Stacey Rackham + Hair

Happy Mother’s Day to my patient and generous Mother.

Early in my career she held faith in my to do her color when I knew little about formulation and turned her hair blonde and orange. She was tolerant as I set up a salon in her kitchen a year later and hustled to pay my student loans.

She didn’t immediately shut down my side project of home haircare and looking back, I don’t know where she found the patience for my passion to cut hair at all hours of the night as I promised her that I was building my clientele. 😆

When I was working two jobs to support myself as a young stylist, she would dog sit for me when I worked doubles on the weekends in exchange for a blowout and style. I built my pace, speed and technique on those Sunday mornings we spent together in her living room using a computer chair.

When I told my mom I was going to become a salon owner in late 2015 and shared all of my thoughts and confidence she listened but was reserved, direct and honest. She said, “Stacey, it’s going to be a lot harder than you know. I don’t know if this is going to be what you want it to be and I don’t want to see you struggle.”

And of course I didn’t listen because who listens to their mother’s wisdom? 😏

But she was there on the first day (the first photo) and helped me clean and organize and manage towels throughout the last 9 years (every single time the washer broke). She has cleaned chair bases of smudges, swept up after dozens of haircuts, set up for events and has scrubbed countless color bowls to support my team and my dream. ❤️

My mom was right. It has been hard, more challenging than I ever expected. However, she has continued to encourage me to listen to my heart, stay kind and do my best.

Her work ethic runs deep in my DNA and I’m grateful for the values she has instilled into me. I’m thankful for the hours of time she has spent helping me fulfill my goals and the generosity and nature of care that she brings to this world.

Witnessing her becoming a Grandma this year has been so special and I love seeing her nurture my sweet niece.

Happy Mother’s Day, Mama Cindy. You’re lovely and I’m so grateful to have you.

Puppy Yoga at Mint Hair Crafting was such a fun morning! We raised nearly $1400 through ticket sales and donations to Friends of Detroit Animal Care and Control.

A great thank you to my partner, Ryan, for being our barista! He came in on Saturday afternoon before his own work day and brought carafes, coffee and various creamers so we could offer a nice, warm experience to those attending on Sunday morning.

The thoughtfulness and care he always brings is such a gift to receive.

While we didn’t leave with a fourth dog yesterday that’s not to say it couldn’t happen in the future. 😆😬

Because there is always room for one more dog. ❤️

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to mentor Sophia, an aspiring entrepreneur, on business development, processes, marketing, guest journey and pretty much everything else in my mind at the moment. 🧠🤓

She took it all in and at the end showed me her report of the process we had and I was in awe of what she took away from the experience. 🥹🫶

Our paths crossing were meaningful, her mother was my floor manager when I worked at Texas Roadhouse 🤪 before, during and after I graduated Paul Mitchell for cosmetology school. Her mom was also one of my very first salon guests when I was a new stylist and I specifically remember asking about placement techniques for her haircut before she arrived. 😊

Reflecting on all I’ve learned and for the brilliant mentors in my life who’ve challenged me and offered their guidance. During our conversation I could hear the voice of Nina, the creator of , in the things I was sharing with Sophia.

Forever grateful for Nina and other who’ve led me and feeling so fortunate to have earned Sophia’s trust in learning a bit from my experiences. 😍