Steve Elias – Where are they now
We thought it would be fun to take a look back at where it all started… and it started with The Hair Nerds interviewing some of the coolest people we knew. So many things can happen in 5 years and we wanted to play catch-up with the ones that helped us get things going.
5 years can change a person. Describe a day in the life of Steve today…
5 years fly by in a flash! Nowadays I try to have morning coffee with the husband before he goes to school to get his Public Health Doctorate here in Oahu, Hawai’i! I’m usually studying as well since i’m currently also enrolled in College! Days are filled with studying, work (I do freelance hair for Movies and production work here in hawai’i), working on Tantalum magazine, regular life and taking care of our furry 4 legged whiny cat. Oh, and hating on the Orange President every 30 seconds on social media! In the evening, I’ll spend an hour or two with the hubs before he has to go hide in the bedroom and keep studying. Some nights if inspiration hits i’ll practice some hairdo’s on my doll heads. Sorry wish this/I was more exciting! LOL!
What advice would Steve today tell Little Steve on his graduation day from beauty school?
Don’t mess up your credit, believe in yourself more, don’t be ashamed of being an introvert, don’t date that guy with the big pecs and butt! Let yourself be loved more and most importantly go to the gym you fatty! Ok, that last one is not true although I definitely could benefit from going more!
5 years ago we asked you “Who are the top 3 stylists you would love to work with and why?” You said Luigi Murenu, Julien D’ys and Serge Normant. Are these still your top 3, or has it changed? Why?
Always! Although the wonderful thing about instagram is that it’s opened up stylist to more individual hairstylist who might not be household names in the fashion world but are still doing lovely, inspiring work especially women editorial hairstylist who are not given the notoriety they rightfully deserve.
What is your doughnut and/or taco of choice?
Classic maple twist / Al Pastor Taco with extra cilantro and salsa!
What do you think the biggest struggle stylists are experiencing in the industry today?
I will most likely come across as an old fuddy duddy, jaded hairstylist for saying this but our crazy hairdresser culture obsessed with “instafame”. Stylist used to set trends, now we have become slaves to them. Having to keep up with the latest Balayage with “beach waves” technique or yet another unicorn hair explosion on social media. How many ways can you do another braid on rainbow hair? Apparently to many to count. I suppose its reflection of the world we live in nowadays where our importance and self worth revolve around how many “likes”, mentions or regrams we get. Anyways what do I know? I only have 1600 followers on instagram so my opinion hardly counts.
“Those who abandon their dreams will discourage yours.”Those were your words to live by 5 years ago. Have they changed, as if so, what are they today?
Short answer? Still true today! Also, words I live by, “flaming hot cheetos with cream cheese is amazing”
What’s new in the life of your Hair-husband?
Tons! He Finished His Masters Degree, moved us to Hawai’i for his Doctorate studies and is busy advocating for the health rights of the Native Hawai’ian and mixed race community on the island. He is community organising, planning teach-ins to protest our current anti-immigration, anti-public health administration. He is shaking things up at the department of health and creating progressive systems and policies for people who can’t advocate for themselves. He loves kicking ass and taking names on the daily, making people super uncomfortable because prides himself on being the loudest, always the most EXTRA AF person in the room. To say he is an inspiration is an understatement, he truly believes in justice and the power of public service.
What book/magazine is currently on your nightstand?
Currently on my nightstand is a copy of Japanese Vogue and my sleep apnea machine.
You mentioned that you watched a lot of RuPaul’s Drag Race (we do too). What has been your favorite season so far and your favorite queen?
Well I wish I could tell you I still watch but i have english and geology of the hawai’ian islands papers to write! Catch me in like 3 seasons from now!
What do you see the next 5 years looking like?
Definitely looking forward to being done with school both for the hubs and I. I am planning on expanding my magazine to include a fully functioning editorial staff. I think the most honest answer other than that is, I don’t know, if you would of told me 5 years ago we would be living in Hawai’i, going to school, managing tons of projects and working on movies and tv shows i would of slapped you upside the head! Hopefully we have our and our family’s health, other than that? We shall see!
Wanna stalk steve…
Intagram: Steveeliashair
Facebook: Steveeliashair
Website: www.steveelias.com
Magazine: www.tantalummag.com