be treated. Lately, I’ve been reading a book my client recommended it and I really love it: You are a Badass by Jen Sincero. About how to stop doubting your greatness and start living an awesome life. Has been helpful in this stage of my life, growing my businesses while starting over in a new place!
Contact Info:
- Website: Dizadesigns.com
- Instagram: @Zoediza
Image Credits
Taylor Alvarez
