Meet Rebecca LaRue-McPike of Kalamazoo MI

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca LaRue-McPike.

Rebecca, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Being the only girl with three older brothers, I carved out my own vibe early on. I loved playing dress-up, experimenting with my mom’s makeup, and binge-watching Jaclyn Hill tutorials like it was my job. By middle school, I was completely hooked and practicing on my friends whenever I could.

Everything clicked when I joined the cosmetology program at the Van Buren Technology Center. I originally signed up just to get out of high school for half the day, but once I stepped into that classroom, I knew I had found my path. I fell in love with transformation, especially through hair color, which completely surprised me. My grandma was also a hairstylist, and while her career looked very different from mine, I think the creative spark was always in me.

Not long after starting the program, I began doing hair and makeup for school plays. That gave me my first real experience bringing a full look together and helping people feel their best on stage. I also grew up in a small town and was active in 4-H, showing animals at the fair. Even though I didn’t always love it, it taught me discipline and built the work ethic I carry into my business today.

Over the years, I’ve worked in a variety of salon environments, from fast-paced and high-volume settings to more luxury, detail-focused spaces. Each one pushed me to grow and helped shape how I work with clients. I’ve also invested in continued education, taking classes with industry icons like Mario Dedivanovic, Jack Martin, and Phillip Wolff. Those experiences helped refine my skills and shape the artist I’ve become.

Now, nine years into the industry, I’ve built my own business inside a beautiful salon suite that I share with one of my best friends. I specialize in soft glam makeup, dimensional color, extensions, and curly hair. Whether I’m getting a bride ready for her big day or helping a client fall in love with their hair again, my goal is always the same: to help women feel confident, radiant, and like the absolute best version of themselves.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I think a lot of people assume that if you love what you do, everything just clicks into place. But in reality, it’s taken a lot of trial and error, self-growth, and figuring things out the hard way.

Burnout was real in the beginning. I used to overbook myself, undercharge, and give way too much of my energy trying to be everything to everyone. I wanted to prove myself and make everyone happy. But I learned pretty quickly that not every client is meant for you, and not every opportunity is worth saying yes to. All money isn’t good money.

I also had to learn how to leave toxic environments, trust my gut, and know when it was time to move on. One of the biggest things I’ve realized is that some people will keep you in a version of yourself that makes them comfortable. But growth requires change. Surrounding myself with people who inspire me, and choosing to do the hard things even when I’m scared, has been a game-changer.

I’ve had moments where I thought I did everything right and still felt like I was starting over. But those experiences reminded me that alignment matters more than approval, and growth isn’t always comfortable.

Now I have a full book of clients who honestly feel like family. I’ve found my groove, and I love what I do more than ever. And while it hasn’t always been easy or glamorous, every challenge shaped me into the artist and business owner I am now.

Everyone’s path in this industry is different. There’s no foolproof roadmap. At the end of the day, it’s about showing up, trusting yourself, and staying open to growth.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a hairstylist and makeup artist with a passion for dimensional color, soft glam, and extension work. More than anything, I care about creating a space where people feel seen, celebrated, and safe.

Whether it’s enhancing natural curls, building confidence with extensions, or crafting the perfect lived-in blonde, my goal is to elevate what’s already there and help each client feel like the best version of themselves.

My style blends luxury with real life — soft, rich, effortless, and always tailored to the individual. What I’m most proud of, though, is the trust I’ve built. I’ve had the honor of being there through so many of life’s seasons — from first haircuts to wedding days, from navigating hair loss to embracing fresh starts. I’ve laughed with clients, cried with them, and watched them grow through all kinds of milestones. That connection means everything to me.

What sets me apart is the experience, the energy, and the relationship. It’s elevated without being out of reach — glamorous, but still real. I’ve created a space where luxury feels warm and personal: thoughtful, intentional, and entirely your own.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about how you look. It’s about how you feel when you leave.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was painfully shy — the kind of kid who hid behind my mom’s leg. I didn’t say much, but I was always observing, creating, and completely wrapped up in my own little glam world. I was obsessed with my dolls, especially my BRATZ and American Girl collection (I had 18 of them!). I’d spend hours styling their hair, planning salon days, and perfecting their outfits down to the tiniest detail.

I tried sports — gymnastics, softball, even soccer — but quickly realized I was a total clutz. I once picked up the soccer ball mid-game and walked off with it. I did dance too, mostly for the glitter, the makeup, and the costumes. And when I was six, I went bowling with my family and somehow left with stitches. Safe to say, glam was always more my thing than athletics.

Looking back, 4-H actually helped bring me out of my shell. I didn’t love it at the time, but it gave me structure, taught me how to show up confidently, and helped me find my voice. And my mom definitely didn’t ease me into anything — she pushed me into every activity that might help me grow. Her version of confidence bootcamp.

That quiet, creative little girl had no idea she’d build a career around beauty and connection, but it makes so much sense now. I learned how to really see people, how to notice the details, and how to help others feel their best. And once I found my people, I came out of my shell completely. I haven’t really stopped talking since.

Now I get to live out that creative spark every day, making people feel confident, seen, and just a little more glam than when they walked in

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @LooksByLaRue