Meet Stephanie Cordero | Salon Studio Owner and Operator

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

Hi Stephanie, what role has risk played in your life or career?
When it comes to taking risks in my life and career, I like to equate it to more control and overall freedom in my life. Yes opening the studios came with a lot of unknows and variables, but I knew the end result would be more time with my family. I understand that opening something takes a huge leap and that is scary. It has to be. If it wasn’t, then everyone would do it. That’s what sets a business owner apart. This is also what I think helps my studios the most. That I can relate to the people coming into potentially rent a space at Elements. They are on the verge of taking their own risk and starting their business. I respect and appreciate the circumstance they are in. Which I think is what had made me be able to connect to them and ultimately have them join the studios. Risk is always something I try and change into a positive. Take the leap. Take the jump. The payoff of more freedom to be in complete control of your life and destination in business will be your reward.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What I am most proud of about my business is that I did it! I took the idea I had for years and made it a reality. I started as a working hairstylist but built up my brand and clients with long days, passion for my craft and a commitment to myself to build something bigger. It took years to get to a place where I had a full vision of what I wanted my studios to be. I took my years in the salon and my time in a different salon suite, combined all the things I loved about them and improved on things I saw as a stylist were missing to create an overall brand I was proud of. A brand I wanted to be apart of. I don’t even know where to start the laundry list of challenges that I have had to overcome. I pride myself on the fact that above everything I am a stylist and have had to learn along the way by trial by fire how to become a business owner. Not the most efficient strategy but effective. What always gets me through is my mantra of being the type of owner I would have loved to have at any point in my career. Going back to that as my mission statement has always lead me in the right direction and to the decision that’s best for my business.

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?
The beach of course! Roller skating on the boardwalk. Outdoor concerts at sea legs. Rainbows at aloha grill. Donuts at the Doughnuttery. Axe throwing at Stumpys. Movies at the beach. Tuesday night street fair. Shopping at pacific city with lunch at oles. I have lived here all my life so have so many fun things I love. But my favorite of all is just being in the sunshine down at the beach with friends and family.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely! It takes a village as they say. I have had some amazing people in my corner from the beginning. But no one more so than my director Caitlin Magdelano. She has been my biggest cheerleader, support system, advocate, overall champion and friend. I could not have made it to where I am without her. She perfectly fills in all the areas I lack, which are many. It makes it extra special that we have been friends for over 17 years. Words cant express my gratitude for all she has done for me and my business.

Website: theelementssalonstudios.com

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