Meet Lacey Norfleet | Bridal Stylist & Sunkissed Hair Specialist

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

Hi Lacey, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I love this question and it’s one I’m passionate about. I was initially drawn to the beauty industry years ago because I knew one day I’d have a family and I wanted to be able to make them the priority. The beauty industry can be so flexible and allow me to do just that. However, for YEARS, I spent every Saturday working because that’s what was expected and I didn’t see there were other options. I told myself it was one of those things that come with the job and a sacrifice I needed to make to be successful. But then, two years ago I joined a coaching program just for hairstylists and my coach opened my eyes to what’s possible and I’ve transformed my business in so many ways. I finally took the leap this summer and stopped working Saturdays at the salon. What I’ve realized is that while I may have lost a client or two with that decision, my business is flourishing more than ever and so is my family life. My oldest child is 6 and for the last 6 years I’ve realized just how much I was missing out on with my three kids. I’m able to spend real quality time with my kids and husband, go to my son’s soccer games, go for a hike or even just watch tv and relax as a family. I still do wedding hair on the weekends but I can be selective about how thick my schedule becomes with that. I have made it to all but one of my sons soccer games this season and still had a healthy wedding season around that. That never happened when I was booked 8-10 hours a day and up to 2 months in advance at the salon. I feel so grateful for the clients who have supported me through every shift I have made in my business and who are proud of me for making family a priority and I’m extra grateful for my family who has supported me while I figure out how to balance my two passions.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When I started doing hair 13 years ago, I did it all. Mens cuts, women’s cuts, blonding, perms, updos, etc. To be honest, there were so many things I could do but made me feel anxious or didn’t light my fire. Like a huge color correction, mens cuts, etc. My business coach has really helped me figure out what kind of hair I am really good at and enjoy doing and start to specialize in that and leave the rest behind. Once I started specializing in sunkissed hair, I began to brand for that and attract those clients seeking my particular skill set and my business has grown tremendously doing exactly what I love and am really good at. Last year I decided I wanted to pursue wedding hair as well. I had many people tell me I was wasting my talent. They were right. I do believe my true talent lives with creating updos and styles and I want to share that with everyone. My next plan is to move into the educational space and teach other stylists how to create beautiful styles and grow their wedding business as well. It’s all sort of new and scary but I believe I was meant for it and I’m going to go for it!

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.
This question makes me feel so boring. I’m truly a homebody. I love being at home with my family. Whenever I’ve had friends come in from out of town, we always head to the mountains. I mean, isn’t that why people come to Colorado? Grand Lake has a special place in my heart. I grew up in Grand County and love the feeling of getting out of the city. We always hike Adams Falls and then go to town and get ice cream at Miyouchi’s Snack Stand and sit by the lake. That’s my idea of a perfect day!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shoutout to my amazing coach, Britt Seva, for her help in transforming my business! Thank you to my family who supports me so well and to my beautiful clients who just want to see me succeed.

Website: www.illuminate-salon.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/illuminatesalon.lacey
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/illuminate-salon-denver

Image Credits
Katrina Joseph