Hidden Gems: Meet Stephanie Michelle of Stephanie Michelle Beauty Studio

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

Hi stephanie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started my beauty journey at Paul Mitchell in Sherman Oaks in 2011. Shortly after, I faced a health challenge: I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and had to take time for surgery, chemotherapy, and recovery. Once I regained my health, I pursued my interest in hairstyling and makeup and attend a makeup school.

It took me a few years to feel confident enough to take my cosmetology license exam. During that time, I also explored college, working part-time jobs and majoring in English because I enjoyed reading and writing. My studies coincided with COVID-19, and I paused school for a while, eventually working as a medical office representative.

Later, I had the opportunity to become a personal assistant, but I realized it wasn’t my path. I kept coming back to hair and makeup—it never felt like work. That realization gave me the courage to get my cosmetology license and open my own studio.

It’s been a challenging journey, but I’m about to celebrate nearly three years in business, and I couldn’t be happier. Every year brings growth, and even though stability is still a work in progress, I love what I do and the impact I get to make every day.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting my own studio came with the usual challenges of running a small business—financial uncertainty, building a client base from scratch, and learning how to manage everything myself.

Even though it’s been hard, each struggle taught me resilience and clarified that hair and beauty services are my true passion. Those challenges make the milestones I’ve reached, like almost three years in business, feel even more rewarding.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Stephanie Michelle Beauty Studio is my studio where I provide personalized hair, makeup, and brow services. I specialize in layered haircuts, which I truly love doing. I also offer hair color for dark brown and black hair, root touch-ups, color refreshes, gloss treatments, blowouts, and hair treatments, as well as brow lamination, waxing, tinting, and makeup services.

I enjoy working on my own because it allows me to focus on the services I truly love. That’s the beauty of running my own studio—unlike a regular salon, I get to create the experience and offer the services that bring me the most joy.

My goal has always been to love what I do, and that’s exactly what I’ve found. Every service I provide—whether it’s a layered haircut, a gloss treatment, or makeup—is something I genuinely enjoy and feel passionate about.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success, to me, is doing what I love and loving the work I do every day. It’s about creating a space where I can follow my passion, make my clients feel confident, and continue growing both personally and professionally.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://smbeautystudio.glossgenius.com/services
• Instagram: @stephmbeautystudio