When I first started thinking about expanding from our little shared cottage in West Palm Beach, it was always with the sense that we would have a larger space filled with our existing relationships. I never really dreamed that Social House would, instead, be a business home to almost 40 creatives, most of whom I'd met for the first time when they walked through our door. The reality of today is so much better than that initial dream, because now we have both: a sense of history and from where we came, and fresh new faces to inspire and help us all grow.
I first worked with Rebecca in 2011, while collaborating with our own Rebecca on a shoot in that first sweet little collaborative studio. Back then, she was networking and building her styling business, Phairis, after relocating to South Florida, and was just as sweet, driven, collaboration-minded and talented as she is today. She dropped in to the House to say hi and work a bit with us a few times in 2015... and I knew we just had to have her with us as a member. Today, she's rocking it with her business and making our House a better place with her positive spirit and can-do attitude. And, yesterday, we were able to be the location of a shoot (a collaborative one with other Social House members, of course) to promote her hair accessories product line for wholesale. Which is to say, it's definitely full circle at its best, and we're lucky to have her with us in this journey. We recently stole a few minutes from Rebecca's busy schedule to get her perspectives as a business owner, the tale of how she got started, and a few of her secrets for success.
What are you drinking?
Water with fresh mint, basil and thyme.
Current mood in less than 3 words:
Scattered but focused.
How did you discover that hair styling was what you wanted to do?
I've always loved hair styling, even since high school. I always did everyone's hair and I was good at it, plus I've always had an interest in fashion and beauty so it came fairly naturally.
How'd you take the leap from passion to full time job?
I seriously just jumped into it and did it. I knew what I wanted to do, so I started networking a little bit I made my own website. I didn't have a lot of training but I just taught myself how to make it work.
What's your favorite part about your industry?
The people that I get to meet. My favorite part is knowing that I did a good job and that my client (a bride, usually) is so happy with the work that I've done.
How has Social House helped you with the way you do business?
It's kept me a lot more focused. It has helped me network by meeting other vendors in the wedding industry and made me work even harder than I would be working at home.
Any productivity tips or secrets?
Coming to Social House is my productivity tip - when I step in the building I am here for a reason and I know that I must use my time wisely.
Any tips for other creatives looking to start their own business?
If you have a passion or drive for something you should definitely figure out how to make it happen. I feel like there are so many professionals out there, but highlighting your strengths will help you to succeed among the rest.
Your ah-ha moment:
When I finally took the plunge to open my own business, I decided that I needed to make it work and that was enough motivation for me to pursue my passion.
Something that has happened while owning your own business that you never could have planned for or expected:
When I permanently relocated to the United States. I had opened my own business in Canada and when I decided to move for my now husband, I basically had to start from scratch and build a new clientele in a new area. It was a good learning process.
Most challenging part and rewarding part of owning your own biz:
Challenging: Trying to schedule and prioritize my time in order to stay on top of everything. Styling hair is the easy part, it's managing my business that presents day-to-day challenges.
Rewarding: Being able to work for myself, but also being creative and others around me allowing me to experiment and trust what I do.
Most rewarding part of your week:
Sundays, when my weekend is winding down and the weddings are over so I can reflect on everything. I also love when the photographer delivers images from a wedding that I was a part of, which is always so fun to relive.
What do you wish more people knew about you?
When I first meet people I'm a bit shy and not as outgoing as I normally am, but I'm not actually as introverted as it may seem.
Your dream job:
I'm definitely doing it. I couldn't imagine doing anything else so it's pretty satisfying to make that realization.
Your favorite piece of work:
There was a glamorous ocean front wedding at the bride's grandmother's house in Highland Beach. Everything about the event was stunning, from the gown to the scenery and her hair.
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