Today we’d like to introduce you to Lily Marcom.
Hi Lily, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve always loved to draw and have been interested in all forms of art. I’ve always found it fascinating how your own hands and mind can create something out of nothing.
For a long time, I never imagined doing it professionally. I struggled with confidence, and growing up I often heard that art wasn’t something you could really make a living from unless you were the best of the best. Because of that, I didn’t seriously consider pursuing it—it was just a fun hobby!
I ended up going to cosmetology school and became a hairstylist, which still allows me to be creative, just in a different way. I’ve now been working at Reds Salon and Day Spa in downtown Grand Haven for two years.
When I first started at the salon, I noticed they had a sandwich board outside and asked if I could design it just for fun. It quickly became part of my role, and I realized how much I loved it. With each board, my skills grew.
One day, another stylist, Sue, suggested I start doing boards for other businesses around town. Interesting enough, that idea had never even crossed my mind. Of course, I had doubts—wondering if my work was good enough or if anyone would actually pay for it—but I decided to take a chance, even though it pushed me out of my comfort zone.
After building up the courage, I started going from shop to shop downtown, asking if they’d be interested. To my surprise, I started getting inquiries.
A couple of years later, I’ve had the opportunity to work with amazing local businesses like Silverfire, Soulshine Juice, Honeybee, Smokey Jose’s, Haven + Main, The Book Cellar, and Mirthy’s. I’m incredibly grateful for their support and for trusting me with their spaces.
Today, I’m still a hairstylist, and I bring that same artistic eye into every client I work with. Alongside that, I create chalkboards, signage, and my favorite—window paintings.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to step into mural work and continue growing as an artist. Art has no limits, and I’m really excited to see where it takes me!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Overall, it’s been a pretty smooth journey. My clients have been happy with my work, and it genuinely brings me so much joy to see their reactions.
That being said, my biggest struggle has been my own self-confidence. Even when a piece turns out well, I tend to focus on the smallest imperfections that most people probably wouldn’t even notice.
At the same time, that challenge has also pushed me to grow. It’s actually one of the reasons I decided to pursue this as a side business—to step outside of my comfort zone and learn to trust myself more.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I currently work at Reds Salon and Day Spa as a hairstylist, specializing in lived-in dimensional color, hair extensions, and working with both brunettes and blondes. I’m also working toward becoming a specialist in Asian hair, which is something I’m really passionate about.
As a client, you can expect genuine conversations and a very detail-oriented experience, I make sure everything is done thoughtfully and with care.
How do you define success?
For a long time, I defined success by how much money I made. Over time, I’ve realized it’s not about that—it’s about showing up, doing your best in every moment, and how you treat the people you work with. If I can say I gave something my all, that’s success to me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.artisan.trio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Hy9b9GutZ/
