This Women’s History Month, StyleSeat is proud to share women’s stories of empowerment in our “Because of Her” series. From our very own CEO and co-founder Melody McCloskey to a selection of Pros from all over the country, all of their narratives share a common thread of overcoming obstacles to become successful businesswomen. And what’s even more inspiring are the women in their lives who helped them along the way. In this blog, we highlight StyleSeat Pros Rochelle H. Mosley and Shawn Derrington, who were both nominated by Clients for going above and beyond as stylists and community leaders.

Rochelle H. Mosley

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There have been many women to push StyleSeat Pro Rochelle H. Mosley to be better throughout her life. But she credits family friend and mentor Sharon Robinson with teaching her to be “fast and efficient” because “time is money.” This has no doubt shaped the woman and entrepreneur she’s become today.

In a touching Women’s History Month Pro Spotlight nomination, Mosley is described as “empowering, motivational, self-made, and an amazing hair stylist.” Her client goes on to say, “I’ve been watching her teach the young and older generation with pure honesty, skills, confidence, and professional personality on how to ensure all clients leave feeling more confident than when they walked.”

Keep reading to learn more about the business principles Mosley has stood on for 30 years as a cosmetologist, trichologist, and a powerful motivator to everyone she comes in contact with.

How has StyleSeat helped you to grow your business?

StyleSeat is one of the best things that ever happened to me. No more answering the phone while [I am] with clients, visitors from other states can experience me, the credit card to book is amazing (no more wait time if people no show, I can charge them), and the gallery and reviews are most helpful.

What differentiates you from other Pros?

I am not only a cosmetologist, I’m a Certified Trichology Practitioner. Trichology is the study of hair and scalp disorders. I understand hair from a scientific point of view. I create situations that move people with beauty, health, and wellness.

What do you believe is the biggest impact you’ve made?

Mentoring young girls. Kids are our future. I have a mentoring group called #Turnsmart. The mission is “Better decisions, Healthy choices.”

What makes you successful?

My passion for service makes me a success. Life is all about service.

Women entrepreneurs and leaders like yourself are used to “doing it all.” But how do you make sure to take care of yourself, too?

I often drop the ball on myself. However, every time I do, I quickly remind myself to take care of the goose that laid the golden eggs.

How do you hope to make the Clients who come to your salon and sit down in your chair feel?

When your look is on point, you feel empowered. Not only the hair, it’s mind, body, and soul. I’m not just a hairstylist. I create situations that move people with beauty, health, and wellness.

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What do you want your legacy to be?

My legacy will be [that of a] woman of integrity, consistency, and authenticity. Oh, I can’t forget I brought the short cuts to Harlem in 1994. Harlem women were so connected to Doobies (a Dominican salon blowout with hair pins), and I changed that with my cut and color skills.

Shawn Derrington

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StyleSeat Pro Shawn Derrington has worked as a licensed cosmetologist for five years, but she makes every person who sits in her chair feel as though they share a lifetime connection.

While Derrington’s professional career as a stylist started after graduating college and becoming a mother to two young boys, she remained committed to her love of hair and eventually completed her cosmetology training. “It was the best decision I could have made because every day I wake up with purpose and fire in my soul,” she explains. “I can honestly say I am doing what I always wanted to do since a little girl.”

The work that Derrington does as a stylist is truly transformative, as the Client who nominated her for this Women’s History Month Pro Spotlight shared: “I had a horrible hair experience where my last hairdresser’s assistant caused a chunk of my hair in the middle of my head to fall out. I made my consultation with Shawn and she never made me feel embarrassed by the situation. She quickly assessed my hair, gave her recommendations and proceeded to move forward. I was and am more than satisfied with her work. Many hairstylists would have given up or not even took me on as a client.”

Keep reading to find out about the passion work Derrington is doing at her Laurel, MD salon and how she’s impacting Clients lives daily.

How has StyleSeat helped you to grow your business?

StyleSeat has help me grow my business with various tools… I do not have to worry about trying to keep up with my books, because the platform does it for me. Clients love the contactless payments.

What differentiates you from other Pros?

Cosmetology is really a form of art! Artists are really complex individuals who enjoy freedom and creativity, which can sometimes interfere with our desire for structure and routine. Being a professional in the public sector of government does not allow me much wiggle room for not having structure. My clients enjoy the structure that I give them behind the chair. Some of this structure is being precisely on time with their service(s), walking them through processes, and not having them in the salon longer than their schedule service duration. They can come get their hair service before Saturday brunch without worrying about running late or being in the salon all day!

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What do you believe is the biggest impact you’ve made?

I think the biggest impact I have made is showing people that you can have it all. I am a mom to four healthy, beautiful children. I work a full-time job outside of cosmetology, I have a life partner, and I am still able to balance life behind the chair. If I must say so myself? I think it is pretty awesome! When I share my story with other women, I give them hope.

What makes you successful?

Staying humble. I worked hard to get where I am, so therefore, I am able to enjoy the journey.

Women entrepreneurs and leaders like yourself are used to “doing it all.” But how do you make sure to take care of yourself, too?

If I am not taking care of myself, I can not be my best self for anyone else. Self-care for me is getting plenty of rest. Taking 45-60 minutes daily to workout, eating healthy, reading, hanging out with girlfriends, and sometimes just doing nothing.

How do you hope to make the Clients who come to your salon and sit down in your chair feel?

My goal is to always make my clients feel like we are the best of friends. That time they are in my chair, they have my undivided attention. To me, that is the experience. That is what they are paying for.

What do you want your legacy to be?

I want other women to look at me and say, “That woman went after everything she wanted and got it.”

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