Stephanie Raney, 36, devotes 12-hour days to transforming even the most plain heads of hair into coiffed masterpieces. Styling since she was 17, Stephanie is the go-to gal for just the right cut and color. And she's gorgeous and funny, too.
Stephanie Raney, you are cute, cute, cute, no doubt about it! Stunning! And you make everyone else stunning! How did you get interested in becoming a hair stylist?
I had Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) in high school. I just couldn't be still. Now they just give you something, but back then, they didn't.
I was always getting into some kind of trouble. I was so bad.
Where was this?
Paducah Tilghman. And the principal then finally said, "You have to graduate, but you have to go to trade school because you're getting into trouble." So I went to Paducah Tilghman Beauty School while I was a senior, and I just loved it. It just made sense.
Wouldn't ADD be somewhat of a job hazard when cutting hair?
Well, I'm better now! And I’m constantly doing something different, so I like that.
Was it hard to learn?
The first year was all bookwork — you learn about muscles, nerves in the body — everything. You also learn about diseases that you might come across. It was a pretty gruesome book when you're 17 years old!
And then after 300 hours, you start to work on people, which was scary for them and me! But for $2.50, you get your hair done. There were some reputable people who could have paid full price but chose to come to the beauty school to get their hair done.
Oh! Who! Who!
Mark Bryant's mother, for one. She was the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen in my life. I will never forget doing her hair. She had white hair even then, and crystal blue eyes. I gave her the rockin'est '80s hair do!
So then you worked in various salons?
Yes, I've worked in quite a few. I'm at Great Expectations now, and I love it.
What do you enjoy best?
Color. I could color all day. It's so creative. I don't usually do just a haircut — it's always color and a cut.
Color can really bring you alive. It's one of the most amazing advancements in the hair care industry. It's so much different now and better than when I started. I think everybody can use a little kiss of color.
Isn't it totally stressful though?
As long as you're good at communication, you'll be fine. Nobody's going to look just like Jennifer Aniston or Kate Hudson. But we have such great tools these days — flat irons, wave irons — and great products. You can do an awful lot with hair now. It just takes time to do it.
Who does your fabulous hair?
Jay Brasher at Great Expectations. It's usually just the two of us at the very end of the day, so he winds up doing it. He doesn't complain. He says he doesn't want us to look like tired, old hairdressers!
Well you definitely don't look like a tired, old anything! You look fabulous, Stephanie!
Thank you! There are days when I don't want to even turn on the blow dryer, but I know I'll feel better if I do.
So what's the hot new cut?
People are still asking for the Victoria Beckham cut where it's short in the back and longer in the front. There are about 500 versions of it. But to be honest, I'm tired of it. I'm ready for something new!
I love Kendra Thompson's (left) hair. I've done her hair for 15 years. We've been through boyfriends, marriages, divorces, more boyfriends — all kinds of stuff. She's a wonderful person. We cut off her hair about five months ago — it looks so cute. I think it fits the way she dresses. She's so bubbly and fun — the shorter cut really brings that out even more.
What's the most challenging part of your job?
Any hairdresser will tell you it's the no shows and last-minute cancellations. That's lost income for us and then it's often very difficult to work a customer back into the schedule. I love all my clients, but when someone misses, it's hard.
I bet. So you work with Hillary Coltharp. How is her recovery coming along?
We're so thankful that she's healing. It's hard to realize that she's been through so much. It's excruciating to watch her go through this, but she's headed in the right direction. She comes to the salon most every day.
That's so great. She must love being around you all.
Yes, she really misses work. But it's great that we get to see her and talk with her.
Stephanie, your daughter is gorgeous. I can't believe you have a 13 year old! Yes, Payton is me made-over. Everyone who knows her and knows me will tell you that. She talks a lot and she's pretty headstrong. She's not into boys yet, which is lucky for me.
And actually, she's very into gymnastics and competitive cheerleading — which is great for her self-esteem. She's in a lot of competitions, which keeps her focused. I'm very proud of her. I was never that focused at her age.
Because of the ADD!
That's right! The ADD!
So how long were you married to her dad?
Nine years. He's a good guy. We're still friends. We were just missing the romantic side of it all. We should have gotten together and high-fived instead of gotten married! He's getting remarried in September.
How awesome that you have a good relationship!
Definitely. I really like his to-be wife. I couldn't have picked anyone better for Payton to look up to than her.
Stephanie, that is so sweet!
Well, you can be a butt hole or you can be supportive and proud. Being a hairdresser, I've heard all about fights and divorces and courts and mediation. At the end of the day, is it worth it? It's not. Nobody is any happier.
I'm no saint, but I do always try to put my daughter first. I'm sure we'll have issues as Payton gets older, but today everybody is happy. And some day, maybe I'll meet somebody, too.
Stephanie, you'll definitely meet someone. You are dar-ling!
Well, I'd like to. I'd like to find someone who's mature, someone who owns their own home and their life is in a place where they know what they want. I've met some guys who just want to be with somebody — doesn't matter who. They just want someone to do laundry, cook dinner and take care of them.
That's not what I'm looking for. I have a home, a child, I'm situated and settled. I really want someone who's interested in doing things together.
I may be asking too much, and I definitely spend a lot of nights at home. But then I just relax, light a candle, watch a movie and I don't feel bad about it. There's nothing wrong with spending a little time by yourself.
I totally agree. I did that for many, many, many years. And you do lots of fun stuff. Your girl trip to Cancun with Kendra, for example.
Yes, and I love the outdoors. I love horseback riding. I have a friend who has a four-wheeler, so it's fun to go out and get all muddy. I've got a lot going on!
You have everything going on, MsStephanie! Now can you do anything with my hair?
