This woman right here inspires us every day. Our fearless & loving leader, Helen, was featured on Roc Girl Gang’s blog.
Check out the full story here: www.rocgirlgang.com
Story // ROCGIRLGANGPhotography // Jenny Berliner of Jenny Berliner PhotographyHand Lettering // Kari Swenson of Kari Elizabeth Design
Tell us a little about yourself and what you do.
My name is Helen Miller. I am a wife, mother, grandmother and entrepreneur. My husband and I have co-owned Scott Miller for the past 32 years. Our business is one that is constantly evolving and it is a huge passion of mine. We both feel grateful everyday for the work that we get to do and the people that we get to share it with. My search for knowledge, truth and inspiration is a path I’ve always been on. I am always looking to grow and expand on different aspects of my life. I love the beauty industry and the fact that it is forever changing. The fact that we get to do what we do everyday is a gift. Even though I was born in Brooklyn, Rochester is my home and I love it. I have always felt that Rochester deserves the finest that the beauty industry has to offer and that is why Scott and I have made it our mission to curate the most coveted brands and services that are available. We wanted to create a place where people felt accepted, loved and cared for. Our dream was for people to come to Scott Miller and experience a place where they felt and looked amazing.
What did you want to be when you were a child?
When I was a child, my dream was to become an actress. At an early age I was on stage performing and pursued acting through my college years. My parents were not in love with this idea as a career choice, so I graduated with a degree in Economics. Talk about opposite ends of the spectrum.
How did you get started? What were some of the difficulties you faced in starting?
Shortly after Scott and I were married, we decided we wanted to open a salon that provided world class training, a culture of mutual respect as well as cult followed products. We wanted to work with like minded people that were extremely passionate about their craft as well as devoted to serving clients in a remarkable way. The challenge we faced was building a staff without soliciting hairdressers from other salons. It just didn’t feel right to us. We made the decision from the beginning to train all of our hairdressers right after they graduated. Though this can be a slow an arduous process its proven to be well worth it.
What is your greatest strength?
I feel that if I had to say what my greatest strength is, it would be my ability to be compassionate and understanding. I always choose to celebrate what is right in people and their actions while striving to give our team helpful tools to be the best versions of themselves.
What is your best advice to someone just starting out? What advice do you wish someone had said to you?
My first piece of advice would be to choose to focus on what is right, not wrong and to have gratitude. Always remember, its not about you. Serve your team with kindness and understanding while creating space between situations and your reactions.
What inspires you?
Fashion, all aspects. I love hair, makeup, clothes, photography, animals and babies. They all uniquely bring me so much joy and pure happiness.
What is your favorite part of what you do?
My favorite part of what I do is the coaching and mentoring. I love connecting with our SM family, staff and clients alike. I love potential, seeing growth and the possibilities is truly inspirational.
What do you find most challenging?
I find it challenging that some people don’t understand who we are. What we could hope for is for those people to come and experience first hand the genuine character and devotion that our staff engenders. We have always strived to create an atmosphere and culture where there is something for everyone.
Name some local creatives that you really admire.
Hasan Bayram is extremely inspirational to me. He is a master craftsman and tailor. He works incredibly hard everyday with his family at Thimble Tailor. Cordell and Rachel Cordaro are two amazing artists and wonderful people in our Rochester community. Last but not least Mike Calabrese; restauranteur, entrepreneur and an amazing man. Javas, Post Magazine and co-owner of Good Luck. He is a true Renaissance man.
