We had the good fortune of connecting with Emily Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emily, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Taking risks are fundamental in achieving the impossible. In my experience taking a risk gives you the motivation to work harder and provides a greater threshold to Learn and grow from all of the experience taking a risk provides. I left the medical field which was consistent and safe to achieve what I was truly passionate about. In my younger days I didn’t know if I had enough money for my rent, car payment or even food on a few occasions. Experiencing a true struggle from that risk changed me and my life in the best of ways. I work hard, remember the people that helped me along the way and always try to encourage others to take a risk to Pursue their dreams . Even if you fail, you will learn from it, let that motivate you to try again. It’s worth it!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
One day in hair school we were told that statistically only two of us sitting in that class would actually stay in the industry long-term and be successful. I looked around and said “well there’s room for one more“! The class laughed, But I was dead serious! I met my mentor Tanya Carpenter At Michael Flores Salon. I had a few very successful and talented artist believe in me and gave me the tools for success! Although Assisting a very busy stylist and building a clientele while living on 300-500 hundred dollars a week was a challenge it helped me stay hungry, and to continue to work towards the same success my mentors had. 15 years later I am that tired Hair stylist I had always hoped to be(lol) Having a wonderful supportive salon family @ LA maison and Alice Vajo who helps assist me during the week is so important to keep everything balanced and successful. Even though this job is so fun and fulfilling. It can be emotionally and physically draining. Work life balance has been the most challenging part of my career. Listening to that inner voice is so important so that you meet your own needs, if you don’t take care of yourself you can’t take care of others.

A few of the highlights have been to work in amazing locations across the country working destination weddings, doing hair and make up for one of the Real Housewives of Dallas, I have to admit Seeing my name in the credits on Bravo was pretty cool. Most importantly is that I have the most fabulous clients every day! That is the best part!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Ohh let me see.. fun is a struggle for me.. (insert sarcasm here) There are so many amazing restaurants!

Perry’s steak house has amazing views and a great steak! Eddie V’s will remember your name and have your drink served up to perfection! The Katy trail Ice house is a chill spot and great to people watch! Alamo draft house has the coolest movies at times and the beer is cold! The Perot museum will refresh your memory and unlock your inner child in the Lego room!

Design district
The charles the best Focaccia bread in town !
El bolero awesome craft cocktails !
Pie tap for awesome basil froze’

Some of my favorite trendy spots are Mi Cocina, (even Mick Jagger talked about it on his last tour here) having a Mambo Taxi is a must! Tulum and Elephant East have the coolest vibe and craft cocktails! The attention to detail on your meal is amazing! Bishop arts, Downtown, lower Greenville, Knox Henderson area, Highland Park village, Trinity grooves! The list goes on and on !

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to start by thanking each client that puts their trust in me, believes in me and allows me to do what I love each day. I would not have the career I do without each of you! To every artist that I have met along the way that has taken their time to teach me, given advice, provide a listening ear and helped me grow-Thank you !!! I am grateful to be surrounded by such talent throughout the years.

Instagram: Beautybyemilym

Image Credits
Photo of me on the black hat goes to Bonnie Pena Ig:thefotobon Wedding photo: Allison Jeffers photography

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