Behind the Chair Chat with a Master Artist
Sexy Hair’s Master Artist & Regional Education Manager, Missy Croquart visited us a couple of weeks ago for a video shoot at Empire Education Group’s corporate office in Pennsylvania. As a Master Artist, Missy is on the job 24 hours a day, whether it is behind the chair, traveling for Sexy Hair, networking or just perfecting her craft. She has so much passion for the industry and wants to share that passion with future professionals and other stylists. I had the chance to ask Missy a few questions about how she got started…
Tell me about your journey in cosmetology.
MC: I first started cosmetology when I was in high school. I knew that I needed a creative outlet, and that I was always inspired and intrigued. Why the fashion industry… what better way to indulge myself, than to surround myself daily with my passion. Upon graduating from Cosmetology, I went on to become an Esthetician so I could really have a well rounded expertise in the beauty industry. While I was in beauty school I became a part of the Sexy Hair family, going to shows on the weekend and going to school during the week. But I didn’t stop there. I knew that as a cosmetologist, I am my best marketing and business tool, so I decided to go back to college to obtain a degree in Business Marketing and Management, which brings me to where I am today. Excited, inspired, and truly living the dream.
When did you know this career was for you?
MC: I knew that this was the career for me, and still do, every time I stop momentarily behind chair to “be in the moment” and I realized how happy I truly am, and that there is no where else I’d rather be, and nothing else I’d rather be doing. That I am so privileged and blessed to make others look good, feel better, and be completely happy doing so. That I can completely indulge myself in my passion and my art every day of my life, and meet a lot of really great people along the way, not to mention get paid well to do so!
What is the best part of the cosmetology industry?
MC: The best part of the cosmetology industry is the amount of timeless education, endless opportunity, and the artistry that encourages and inspires passion and creativity.
What was the most difficult skill for you to master?
MC: The biggest challenge for me to overcome was how to network and market effectively. To over come this I decided to brand myself and my name, and really take control of my brand and how it is showcased. I am still learning something new everyday with new innovations and technology, but the most effective way I’ve found to network and market are not only through social media (such as Facebook, instagram, twitter, wordpress, etc) but also taking every opportunity possible to meet new people, experience new things, and hand out some rockin’ business cards
What are the most important skills to master in this business?
MC: The most important skill to master is to always see every opportunity as a learning EXPERIENCE and to ALWAYS say YES. The ability to network, and to always reinvent yourself and your way of thinking will keep you in the forefront personally and professionally as well.
What is you advice to students currently in school?
MC: Go do, and see everything you can. Assist at hair shows, network, make friends and business contacts, and most importantly dream. If you shoot for the moon and miss you will still hit the stars. Remember that YOUR hands create YOUR artwork, so stand tall and be proud of your art. Finally, be a chameleon. Be able to adapt to any situation, and be able to offer expertise in every service, fashion and trend in the world around you. Knowledge is power.
Did you have a challenge that may have stopped you from pursuing this career? If so, how did you overcome it?
MC: I would say my biggest personal challenge in this career was starting when I was so young. I wanted to be and become as professional, knowledgeable, and well rounded as the veterans in this industry who I idolize. So what did I do? I decided to surround myself with the best of the best. Good people, good friends, great artiste and most impo
rtantly, excellent mentors. I still strive to be on top of my game everyday.
What’s the best part of working for Sexy Hair?
MC: Wow. That is a tough question…because I can’t choose just one thing! Sexy Hair is a fun, fashion forward company that is ALWAYS on top of the trends. From haircuts to styles to products, we are always constantly evolving to be in the forefront of the industry. We are a beautiful, emotion based brand that can take any man or woman from feeling blah, to beautiful with our high performance products, and the passion our consumers have. At Sexy Hair we AREN’T just a product company. We strive to grow stylists one stylist at a time, give back to our communities (by supporting Look Good Feel Better Foundation) to evoke passion, encourage creativity, and take hairstylists to the next level. Most importantly though, Sexy Hair can take you as far as you want to go in this industry, and when you come on board…you are a part of our family! I am a true testament to that.
What are your future goals? Future plans with Sexy Hair?
MC: I am so blessed to have reached so many of my dreams I never thought possible. Not only have I become a Master Artist, a Regional Education Manager, and now most recently a coach at our beloved Institute of Courage, I’m now entertaining even bigger dreams. My future goals with Sexy Hair now include helping to launch our brand in new countries, being a bigger part of bringing on new talent, and ultimately my goal will to someday be able to sit in an audience and watch the next generation of talent and passion, and to know that I have given my heart and soul to mentor them to the best stylists they can be.