Meet Desiree Stevens | Hairstylist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Desiree Stevens and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Desiree, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
I recall a conversation with a client who was using her career to create big change and positive impact in the San Diego community. As she told me about her superhero day, I felt as if I wasn’t doing enough with my own career. I told her  “I want to do more than just make people look good.” She looked me deep in the eyes and reminded me; “If I didn’t have you taking care of me, and these important moments of self-care, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do every day. People like us need people like you!” It’s such a valid idea; that hairdressers are care-takers. We fill everyone’s cup so they can take on the world and do big things. I have clients who are doctors, lawyers, law enforcement, military and mother’s- and they rely on me to give them a much needed reprieve from the hard work they’re doing every day.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I love using an intuitive approach in my work. This means letting go of what has methodically worked in the past in order to always try new things. I am able to meet the needs of a diverse clientele, with each person having their own unique color formulas, extensions placements, haircut techniques and even styling. I alway say “No two snowflakes are alike.”

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I want to keep my favorite places a secret, but mother nature is meant to be shared! I always take visitors to Torrey Pines for a morning hike or a scenic drive through La Jolla. We often take walks through my neighborhood and check out the historic homes. In my opinion, San Diego has some of the best restaurants in the world, even the food trucks are of insane quality! I love showing off Consortium restaurants (Craft&Commerce, Born&Raised, Morning Glory), or grabbing coffee at Dark Horse or Pappalecco.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Im going to shoutout an author and more specifically, a book that changed everything for me; “The Tipping Point” by Malcolm Gladwell became relevant to me when I needed it the most. I read it during beauty school and it really set the pace for my entire career. The book explains that it really only takes one small action or person to create monumental change in the world. Malcolm fuses his own theories with scientific research and it’s just so fascinating to learn from him! Ive since read so many of his books. As a hairstylist, his books have helped me navigate my clients’ needs from a sociological perspective. And so much so that it’s actually inspired me to return to college in my free time, with a major in sociology!

Instagram: Desireeprostylist

Image Credits
Portraits by Tatiyana