Conversations with Lillian Grim

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lillian Grim

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My story starts as young as 3 years old when my parents got me a Little Tikes Hair Salon for my birthday. I still remember at that young age being so excited when I woke up that morning to uncover what would start my interest in the beauty community. Growing older I enjoyed watching videos on hair and makeup, which lead me to trying those styles on my friends. I was the go to friend for all hair needs, including school dances and cheer hair styles. This all lead me to change my college plans to cosmetology. I attended Douglas J Aveda Institute in East Lansing Michigan, where I graduated with honors. Then I took my Michigan board certifications to officially become a cosmetologist. Two weeks after graduating I moved to Traverse City Michigan and started working as a commission stylist to start my career. After a year a half I decided to start my own LLC and rent a chair at an up and coming salon. During spring through late fall I enjoy doing styles for wedding parties, which allows me to go back to my roots with being creative.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road for me, and I’m sure others can relate to what I’m about to say. First, I graduated high school in 2020 when COVID was in full swing. I started college not knowing what I wanted to do. After a few weeks I knew that wasn’t for me, and I switched to cosmetology school. Second, learning a new trade while in the middle of a pandemic was not the easiest. Doing half of it online, and in person with dividers and masks was not an ideal situation for just starting out. Finally, after a year and a half of working at the salon I was at it closed unexpectedly. This required me to learn about what options I had and make the decision to work for myself. Rebuilding clientele wasn’t an easy for me, although I moved only a few miles down the road. I don’t regret any of the challenges I went through to get where I am today.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m known for my dimensional color and hair cuts. But I do it all, from every type of haircut, to any type of color. Personally, I think I’m most proud of myself when my clients see themselves with their hair all done. Nothing beats the feeling when a client’s smile is just so big from seeing their new hair, or even just making their day better by talking to them or just listening. I think what sets me apart from others is, I don’t just special is one thing, everyone always asks me what I specialize in and I can never answer it. I think having the ability to do anyone’s hair is a great asset in this industry.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can collaborate and work with me in many different ways. Personally, I’d love to work with a photographer and maybe do a photoshoot where I do the styling and they can do the photos. Other business can also work with me in the bridal world, by doing hair along side me or even makeup. People can support me by booking appointments and sharing my work!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vagaro.com/lovelylocksbylil
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovely.locks.by.lil/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/lovely.locks.by.lil/