Rising Stars: Meet Molly Pool of Portage

Today we’d like to introduce you to Molly Pool

Hi Molly, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I decided in highschool that I wanted to do hair and makeup professionally for a living. I chose to do sports and wait until after highschool to attend Cosmetology school, instead of taking dual enrollment classes during highschool. But I did have the amazing opportunity to take 8 different and full year art classes through my highschool years. Incredibly, when my mom and I were getting ready for my highschool graduation party, we were going through all the grade school items she had kept for me throughout the years; and we found a page I had made in Kindergarten that was labeled by my teacher as: “What I want to be when I grow up:” And I had drawn myself doing hair. Of course, I had changed my mind dozens of times between Kindergarten and highschool, but my 5 year old self turned out to be pretty wise and apparently self aware!

Makeup was what originally drew my interest. I used to use any type of cosmetics I could get my hands on as a young girl. I would mix and match and experiment and play with it for hours in my room. I also loved painting my nails and taught myself how to braid on my Barbie when I was 5 or 6 years old. In middle school I was practicing updos on my American Girl doll. By 9th grade, it was obvious that I should combine my natural creative abilities that I enjoyed so much, with my passion for people and connecting through relationships. Seeking my cosmetology license would provide a creative outlet, while prioritizing a purpose of helping others see their own beauty and value.

I worked hard and finished full time Cosmetology school in less than a year. Through some awesome references and connections in my community, I got a job right away and have been blessed to work with the same salon family since the day I got my license.

I continue to take new education and practice and I enjoy learning new skills regularly. I naturally get excited to take on new challenges, and this industry is always changing, keeping things fresh and new.

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?
When I first got my license in 2008, the economy, and in turn our local community, was going through a rough time. And social media wasn’t a normal part of life at all yet. So building a clientele as a very young 19 year old back then was really challenging. We could have a good chuckle over the ideas and lengths we would go to trying to generate bootys in my chair in those early days! But I undoubtedly learned numerous invaluable lessons through those first years.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
One of the things I love most about this industry is the variety. I really do enjoy haircuts and haircoloring, as well as makeup and bridal styling work. I think I would get bored if I chose to do only one aspect. I love doing weddings and am so blessed to be busy with weddings all season long. Working with brides on such a joyous and special occasion is truly such an honor and brings me a lot of joy. But in the off-wedding season, I really do like focusing on my color and haircutting clients, and honing my skills and relishing those relationships I’ve had with my long-time clients for so many years now.

My favorite colors to do are the ones that make my guests happy and feel beautiful and confident. I love a beautiful deep brunette as much as I do a bright and lovely blonde. And I love the challenge of creating actual rainbows and art with bold and bright colors too.

My first loves that brought me to the industry will always hold a special place for me too. Makeup and formal hair styles will always make me giddy as I create those looks.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The pandemic made me resolve to be resilient. The shutdown highlighted how important my work is to me, and how much I appreciate my job. I am someone who thrives on being able to be productive and helpful. I did what I could from home, but nothing compares to going to work with my people every day.

Pricing:

• Check out my website for price information!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mollypoolstylist.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mollypoolstylist
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MpoolStylist
• Other: https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-hair-makeup/molly-pool-stylist