Iles Formula Hair Talk with Michelle Stall from Vibe Salon and Co

Meet Michelle Stall, the owner of Vibe Salon and Co.

Michelle has been in the industry since 2006 and has an extreme passion for what she does. She started her journey at the Paul Mitchell Academy in Tampa Florida. Then 14 years later her vision, passion and hard work ethic led her to open Vibe Salon and Company in August of 2019 with 5 stylists in Valrico Florida. She is living out her dream in this salon. She loves teamwork and continued education and making people feel good about themselves.

See more of her work and Vibe Salon and Co @vibesalonandco

IF: Tell us what you think is the biggest challenge in hairdressing today?

I think the biggest challenge in hairdressing today is not comparing yourself to everyone else in the industry, Social media is such a huge part of what we do now as a stylist and it can do some really amazing things for our careers but it can mentally take you down if you let it. Also a work/life balance I struggle with this so much!

IF: What’s the most enjoyable part of your job?

I love my clients so much but the best part of my job is my team for sure. They keep me going and inspired. We all Vibe so well, we more like sisters. The salon life day in and day out would def not be the same without them.

IF: Why did you choose the path of hairdressing and was it easy to fall into this work?

I chose it because growing up I was always wanting to practice on my friend's hair and I just loved everything hair and beauty related. I'm also a very hands-on person so it fits perfectly with my learning style. I love being creative and trying new things and in our industry there no limits and so many and ways to express your self and use our talents, the options are endless and I love that. I wouldn't say it wasn't easy I def worked hard to get to where I am and I have earned my spot but I took the typical steps. I graduated hair school, went to a commission-based salon, went booth rental and now own my own salon.

IF: If you had not made the decision to be a hairdresser what would you have been?

Oh boy, I can't even imagine not being a hairdresser, but probably something with organizing or party planning or maybe a personal assistant. The girls at work always tease me because I have a list of EVERYTHING. I am defiantly a girl with a plan!

IF: What is your greatest strength?

Organizing / Multi-tasking

IF: Your favorite hairdressing tools?

A curling Iron and Toner. These things make magic happen daily in the salon.

IF: Tell us about your relationship with Iles Formula. How you discovered us and which formula is your favorite?

I first discovered Iles at Habit salon when I was there training in their HT extension method. While being there I got my hair colored by one of the stylist @Hairbykenzie.t and she used the products in my hair and the smell is what honestly sold me first. I still can't get over it. Then I bought a kit from them took it home and have been in love ever since. I opened my own salon a year later and you will always be able to find it on our shelves! The serum is my favorite product.

IF: What was your worst hair moment and why....privately or on set/stage or in the salon?

Nothing sticks our specifically, but we have all been there as a stylist and had days where you just feel off. We are human and unfortunately can't please everyone. You just have to keep going and remember tomorrow and another day.

IF: If you could style anyone's hair, who would it be and why?

There are a ton of celebrities that I would love to list but for sure Kim K! Her hair just always look so beautiful and shiny!

IF: Where do you pull hair inspiration from?

Instagram. There are so many amazing artists out there I could scroll for hours.

IF: Your advice to young hairdressers starting out?

Never let up, Assist your mentor first before getting behind a chair and grab as much knowledge as you can from them this might be one of the best things you can do in your whole career, always try and keep up with the trends or new styles, if not this industry will leave you behind, always keep a strong social media presence, and always stay true to yourself and your style.