Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Shifferd.
Hi Michelle, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My passion for hair started at a young age, growing up in a family business centered around the beauty supply industry. Though we didn’t own a salon, I spent countless hours surrounded by hair products, extensions, and conversations about beauty. That early exposure sparked my curiosity and gave me a deep understanding of hair long before I ever held a pair of shears.
At 19, I decided to turn that curiosity into a career. After researching where I could receive the best education, I packed my bags and left my home in Alabama for Santa Monica to attend the Vidal Sassoon Academy. It was a leap of faith — but from the very first time I saw a client’s smile after their transformation, I knew I had found my calling. Making people feel their best gave me a joy and fulfillment I couldn’t find anywhere else.
After graduating, I began working in some of the most well-known salons in Beverly Hills and alongside top stylists throughout Los Angeles and Orange County. It was there, in Orange County, that I met my mentor — someone who not only taught me technique and business, but encouraged me to take the next step. With her guidance and generosity, even sharing part of her clientele, I opened my first salon suite in Newport Beach. I poured my heart into that space and spent nearly twelve years building my name and refining my craft.
But deep down, I knew I was ready for a new chapter. That drive led me to Miami Beach, where I connected with other talented artists who shared the same creative energy and passion. I eventually partnered with someone who shared my vision, and together we built a dream team that continues to grow today.
My journey has taught me that success in this industry isn’t just about skill — it’s about heart, perseverance, and the love of making people feel beautiful.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely wasn’t a smooth road. There were times when I didn’t feel confident enough to stand on my own, even though I knew I had the knowledge and skill to do it. What really helped me was finding the right mentor in Orange County. Watching her work, assisting with her business, and learning how to manage clients gave me the confidence I needed. That guidance helped me grow into owning my own salon and running it successfully. Even now, I still encounter challenges — confidence and client management are things you keep learning in this industry — but those bumps along the road shaped me into the stylist and business owner I am today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
1. Deep-rooted knowledge from early experience: Growing up in a family beauty supply business gave you hands-on understanding of hair, extensions, and products before you even became a stylist. That foundation is rare and gives you a technical edge.
2. Formal, elite training combined with real-world experience: Attending Vidal Sassoon Academy and then working in high-end salons in Beverly Hills and Orange County means you’ve mastered both precision technique and luxury client service.
3. Mentorship and continuous learning: You actively sought guidance, learned from top stylists, and gained insight into running a salon — not just doing hair — which gives you a broader perspective than stylists who only focus on technique.
4. Confidence-building and client-focused approach: You’ve turned challenges, like self-doubt and managing clients, into strengths. Your ability to empathize with clients and create an experience that makes them feel their best sets you apart on a personal and professional level.
5. Entrepreneurial spirit with collaboration: Opening your own salon suite, running it for 12 years, and then creating a dream team in Miami Beach shows you’re not just a stylist — you’re a business leader who cultivates talent while maintaining your artistry.
6. Passion and authenticity: Your work isn’t just about hair; it’s about making people feel beautiful and confident. That emotional connection is something clients remember and value, and it’s a quality not every stylist focuses on.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was outgoing, curious, and loved connecting with people on a personal level to understand their likes and dislikes — a trait that later shaped my approach as a stylist. Being half Korean and half European sparked my interest in Korean hair and beauty products, and being bilingual allowed me to communicate and connect with a wide variety of clients. Even early on, I was passionate about hair, culture, and helping others feel their best.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://WWW.MMASALON.COM
- Instagram: Miahairbymichelle
