20 Questions for Our First SM Stylist – Mary Kay

1. How long have you been at SM?​

31 years.

2. Have you always wanted to do hair? ​

Yes, from a very young age. The Barbie beauty salon rocked my world.

3. What’s your favorite part about living in Rochester?​

Rochester has so much natural beauty! The Finger Lakes, Lake Ontario, the river. We are so lucky to have such gorgeous parks.

4. First thing you do when you wake up in the morning?

Pray or meditate on gratitude as soon as the alarm goes off. It sets the tone for the day.

5. What is one thing you can’t leave home without?

My phone and lipgloss.

6. Favorite memory from SM?

I can’t pick just one favorite! There are way too many! Most of them are of laughter. We always have so much fun! When we train, when we celebrate, when we travel together. The thing is you can cut hair anywhere. We stay because we love each other and our clients.

7. So we know you have been with SM since day 1. What was it like transitioning from a small salon in Fairport to our flagship in Pittsford?

We had growing pains for sure! The first couple of years were crazy. Going from a small intimate group to close to one hundred employees. We all had to let go of our egos and the system that worked in a small space for a hair salon. We became a salon, spa, and retail store. All equally important but new to us and Rochester. Back then day spas were only in larger cities. A lot of people thought Scott was crazy for going for it (they didn’t really know him). But we all trusted him and it was clear clients were ready for something new.

8. What’s the best advice Scott has given you?

“In any given situation, what is the most loving thing you can do Mary Kay? Often times it’s to be an observer.” I still work on that one. (I may or may not have been reactionary in my youth)

9. Go-to style product?

Lately, Bumble curl mousse on fine hair for body. Always Oribe super fine hairspray.

10. Favorite lipstick color?

Mac “I’m Glistening” from the Holliday Collection. It’s pretty on no-makeup days and if you put it over anything, it’s a party. LOVE it!

11. Favorite food?

I love all food! But I cannot live without chocolate for long or I get very crabby.

12. Best advice for young stylists?

Learn from EVERYBODY! Even people you aren’t drawn to are put in your path for a reason. (It’s that whole be an observer thing again) And you are here because the management and trainers see something in you. Anxiety is the worst waste of time! We are all here to help you grow. Relax and be a sponge.

13. What’s your go-to cocktail?

Patron margarita straight up with salt or a nice red wine cause it’s good for my heart.

14. What’s your favorite place you’ve visited?

Sedona AZ. It is a powerful place and I really didn’t want to leave.

15. Have you ever had any embarrassing hair moments? If so, please share.

1984 I was sportin’ a nasty mullet. And there have been some regrettable bang trims after happy hour…

16. If you weren’t doing hair, what would you be doing?

Honestly, I can’t picture it. No clue.

17. Do you have any pets?

I have the cutest little Boxer named Tilly. She is hilarious!

18. Who does your hair?

Jenn, Lee, Maureen…anyone who has time when I do. I like to torture them by doing length one-day layers another, bangs another. I am not great at sitting and having services done for myself. I trust everybody here.

19. Favorite skincare product?

SkinCeuticals H.A. intensifier and this time of year- SHIMA hand creme

20. What is one cause that you care deeply about?

How do I pick one? ALS research. My husband died of ALS. Breast cancer has touched so many dear friends family and clients. Feeding the hungry. I am equally passionate about all three.