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

Hi Chantell, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Balance is essential in every aspect of life, including business, especially if you’re going to be successful. In the first couple of years, I prioritized pouring everything I had into my company, thinking it would help me reach success faster, and I was mistaken. I neglected my needs, which caused me to burn out and lose my passion. I had to be intentional about carving out time for myself daily, which was tricky initially. I see things through a more seasoned and realistic lens now and no longer look at success as a destination but instead see it as a journey. Because of this shift in my thinking, there’s less pressure to get things done all at once, and it gives me permission to take my time, learn along the way, and focus on pouring back into myself.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I moved to NYC from California as a hairstylist, wanting to pursue hair in fashion. I worked in several high-end salons, fashion week, and editorial shoots and traveled the world doing hair. I enjoyed all aspects of hair but was passionate about cutting curly hair and helping women within the hair loss community. I split my time between the salon as a curly hair specialist and a wig shop, where I worked explicitly with women facing all forms of hair loss. Cutting curly hair came naturally to me because I have a head full of it and could relate to the natural hair challenges that most clients experienced. I worked at the wig shop two days a week, shaving the heads of women undergoing chemo treatments to fit their wigs while holding their hands and consoling them every step. I realized the importance of what I was doing and that I was restoring hope and confidence to these women. I decided to learn how to make wigs and went and did it on Broadway. Sometimes I would have to work 16-24 hrs straight, six days a week, for very little pay. When I wasn’t making wigs, I would find time for my hair-cutting clients. It was the most emotionally and physically taxing time in my life, but I was committed to perfecting my craft for my clients, and I loved it. What sets me apart is my perseverance and commitment to learning; I have a vast knowledge of hair and people.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m still learning LA…I love being outdoors, so we would go on a hike at Griffith Park around sunset and then find a restaurant with live music.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have been blessed with much support and mentorship every step of my journey. I would say the person who stands out most is Pat Cesnik. She hired me as her assistant (in a completely different industry) 20 years ago; since then, she has continued to be a support and voice of reason every step of my journey.

Website: www.hersbychantell.com

Instagram: @hersbychantell @the.c.suite

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