Q: How long have you been learning hair?
Millie: 1 year total with beauty school and my apprenticeship.
Q: Tell us a little bit about your hair journey up to this point?
Millie: Growing up I always had super frizzy hair and was super insecure about it. I would just brush my hair and put it in a bun. When I got into middle school and high school I would straighten it. Then I learned how to style my natural wavy/curly hair and feel so much better about my hair. I want to help others feel the same way, confident and beautiful.
Q: What made you want to become a hairstylist?
Millie: College didn’t work out for me, I just knew I wasn’t going to be in a “traditional” career field. Growing up feeling insecure about my hair was hard! Once I figured out how to style and care for my hair I was a whole new person. I found doing my own hair or my friend’s hair was so fun and therapeutic and making others feel confident is such a good feeling. After college didn’t work out I knew I had to seriously think about what I wanted to do and starting a career in the beauty/hair industry just felt right.
Q: What’s your favorite thing to learn behind the chair and why?
Millie: So far blowouts! They relax me and creating a hairstyle with the dryer and brush is so therapeutic.
Q: What’s your favorite aspect of being a part of the apprenticeship at PRISM Hair in Richmond, Virginia?
Millie: The stylists and the amazing team I work with. They make learning hair and work such a comfortable and supportive environment. I’m also learning so much!
Q: What brought you to PRISM Hair in Richmond, Virginia?
Millie: I moved here to Richmond in July 2023 and started attending beauty school in Midlothian. I needed a job so I reached out to a couple salons (PRISM being one of them) asking if they were looking for a front desk girl or salon assistant. I wanted to get a head start in the industry. All of the responses I got back were saying they weren’t currently hiring so I just started working at a restaurant. Four months later PRISM responded to my email asking if I was still looking for a job. I went into the interview just thinking it would be a front desk job, but then Brittany the owner told me about her apprenticeship program. After hearing about her program and how she runs her salon I asked if I could transfer from my beauty school program into her apprenticeship program. She said yes and I’m so thankful I’m here now!
Q: Are you working on anything exciting through the rest of 2024?
Millie: Well currently I am working on my cutting skills and I learn something new every week!
Q: What’s the hair tool you can’t live without?
Millie: A hair brush!
Q: What advice do you give people in your shoes?
Millie: Hard work and initiative pays off! If you are passionate and have a good work ethic you will succeed in your apprenticeship. Being an apprentice and working hard sets you up for a successful career.
Q: What’s the best hair advice you’ve ever been given?
Millie: Always find a way you can elevate your service for the guest. And consistency is key.