Ep. 14: Glenda Martin, from College Drop-out to Celeb Hair & Makeup Stylist

I’ve always wanted to make women feel good and tell them they’re important in a world where we’re told we’re not important. And I get to do that.

This episode is also available on iTunes and Stitcher Radio.

My conversation with Glenda started when I saw this post on Facebook:

Background:

Glenda began her career as an Editorial stylist in New York City and now is a Master Stylist in Nashville, is on the elite national team of L’Oreal Professional Artists, and has won the title of Nashville’s Top Stylist for two years running. Glenda works to create the red carpet hair and makeup for some of country music’s biggest names (Trisha Yearwood, Cassadee Pope, among others), has had her work featured on TV and in magazines and has a recurring guest role on an Emmy award-winning cooking-show. Glenda is currently writing a book of essays about her experiences as “the girl behind the chair.”

Show Notes:

My success in life has been divine timing and a good attitude.

Path to hair and makeup –

Went to college, didn’t know what she wanted to do, but knew it wasn’t the right fit.
Moved to New York City at 19. Worked hard at various jobs – clothing boutique, front desk at a spa, then a salon.
Always had a good attitude and work ethic, which would lead to the next step.
Even though she wasn’t in roles she had envisioned for herself, she always tried to be the very best at each job.
However, she did have doubts and struggled with the insecurity of not having gone to college. She has gotten to a lot of cool things in her career but always tries to stay humble.

Looking back… being uncomfortable is what made me grow as a person and as a stylist.

Stylists’ unique connection with women

Stylists have a strong connection with their clients, especially since people do so much more online and through their phones.
When they’re in her chair, she tries to encourage them to take the time and be present.
She’s writing a book on stories from the chair “50 Shades of Blonde” – something she has been working up to for a while. She has a lot of crazy and funny stories to share. A lot of the book is about self-image since that’s stylists are always helping women battle with their criticisms about their looks.

Working with Trisha Yearwood –

Glenda’s husband writes songs for Garth Brooks (Trisha’s husband), which is how she met Trisha. Asked Glenda to do hair and makeup on the show, developed a friendship. Eventually Trisha asked her to be on the show as well.

She [Trisha Yearwood] is the definition of a girl boss.

Her perspectives from “behind the chair” –

Talk often involves their self-image. She tries to get them out of focusing on the worst thing they see about themselves.
“We as women are just so mean to ourselves.”
She is often very inspired by the women she meets. Sees people all the time who are working, going to school, raising kids, staying healthy.
Seeing women being bosses at home and bosses in their industry is the most inspiring thing.

I’m often inspired by the bad-assery of women more than anything else.

Thoughts for others who are unsure of whether they have made the right decisions in life –

Taylor Swift quote sums it up: “There are going to be people along the way who will try to undercut your success or take credit for your accomplishments or fame. But if you just focus on the work, and you don’t let those people sidetrack you, then some day when you get t where you’re going, you will look around and realize that you have made it.”
Society will make you feel you should do certain things. It’s ok for us to not know what we’re doing. Just work really hard and doors will open for you.
It’s all about you and your confidence and what you choose to make of your situation.