Today we’d like to introduce you to Chrissy Masse.
Chrissy, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My story began at Blaine Beauty Schools with a not-so-impressed mannequin head. When my career in the industry finally kick-started, I threw myself into the fire and did it all (colors, cuts, waxing, etc). Since many stylists at my salon despised up-dos, by default I became the “go-to girl” for prom season. It was around that time I realized I had a passion for up-styling.
Anyone that has worked in the hair industry knows that building up a clientele is not a quick, nor easy process. After about a year of working on the floor, I was starting to feel defeated. Putting in long hours trying to fill my inconsistent schedule. Bills were still expected to be paid, even if I wasn’t.
A few family members working for the Department of Correction kept urging me to apply. State job, good benefits, consistent pay; after several failed attempts, I was finally hired. I decided that on top of working 40 hours a week, I was still going to do nights and weekends at the salon so I didn’t “lose touch” with the hair world.
Fast forward several years and salons later. My passion for hair was dwindling and I was tired of salon drama. Just going through the motions; afraid of losing my long-time clients. Around that time, I agreed to assist my boss with a couple on-location wedding parties. The excitement that the wedding day brought had me feeling inspired and empowered. Happiness and love filled the room. Thoughts began filling my head. Why can’t I do this all the time? Specializing in bridal hair… is that a thing? I started seeing signs that my boss did not want me to succeed in this venture. At that moment, I realized I needed to take a leap and follow my dream. I quit my salon job and began spending countless hours practicing, researching how to start a business, building a website, and attending training classes in NH, NY, LA and London. I didn’t give up and kept pushing, silently wondering when all my hard work was finally going to pay off.
Today, I am the proud owner of Vow to Style LLC, booking up to two years in advance. I recently did hair for a TV personality and have a destination wedding lined up for later this year. I couldn’t be happier to see how far I’ve come and how I was able to bring my business idea to life. Sometimes, it’s tough balancing two jobs; but my passion for bridal hair keeps growing and I hope for it to someday be my only full-time job. I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for Vow to Style!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My road has not been a smooth one, that’s for sure. Anyone know a freshly-paved shortcut?
A major adversity I faced happened right after graduating from hair school. I was eager to start my career; working in a salon as a “shampoo girl” with a promise to eventually move onto the floor. One busy Saturday, I received a devastating phone call that my brother had passed. I quit my job there on the spot with no intention of returning to the hair industry. Fast forward to a year or so later, my aunt pushed me to meet with her stylist because she had a job available for me. I hesitantly agreed, knowing the owner was aware of my situation. She let me start with limited hours to get back in the swing of things. When something bad happens, you have three choices. You can either let it define you, let it destroy you or you can let it strengthen you.
Not only for my story but for any women just starting their journey, my advice is: DO NOT GIVE UP! The beginning is always the hardest. NETWORK and build connections! Whatever your industry may be, surround yourself with like-minded individuals who support and motivate you to do better. HARD WORK and CONSISTENCY will get you far. TAKE (and post) PICTURES of your work! SOCIAL media is a HUGE part of today’s society (almost a full-time job in itself!) Also, REVIEWS! Who doesn’t read a review before they purchase a product or service nowadays? Get past clients or customers to review you! Last but not least and most importantly – NEVER STOP LEARNING and practice, practice, PRACTICE! You will never grow if you don’t practice your craft and challenge yourself!
What should we know about Vow to Style? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Braiding and up-styling are what I’m best known for. I regularly practice new braids and styles to stay up-to-date with the latest trends. I also offer various types of hair extensions (clip-ins, micro/bonded/tape-ins, halo) and also hair padding and fillers for fine/thin hair to help achieve that “Instagram worthy” hairstyle.
Vow to Style specializes in on-site bridal hair. On your wedding day, what is better than letting the beauty experts come to you? What sets me apart from others is my organization skills, calm demeanor and willingness to go above and beyond to make my client happy with the results. My jokes aren’t that bad, either!
Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
I think my mom’s childhood haircuts, AKA bangs starting from the back of my head, scarred me as a kid and made me want to do better (just kidding, mom)! I honestly had no idea growing up that hair was in my future. I did know, however, that I loved my big, rounded (excessively hair sprayed) bangs and always felt the need to go to school with the “perfect messy bun”. Crafting and drawing came naturally; I even took it upon myself to graffiti my bedroom walls with permanent marker. Whoops!
It’s safe to say that I’ve always been an entrepreneur at heart with a hustler’s mentality. In other words, someone whose ambition and aspirations line up together. Someone who knows what they want and is willing to make short-term sacrifices to get what they want. Someone who doesn’t make excuses when they don’t achieve their goals – looking at the issue square in the eye and accepting it as a challenge and an opportunity to improve. Just remember, every successful person was once a person who refused to give up on their dream!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.vowtostyle.com
- Phone: 508-397-6803
- Email: chrissy@vowtostyle.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/vowtostyle
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/vowtostyle
- Other: www.weddingwire.com/vowtostyle
Image Credit:
Ella Iannotti Photography, Ryan DeVoll Photography, Ella Farrell Photography, Person + Killian Photography, Ann Marie Swift Photography, Meredith Jane Photography
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