Meet Stephanie Trail | Salon Nfuse Owner, Master Colorist, Hairstylist, Extenionologist, Wig Aficionado, Topper Queen

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stephanie Trail and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stephanie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I wanted a place where I could continue to grow. No ceiling as they say. I wanted classes and continuing education for myself and other stylists. I wanted a place where I could give back to the community. I wanted an upscale place that clients would feel comfortable in. Almost like a “Cheers” feeling. Where we all know your name. Friends that are better than family.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have always wanted to be a hairstylist. I started cutting my brothers hair at 11. Then at 17 I went to barber school. I was on my way. Unfortunately I had to quit 3 times to work more to pay bills. I worked in restaurants from the age of 14. I worked my way up to second to the general manager. I was working 70-80 hours a week. I realized when I had to have emergency surgery and was off for 4 weeks, I had slowed down enough to have time to reflect and decided that it was crazy. I needed to do what I always wanted to so I decided to go to cosmetology school. I worked evenings and went to school during the day. It was not easy. I took a massive pay cut to follow my dream. I found a salon when I was about to graduate and my dream began to become a reality. I had the privilege of apprenticing under Melanie Shelley. She was great mentor. I was promoted to the education director after 2 years. After working there for almost 12 years I decided it was time to open my own salon. I wanted to continue to grow personally and professionally. I wanted to give back to the community that helped raise me. I wanted to make a difference. The name Salon Nfuse came about when I was talking to a friend about wanted to bring everything together hair, style and life. To infuse….

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are so many great restaurants and things to do in Nashville. Day 1-I would definitely take them to Loveless Cafe for a hearty breakfast followed by a walk at Radnor Lake. Then grab dinner at Etch and head over to the Schermerhorn that evening. Day 2-We could spend a day on lower broadway visiting the country music hall of fame, 5th and Broadway for food and then go to a few honky tonks for fun.
Day 3-West end is a great place as well. We could go to sylvan park grab breakfast and coffee and then to the Parthenon. Shop at a few places around that area and then grab dinner at the Capital grille at the hermitage hotel. Then head over to TPAC for show.
Day 4- Grab breakfast at the Pancake pantry in hillsboro village and then shop at the fun places around there. Then head to 12th South for lunch at Edley’s and more shopping. Hopefully catch a Predators hockey game that evening.
Day 5-Head to Dos coffee for breakfast in east nashville I would drive around and stop at the different boutiques and local restaurants. Then head over to germantown and walk around.
Day 6-Rest

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many…. Linda Ragsdale was an encourager from the beginning. She was an amazing woman that always wanted the best for those around her. Susan Richardson for being the friend that I needed to take the leap. She is always giving me advice on business and how to maximize all the hard work that I put in. My husband Robert Trail for always being in my corner at home and when work gets a little crazy. And all of my amazing team, clients and friends that have supported me along the way.
  

Website: salonnfuse.com

Instagram: @salonnfuse, @stephanie_nfuse

Facebook: salon Nfuse

Yelp: salon nfuse