KEY TAKEAWAYS:  Black beauty pros like Stacey Ciceron are transforming the industry through education, mentorship, and empowerment. In Elite Beauty Society’s Black History Month Spotlight series, she shares her journey from stylist to global educator, highlighting the power of confidence and continuous learning. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories!

Black History Month is an excellent time to reflect on the past, appreciate the present, and look toward a brighter future. It’s a time to acknowledge and celebrate, and we’re here to do just that.

We'll be using our platform to highlight the bold, beautiful, and brilliant voices of Black beauty pros every week throughout February. Oh, and it gets better–they just so happen to be Elite Beauty Society members!

These EBS community members know what it takes to thrive in their beauty careers, and they’re now sharing their passion, insights, and experiences with all of us.

So, buckle up, because these exclusive interviews with our featured guests will give you a behind-the-scenes look at what it means to be a successful Black beauty professional in the industry today. From their vibrant personalities to the motivation that pushes them forward, this series of Q and A style interviews is sure to inspire.

Meet Stacey Ciceron: Educator, Natural Hair Specialist, Celebrity Stylist, & EBS Customer 

Empowerment and education are at the heart of Stacey Ciceron’s passion for the beauty industry. From an early age, beauty and natural hairstyles have been important to Stacey, and she grew up surrounded by family members who encouraged her to embrace that passion.

For 25 years, she has refined her craft and grown into a successful natural hair specialist, brand ambassador, and educator. Her business, The Stacey Ciceron Studio, is a testament to her hard work and dedication to excellence in the beauty industry.

Whether she’s transforming someone’s hair or teaching a young stylist how to succeed, seeing people gain confidence and thrive motivates Stacey every step of the way. From the salon to live workshops, she equips clients and fellow beauty pros with the tools they need to feel great about themselves and their natural hair.

You can find Stacey on Instagram or visit her website to learn more about her work and the tremendous things she is doing as a celebrity hairstylist, educator, and advocate.

Our Exclusive Q&A with Stacey Ciceron

How Did You Get Started in the Beauty Industry?

I started assisting in a salon, kind of like a shampoo girl in my teens. When the opportunity came to make it as a professional, I decided to go to beauty school.

So, I went to beauty school in North Carolina at Dudley Cosmetology University. I realized now that it’s like the HBCU of hair schools because it’s Black-owned and Black-operated to this day.

I started out assisting behind a chair, and that led me to a career in fashion, beauty, runway, editorial, print, TV, film, celebrity work, and education, which is now my main passion. I was licensed in 2000, so this is my 25th year professionally, and I’m now a global educator and brand ambassador.

Why Did You Want to Become Part of the Beauty Industry?

I saw beauty in everything, even as a young girl. The women in my family were crafty and handy, and they took your personal appearance very seriously – they took pride in how they looked.

They would do each other’s hair and my hair, and I would watch them and even tag along to salon appointments.

In my late teens or early 20s, I ended up getting my hair done by a celebrity stylist. Back then, I think they called them stylists to the stars. She was a Black woman with a salon in Queens. She had articles, plaques, and certifications, and at that point, I realized there was another level to this.,

I think she was the catalyst for me getting into the industry. I already had the passion and interest, and seeing how far it could go sparked me to take action.

What’s Something You Love About the Beauty Industry?

I love so much about the industry.

I would say being able to create client transformations and seeing spirits rise, as well as the shift in confidence people have after receiving a service, so they now have space for healing to take place. I think that lights me up. You see a woman walking in with her head hanging and leaving with a new lease on life.

On the professional side, seeing those same transformations happen with my students. Seeing the lack of confidence and low self-esteem, then they experience healing and inspiration when they learn something new and are able to apply it.

My students keep in touch with me and form relationships that are very inspiring.

How are You Celebrating and Highlighting Black History Month?

I seek opportunities to amplify the message more while the attention is there because, for me, it’s Black History Month every month and every day.

What Advice Would You Give to a New Pro Starting Out in the Industry and Those Who Are Trying to Make a Name for Themselves? 

Education has always been a top priority for me. I think that finding an environment that is conducive to your growth is important.

I’m still old-fashioned in the sense that if you’re brand new, especially at a beauty school, you need to be in a learning environment first. I really suggest that you assist in a salon, preferably one that is operating with systems at a high level and leveraging brand partnerships.

Proximity to a high-frequency environment sets the tone for the rest of your career.

Go through an assistant program and learn to cut and color. Learn the essentials and how to be a good assistant, because good assistants make good stylists. You should never stop learning. When you stop learning, you stop growing.

Start creating a strategy or path of action to establish yourself as an authority, leader, or expert in your industry. If you want to make a name for yourself, it’s easier to do when you specialize. Audiences pay attention to that, and brands pay attention to that.

If you loved this interview and want to stay tuned for more features, don’t forget to subscribe to Elite Beauty Society!