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Cosmetology has been a creative, fulfilling and rewarding career choice. I have no regrets.
Wife, mom and owner of the popular Madison-area (WI) Styles Salon Spa, Stacy Snook’s kind, vivacious personality shows through in her daily chats on and offline.
How did she venture into the world of beauty? Read on.
What is your current position?
Currently I am the owner/manager and Stylist of Styles Salon & Spa, an AVEDA concept salon and spa in Cross Plains, WI.
Describe your background
I graduated from high school in 1990 with the intention of going to cosmetology college and opening my own salon. My Mother had worked in a JC Penney salon for many years before moving away from the industry to pursue another career path. While I was in Cosmetology College, I wrote a business plan and presented it to my mother, in hopes to convince her to go into business with me as my partner. She was reluctant, but respected my determination and eventually agreed to get back into the industry to help me start my business. I took out my first business loan when I was 19.
Were you born & raised in WI?
I was born in Madison, WI and raised in Madison, Cross Plains, and Black Earth, having spent most of my life in the Black Earth area.
What led you to start your training in cosmetology (or open the salon)
I always imagined myself in a creative industry that offered me the ability to be my own boss. I was drawn to art. In particular drawing, photography and anything that allowed me to to be expressive artistically. This included hair design, makeup and anything to do with fashion.
I was a good student, with a passion for writing, but I was in love with my high school sweetheart and the idea of leaving him to attend a four year college wasn’t an option I would consider at the time.
Pursuing cosmetology allowed me to stay close to home and finish my education in just one year, giving me the opportunity to pursue a creative career that was exciting and always changing.
I had always imagined writing as a career path, so I guess cosmetology wasn’t necessarily what I had always imagined doing with my life. I am fortunate to be able to satisfy that passion for writing through my blog and my personal journal. I’m currently working on a memoir about my experience with thyroid cancer. Cosmetology has been a creative, fulfilling and rewarding career choice. I have no regrets.
Would you discuss your battle with cancer and how life is now?
I was diagnosed with Papillary Carcinoma (Thyroid Cancer) in 2000. I had a complete thyroidectomy followed by 3 radiation treatments over several years. It was a life changing experience for me. I’ve always been very driven, but having cancer made me realize that my life is MINE, and I can live it any way I want to. We don’t have to settle for a stereotypical life. I’m not afraid to take risks. I love deeply. I seek out challenges and adventure. I push myself. Tomorrow may never come, so today may be all I get. More than dying, I fear not living…or looking back on my life with regret. I’ll never feel the way I did before my thyroid was removed, but I’m grateful for the lesson I learned having cancer, and I’ll never take my life or the people in my life for granted.
What about your philosophy to beauty?
I believe that beauty is a state of mind, but how we look on the outside has a powerful effect on how we feel. We are able to express who we are through our appearance, so I think it’s important that our reflection match what we feel on the inside and represents who we are as individuals in a way we feel good about.
What does beauty mean to you?
I really believe that beauty is more about who we are, and how we decide to express that beauty to the world.
Have you ever lived outside of the Midwest?
I’m a Midwest girl, through and through.
Describe your family
My family is everything to me, they keep me focused on what I’m doing and why. I have two amazing teenage boys who are handsome, hilarious and bring laughter to my every day. I have two beautiful little girls that remind me every day how important it is for me to set a positive example of what being a woman is all about. My husband, Adam, is my best cheerleader and the most supportive person I know. I can’t imagine taking the risks I have without his unconditional support. He believes in me, even when I don’t believe in myself. My parents and my two sisters, and three nephews live within minutes. I can’t imagine not having them be a part of my everyday life. Being surrounded by family is something I can’t imagine being without.
What is important to you
Gosh, so many things are important to me, but again my family is definitely THE MOST important thing in my life. Setting a good example for my children is always on my mind. I want my boys to know that a woman’s role is not just about cooking, cleaning and caring for children. I want my girls to know that women can be anything they want to be, and that the only gender boundaries are the ones they allow to exist. At the end of the day, it isn’t gender roles that limit us, it is our own thinking that holds us back. Setting a positive example for my children is extremely important to me. I hope that my kids learn that it’s okay to take risks and live out your dreams.
What is the must have ‘do right now?
You know, I don’t see a “must have” right now. If you follow celebrities you can usually figure out what’s hot in hair and fashion, but I think women are less concerned with following trend these days and more concerned about finding a style that really suits them. We are seeing hair going longer again for women, and shorter for men. The trend of longer hair on guys seems to have run its course. Texture is definitely still big for both men and women.
What is the must have color?
Dimension. Even if it’s tone on tone, low contrast color…Dimension is a must have. Women are getting a little bolder with high contrast color, and lots of dimension. We’re still seeing rich, shiny brown shades and less blond… so it seems maybe blondes don’t have more fun after all. If there is one thing we’re seeing it’s contrast. Flat, one dimensional color is definitely out!
What is the must have spa treatment?
Our AVEDA Caribbean Therapy Body Treatment is one of our most popular spa services, but the standard relaxation massage is also very popular.
If you are in the Madison area, visit Styles Salon Spa. You can check out the website and participate in any of the current promotions:
Join Styles Salon Spa text club for a chance to win free haircuts for a year .. text the word: styles to: 32075
Best of Madison Silver 2008
Best of Madison Bronze and Silver 2009
Follow us on twitter: twitter.com/stylessalonspa
Follow us on facebook: facebook.com/salonspa
Worried about how to fight off H1N1 this season? The Professional Beauty Association and Barbicide® have created an online toolkit that addresses concerns for salon/spa owners but can be used by the general public as well.
Barbicide is the #1 disinfecting cleaning solution on the market. The trademark blue liquid + kills HIV-1, Tuberculosis and is also effective against H1N1. While the iconic jar is most often associated with disinfecting combs for barbershop, the powerful liquid is now used in many forms, including wet wipe applications.
“We have seen an increased demand for H1N1 resources and information from salon/spa owners across the country,” said Steve Sleeper, Executive Director of the Professional Beauty Association. Said Alan Murphy, President of King Research, “Our contagious disease experts and in-house researchers are key contributors to the tools and programs King Research has launched and we want to share that information with the beauty industry.
Pro Beauty Association kicks off the H1N1 Preparedness Campaign on Thursday, November 11 with this online toolkit that includes a Business Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist, FAQ on H1N1, Recognizing the differences in types of flu and Tips to Prepare. Both organizations are planning future webinars and workshops.
In honor of the last day of National Skincare Month, founded by Dallas’ Celebrity Esthetician Renee Rouleau, I’m reviewing a few items from her Type 2 line.
The Renee Rouleau philosophy is that all skin types are neither created equal nor just the big 3 (oily/combo/dry). There are “9 unique skin types” and you can search for yours here.
From the Type 2 line:
Purifying Face Wash – I love the viscosity of this gel. It is fairly thick, and easy to get a decent bead into your hand. It has a low lather and cleans well.
Vitamin C & E Complex – I am a huge believer in Vitamin C skin therapy, and Renee Rouleau uses it liberally in her line. This product is used to “smooth lines, firm skin, reduce redness andimprove uneven skin color.” It comes in a rich, creamy base that is very easy to smooth on and will be especially comforting as the drier weather approaches.
Sheer Moisture – Loaded with Vitamins A, C & E, this is my favorite! It is so sheer, lightweight and absolutely greaseless, as promised. What really sets this apart is the addition of Jasmin extract and oil, creating a light and heavenly scent.
Daily Protection SPF 30: The final touch to your routine. Renee recommends reapplying often to keep spf levels up (easy to sweat or rub off). She provides daily tips on improving skin care, and the best I’ve read is that you can repair slight skin damage by using corrective actions, such as SPFs daily.
All of these formulas are very rich in a good way, and clearly keep the skin in a condition to keep it well hydrated. I personally think lack of proper moisturizing and protection is a huge reason we can begin to look older than we are, and love how this line combats that problem.
If you have a chance, catch a facial at one of her locations! Renee Rouleau Skin Care Spas were awarded “Best Spa” by Allure readers, with locations in Dallas and Plano. The only focus is skincare, so attention is not divided between hair or other therapies. Her celebrity client list is long, and the line is rapidly gaining popularity as word catches on across the US. 
I have to mention that in addition to her skincare line, Rouleau is also extremely personable and professional. She takes skincare very seriously, and still has fun! Look soon for transcript to our Solessence Radio Interview.
I previously reviewed Mint Buffing Beads
Renee Rouleau, voted #1 spa in Dallas by Allure Magazine readers, is offering 15% off all products for the annual anniversary sale. With products developed for 9 different skin types, your routine can be customized to your needs. Use code S2009 at checkout. www.reneerouleau.com
First world-wide announcement made on Solessence Radio Show
Pevonia Botania, one of the finest prestige skincare lines in the spa industry,launches a new consumer website today, May 4, 2009. 
Previously available only through spas and premier hotels, the new site offers a way for current customers and those interested in the product to make purchases from the comfort of their keyboard. Multiple specials are running, including free samples, free shipping (orders over $50) and big giveaway prizes. Lines include the new SpaTeen and a skincare set for men.
For more information on how this line is expanding in a down economy without sacrificing their image, listen live or download the Solessence interview with Janet Morgan of Pevonia, here!
