Meet Torrie Small | Colorist and Traveling Makeup Artist

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

Hi Torrie, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
When it comes to starting your own business, there really isn’t a fifty fifty balance like people dream of. It is a give and take like any healthy relationship. Some times you will find yourself so focused on working IN the business then, other times, you will focus more attention to working ON the business. Only you will know what your balance is though. I look at my life like I have buckets I need to fill daily. I need to work out [even if it’s a thirty minute walk], I need to spend time with my family [at breakfast my kiddos get all my attention and at night when they go to bed my wife and I put our phones down and talk about our days and decompress together], I need to either work ON or IN the business that day [regardless if I am in the shop doing hair, making a social media post, or even doing paperwork], and I read at least five to ten pages of a self help book. Are there days I take a nap because I am stressed out? Yes. Do I still fill my buckets? Yes.
Life is always going to throw you curveballs right when you thought you figured it out. Boss up, only worry about what you can control, fill your buckets, and you will accomplish anything you set your mind to.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
If I could get a doctorate in hair I would. I love everything about healthy hair, down to the disulfide bonds and amino acids. Finding products that are the most proficient in the industry to use and helping people achieve personal excellence along the way. Fully encompassing how people view themselves mentally and physically. I have been blessed and highly favored with some of the mentors I have had in my career. When it comes down to it, they all say the same thing, put yourself out there. So, that’s what I keep doing. The worst thing someone is ever going to tell you is no. If there are reasons then you can take as constructive criticism and try again.
When it comes to me, I just want to help the world, one color at a time.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If you get the chance to see the Mississippi River, stop in a little town called Bellevue, Iowa. It’s quaint, the people are friendly, and the beer at River Ridge Brewery is pretty amazing. They have a nice ice cream parlor in the summer time called Grandpa’s Parlor, talk about ma and pa nostalgia. Hiking? Yeah, we can do that at Feldermen Park or even State Park. We can go on the pontoon or even just fish on the river bank if you want. There’s plenty of places to camp too which is great! There is also this.old castle called Mt Rest, that it is now a bed and breakfast that does murder mysteries too.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My wife Libby has been my biggest fan and supporter in all of this. She helped me heal after an almost fatal car accident, she introduced me to her barber Molly, and she stands by my side to this day. Libby is my backbone in our business and I love her for everything she does. I also want to say thank you to Molly and her wife Angie at Fresh Feel Fade in Iowa City, Iowa. They took a chance on me as a stylist. They helped me grow independently and showed me how to run a business.

Website: www.freshfeelfade.com

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