Today we’d like to introduce you to Savannah Turrietta.
Savannah, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was 17 years old when I started beauty school. I felt pretty strongly that I wanted to be a hairstylist from a young age yet I can remember so vividly sitting on the curb just outside my beauty school room taking a cig break with my girlfriends and asking them “do you guys ever feel like there is more to this, that there is more we should be doing than just hair?” They all kind of smirked and thought I was being ridiculous but I couldn’t shake this pull I felt for something more. And even though I was thrilled to graduate beauty school at 18, I still felt like something was missing. There began my struggle over the next several years between my great passion for hair yet still feeling like there was something else I was supposed to be doing. This tug of war was so strong I actually quit doing hair for a few years and went back to school to get my degree in psychology. Though fascinated by the brain and emotions it didn’t take long before I was back doing hair again.
In 2013, I got married and after planning a wedding, searching through all the beautiful hairstyles and having very little luck finding a stylist that could achieve the look I wanted, I was inspired. I had done styling in the past, a few fashion shows, and a couple of weddings but for the most part, I stayed away from it. Styling was complicated, challenging and super intimidating to me and I just didn’t feel like I was good enough. But the lack in my industry left me wanting to learn more and create something I had only seen in the pages of magazines but couldn’t find a stylist to actually achieve it. (I have to say since I now know several amazing and talented bridal stylists right here in San Diego that have become friends and truly continue to inspire me and I am so thankful for their contribution to this industry!). So, I began styling. I started by doing weddings for FREE just to get more experience. I practiced on doll-heads religiously, continuously watched videos and took classes regularly. I started to pick it up pretty quickly and it didn’t take long until I realized how much I actually enjoyed it! Before I knew it people were searching me out to do their weddings and the more I did, the more my skill level increased and so did my prices. That is when I began Savannah & Co Bridal Hair Artistry and started really dreaming about what my business could be. I didn’t just love the styling, I loved weddings, I loved traveling to beautiful hotels, I loved being a part of the most important day in a bride’s life and sharing those special moments, being a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on when necessary. I felt honored when a bride had no family around to support her that I got to be the one there to tell her how incredibly beautiful she looked and encourage her when she felt insecure or afraid. I do hair, yes, but my job is so much more than styling hair. I was created to be a genuine leader and encourager with a heart full of compassion for those around me and now that my creative nature and passion for hair have come together to make this beautiful career, I can honestly say that missing feeling I had when it came to my career isn’t there anymore and I feel so blessed and honored to get to do what I do.
Has it been a smooth road?
From the start of my career to where I am now, it’s taken me over ten years to feel like I finally found my niche and like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. It definitely has not been a smooth road but is it ever for anyone? I think we should all expect challenges to some degree. My best advice for young women starting their journey is to take time to really get to know yourself. That may sound silly and cliche but we all grow up attaching labels to ourselves based on what other people have said about us or what we wanted to be like but maybe that’s not who we are. For example, growing up I always admired free-spirited women so I thought if I acted enough like one maybe I’d just be one. So, I tried to be super adventurous and carefree but in the end, it really just stressed me out and gave me anxiety because I’m not free-spirited at all. I’m conservative, traditional and comfortable with the familiar.
So, now that I’m a little older, and I like to think I’m a bit wiser, I’ve learned to accept who I am and be proud of my positive attributes rather than insecure about what I am not. I still admire free-spirited women but I’m not trying to be one because I really do like who I am. I don’t think God made a mistake when He made me so why try and change it, you know? With all that said, knowing who I am has been a key ingredient in leading me into a career I’m truly passionate about. It has helped me better identify my strengths and know what areas I could use a little more work in which in turn has aided me in not only being a better stylist but a better wife, mom, and friend. I think when we are able to live out our true identity we bless others in the process. So, be passionate in your pursuit of knowing who you were created to be because it won’t only empower you but bless those around you.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Savannah and Co. – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am a bridal hair stylist that specializes in weddings and special events. My work is tailored to those wanting a more natural, lived-in, organic look. My favorite style to create is a low, wind-swept, textured updo. I am most proud of all my hard work over the years and that I pushed through even when times got really difficult. I never said no to something because it scared me or I didn’t feel adequate for the job. I can look back from where I started and see my progression and how much my skill has improved and that encourages me. What sets me apart from others is my dedication to never stop learning, growing in my skill and my overall vision for my business. I’m unique in my heart for women. I want to be more than just my bride’s hairstylist. I strive to be someone they feel comfortable around and that they can connect with. I respect and honor the important time in their life that I am becoming a part of and I try and cultivate an environment of peace and joy when they are around me. In addition, I am all about community and encouraging other women in their giftings and talents. I desire to create a business that does just that. I like to collaborate with others in the industry and want to teach and train up individuals who have a passion for hair and a desire to grow in their abilities as well.
What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
The most important advice I could give a young woman just starting her career is to learn as much as you can about your particular field. Learn from those around you, those ahead of you and teach yourself as much as possible. Don’t expect to make much money for awhile just focus on learning and eventually the paycheck will match your knowledge and expertise. Remember, those ahead of you that are making the big bucks didn’t get there overnight. I love the Picasso story, “Picasso was sitting in a Paris cafe when an admirer approached and asked if he would do a quick sketch on his paper napkin. Picasso politely agreed, swiftly executed a drawing and handed back the napkin- but not before asking for a significant amount of money. The admirer was shocked: “How can you ask for so much? It took you only 30 seconds to draw this!” “No,” Picasso replied, “It took me 40 years.” Picasso’s skill and talent took several years to develop and what he was able to create in such a short time was a direct result of many years of hard work and dedication which produced something extremely valuable.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bridalhairartistry.com
- Phone: (619) 916-8624
- Email: swturrietta@gmail.com
- Instagram: @savannahandcobridalhair
Image Credit:
Mallory Dawn Photography, Eden Day Photography
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
