Whitney Vermeer

 

Whitney Vermeer is one cool cat. We wanted to catch up with her and get to know her a little more after her amazing entry into the 2016 NAHA’s. She has her hands in so many pots in the industry and we think you need to get to know too. She has proven that with a little determination and a lot of passion for what she does, BIG things can happen.


Describe a day in the life of Whitney…

My day begins with waking up to kisses from Toby in his jammies. We do our morning yoga together and then start to get ready for our day. My job is demanding on my body so it’s important that i eat healthy and take care of myself physically. Part of my morning includes picking out an outfit for myself and Toby that coordinate. As soon as I walk in the door to The Aesthetic, I am in a creative space designed to best suit my clients, but also my ambitions and interests. I not only work behind the chair, I also use the space for conference calls with Hatori Hanzo, Baxter of California, and other business opportunities. I am a creative at heart with an entrepreneurial mind so I’m constantly looking for ways to grow and try new things. By the time I’m done with work in the space, I go home to work more. My work day is never really done. At night is when I focus mostly on The Aesthetic X Whitney VerMeer’s business side. Then I wake up and start all over again the next day to advance with a new perspective.

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You wear a lot of hats as a hairdresser. How did you get involved in all the things you do beyond the chair?

For the longest time I was afraid to speak up for things I wanted. I was so nervous about stepping on other people’s toes that I continuously missed out on opportunities. I realized that I wasn’t just being polite by not saying anything, I was appearing to people that I “didn’t care” or “wasn’t passionate.” Which wasn’t further from the truth.

I decided from there on out I was going to say “yes” to every opportunity that came my way. Even if it terrified me, I knew it was the only way to grow. I got comfortable with being uncomfortable. I definitely attribute much of my success to not limiting myself and trying different things.

Advice for someone who wants to take the path you have in your career?

Stay true to your own brand. Always be you and never limit yourself. TRY EVERYTHING. If you stick to your heart, you’ll always make the right decision and be at peace.

Your fur-baby is the cutest! When did Toby become part of your life and how does he like spending time at the salon?

Toby found me 7 years ago. I rescued him and he saved me. He has my heart and my life wouldn’t be the same without him. This is exactly why I have a 40×60 image of him in my space. He is the center of my world. Toby is also known as #Tobyinthecity so he enjoys being out and about and especially likes greeting clients in my space.

You educate for a few product companies. What about them fuels your passion for education and how did you get started with them?

I am an Educator for Hattori Hanzo as well as Baxter of California. Working for these particular companies fuels my passion for education as it relates to advancing mens curriculum, style, and culture. I want to be as involved as I can with my passion while giving back in some way and finding different opportunities to create an impact. These companies give me the platform to do just that. I started as an Educator for the companies as they reached out to me. It is crucial to me to only align myself with brands that I think are the best in the industry and I stand by both of these brands.

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Tell us about your craziest hair related travel experience.

I was scheduled to teach the first ever Baxter of California Academy class in West Hollywood. A few days before I was going to leave they asked me to cut hair at Coachella. I was planning on opening the salon at the same time. I gave my notice at the salon I was working at as the Men’s Director, went home to pack, flew to LA, drove to Palm Springs and worked Coachella for two days. I then drove back to LA to teach the academy class, flew back to Minneapolis, and opened my brand new space The Aesthetic X Whitney VerMeer. This was very stressful and hectic, but I would not have had it any other way.  I thrive on my passion and this is one of those examples where it reminds me that everything will work out if I put my mind to it.

A product you would pay (gasp) retail for… 

I have to say Shu Uemura Texture Wave

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If anyone follows you on Instagram, they’ll see you have an eye for architecture. How does this relate back to hair for you? Where else do you draw inspiration from?

What inspires me about architecture isn’t necessary the visual. It’s the construction beneath it that supports it to create and strengthen the final product. Which, in essence, is how to execute a perfect haircut.

I also draw a lot of inspiration from pretty much anything that has structure or clean lines.  See? I’m obviously a hair nerd! Other than that- fashion, history, art, and music.

Who is your Hair-Hero?

Ohhhh this is such a  hard one! I would say, Vidal Sassoon from a precision foundational standpoint.

And I also have to say Sam Villa is another favorite- specifically from an educator perspective. He is genuinely a good human- and that has always stuck with me.

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3 shows or education events you won’t be missing this next year?

IBS New York

Barber Con

NAHA

I knew I was a Hair Nerd when…

When I developed an understanding of cutting hair from and architecture perspective.

Where can people stalk you? 

Facebook

Twitter & IG- @WhitneyVerMeer

I’m also on Hairbrained and Bangstyle

WhitneyVermeer.com