- What made you want to go to cosmetology school in the first place?
After I retired from the Air Force in 2015, I really wanted to do something creative. I worked at Lowe's in the Paint Department and then started at Pikes Peak Community College for Interior Design. Unfortunately that program ended a year later (long story) and I tried to do classes in the Art program.
I got sick and had to drop my classes because of a hospitalization. Soon after that, both of my parents passed away (one in 2017 and the other in 2018). It was an extremely hard time for me being here in CO and all of my family (except my husband and my girls) in MI. I needed something to occupy my creative mind. I was out and about one day and drove past International Salon and Spa Academy and decided to go inside to inquire about the programs at the school. That changed my story, that was in Feb 2019.
I started Full Time in the Cosmetology program in May of 2019 and graduated in May 2020 (during COVID).
2. What inspired you to partner with Food Trucks Against Homelessness to provide over 600 haircuts to our houseless neighbors?
My husband was diagnosed with Cancer in Jan of 2024 and received over 10 blood transfusions over a course of 3 months. During that time, I was invited to a networking group and decided I would go. That group was a great distraction from watching my husband sit in a chair or a hospital bed. It was a community and I met a lot of great people in this little group.
(BNI is the networking group I went to and have been a part of since April of 2024, what started at 13 people has grown to 30).
3. How did you meet Tracey?
While I was at the networking group, one of the girls I met told me I should talk to Sandy. She writes online articles about small businesses (Colorado Springs Town Tidings). When we talked on the phone, she said, I think you need to meet TRACEY! and asked if she could get me in touch with her and I said sure. I had NO IDEA what I was going to be walking into, but man am I happy that I met BRANDY, then SANDY, because that ripple effect has been amazing this last year. I have been volunteering with FTAH since June 5, 2024 :)
4. What else are you working on?
During my time with Tracey, my eyes were opened to a WHOLE new world. The need is so much greater than what was right in front of me. I go to the hospitals to help people with haircuts, dematting of their hair after coming out of the ICUs or just being in the hospital for a really long time and going home to hospice or rehab. I go to elderly people and do in home manicure/pedicures so they can feel like they are not rushed in and out of the salons. My goal is to make sure ANYONE who sits in my chair is seen, heard and respected. We all have a story, and I want to hear theirs. That prompted me to buy a toy hauler, and I am currently converting it into a mobile salon on wheels :)
5. What is the name of your nonprofit?
My nonprofit will be Broken Crayons Beauty. We are all a little broken, but we all can still bring some color to this world. Together it is BEAUTIFUL!
6. What is the best way to support you in this new time of transition to becoming a nonprofit?
There is so much that goes into starting a nonprofit. I had no idea. I have been fortunate to have Tracey helping me. I have been funding this whole project out of pocket, which means it is taking longer to finish. My husband and I have been doing most of the work. I have a friend that owns Purple Mountain Painting (His name is Rory), came out and helped me paint the cabinets recently. That was very helpful.
7. Do you have any other volunteers who can help you?
I have a few people that I can reach out to and ask for their help, but they are business owners as well (so hanging lights in the trailer and getting on their schedule) and then seeing if my plumber friend has time to help with verifying if there is leak in the tank, etc. All small stuff that requires lots of schedule coordination.
8. How many days a week do you spend doing this?
I have to find pockets of time that work for both my husband and I to work on the trailer because he has the knowledge and experience in putting some of the work in that I don't know how to do. So, we will work on things when he is available and can get it in his schedule.
9. Do you work at a salon as well where people can find you to support you in that way as well?
I have a small suite off of W. Carefree that I work out of throughout the week. I do haircuts and some nails there. People have to have my number to book with me because I live 25 mins from that location and I have a pretty full schedule, so I work with what they need and what I have on my schedule. I really enjoy mens' haircuts and helping others that don't like to go into big salons. (special needs young adults, etc).
10. Any additional information you'd like to share or ask the community for?
If anyone would like to support the build of the trailer, they can contribute through FTAH and let Tracey know it's for my trailer. I don't have the nonprofit completed yet (it is in the works), but I am working with Tracey and my trailer will be out with FTAH supporting the community. I will collect clothes, do the haircuts, etc.
To further support Staci in her venture please call 719-344-4871 to schedule a haircut or to give donations.
Follow Her on socials under Beauty By Stacianne
How inspiring that when you really work on your dreams and calling they come true!
Thank you, Staci for working so hard for this community!
I hope by getting the word out about what you do people can help grow your nonprofit to take care of and help so many more people!
