Influential Woman · Master Cosmetologist

Stephanie Bellamy

Hairstylist, --

Newnan, GA 30263

18Years experience

2Awards received

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree GED Degree Beauty College of America Degree Tax School (2005) Degree Business Administration degree Degree Amaranth degree Degree Queen of the South degree Member Eastern Star (since 2006) Member Al-Karim Court Number 219 (Daughter of the Shriners Member Prince Hall affiliated)

Her Story

About Stephanie

I started doing hair at a young age and worked part-time from home like the majority of stylists, while holding several different jobs. In 2008, when my current job was laying off, I decided to step out on faith and become a full-time hairstylist. I've always loved working with people and making them happy - that's my true passion. I don't just stand behind the chair doing hair, I also consider it as a ministry because I've touched so many lives and so many others have touched me as well. My main areas of expertise are natural hair and pixie cuts - I love growing hair and treating hair. Beyond cosmetology, I've been preparing taxes since 2006 after attending tax school in 2005. I worked for a firm for several years before branching out with a business partner, and now I prepare taxes from home as a satellite. I also bake and design custom shirts. I work in a full-service salon and believe that your passion will make room for you, no matter what challenges you face.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Stephanie

01What do you attribute your success to?

I was a teenage mom - I got pregnant at a young age. My daughter, my oldest daughter Shakina, she was my pusher because I didn't want to let her see me fail. I had to stop going to school at a young age, but I still continued to go on. You know, I was a young mom, but I still pushed through my obstacles, and I feel that I've done good in life. She motivated me to keep going and prove that I could succeed despite the challenges.

02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

Just don't be afraid to do it. Just trust God and step out on faith. Every day, every week won't always be up - you're going to have to embrace some challenges, but just stand strong and keep pushing. Stay driven. Your passion will make room for you. I don't care what it is that you do, it'll make room for you. You may have some hiccups, or with today's economy you have a lot of stylists or ones that are not licensed doing hair at home, but you just have to stay strong. With you being professional, you just have to remain. That's why I have my hand in several different things - where one is slow, I can navigate toward the other. Your passion will always make room for you. As long as God is in it and you trust Him wholeheartedly, He won't let anything - no good thing would go. He'll make room for us.

03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

With today's economy, you have a lot of stylists or ones that are not licensed doing hair at home, which creates competition. But I feel like your passion will make room for you. I don't care what it is that you do, it'll make room for you. You may have some hiccups, but with you being professional, you just have to stay strong and remain focused. That's why I have my hand in several different things - where one is slow, I can navigate toward the other. Your passion will always make room for you if you trust God wholeheartedly.

04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

My spirit is what attracts many people to me. I think being helpful and having a listening ear are really important. I've always loved working with people and making them happy - that's my true passion. I don't just stand behind the chair doing hair, I consider it as a ministry because I've touched so many lives and so many others have touched me as well. I believe in trusting God wholeheartedly and stepping out on faith.

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