What Have I Been Up To

Just when I thought it was going to slow down during the holidays it actually picked up for the first time in my entire career. Firstly, let me just say thank you to you Rex for interviewing me for this past year for Barber Shop Magazine, it’s been a pleasure to do these quarterly recaps, it’s been a unique exercise as they have been a way for me to reflect back on such a great year.

We must remind ourselves of these blessings constantly so that we stay in a state of appreciation. What a wild year it’s been full of ups and downs because you know, for half of it, for us here in Los Angeles CA, we were closed-up due to the pandemic.

You could go far on your own, but you will fly if you have the right team of support.

I would like to say it started to open-up around June, halfway through, and then there started to be a just this rush of events, back-to-back, I think maybe because we didn’t know if or when would be the next time, they would shut us down again.

It just seemed like everyone lived for the moment, and everyone was just trying to enjoy anytime out of the house they had, because of our recent lockdowns during that time. Fast forward the last three months, and hair shows started to open back up, and we were reunited with our friends from all over the US!

What a sweet connection it is to have with like-minded individuals, who are working towards goals like yours. it’s like seeing a long-lost friend and being able to instantly pick up where you left off.

It was always a lovely time being on the road, well for short bits anyway...But then when I got back home… I was just surprised at these new enquiries, with Brand Partnerships and for shooting content for other influences. It’s like a whole new world, using tools that I had already learned … but creatively thinking in different way.

The coolest thing about it all, is that I got to work with brands outside of hair. Just this year alone I got to do campaigns with Instagram, Footlocker, Reebok, Champs, Montejo Beer, El Polo Loco and most recently… Rhianna Fenty’s Skin Line.

A few articles back Rex, we did a talk about my love for photography and videography. These platforms have also landed me new opportunities. To film influences with brands like Dell, McDonald’s and one I’m really stoked on that’s not out yet (BarberShop Exclusive!) Jordan!

On top of that, I got to film my first live festival ‘Rolling Loud’ in Miami…and… a Meek Mill concert in New York City, featuring many other artists, but most recent I was covering news at Complexcon, a two-day convention that highlights pop culture, fashion, art, food, sports and music.

Being with the Lab Studios, my girlfriend’s company, has opened many doors for me. Many of the things I’ve mentioned above would not be possible without a team. It’s important to know each person brings different values to the table. I’ll be honest, I’m never 100% prepared for all these events, but I can bet on my work ethic, and the support from my team, then I’ll figure it out. There’s always hiccups along the way but being a professional and having high standards, you will go to the ends to make sure you’re proud of what you put out and stamp your name on, no matter what crazy obstacles happen.

It’s been a fun and adventurous road and I really can’t wait to see what comes from it. It’s already November and I still have some trips pending with video!!

Now to swing it back to hair, we’re finishing off the year strong with new content for STMNT Grooming!

I can’t believe we are only a year old! we’ve had nothing but great and positive feedback from all over, and we’re still launching in new countries.

Last hair show of the year is in Los Angeles, right here in our backyard, and a new set of tools that BaByliss are dropping, which is always exciting. STMNT will have a booth and it’s just going to be a sweet way to end this amazing year.

Alright guys once again it’s Sophie Staygold and I’m officially signing off!! Enjoy your holiday season … my final piece of advice: Train hard in what you want to accomplish, and never let someone who doesn’t do what you do, give you advice on how you should or not do it. Follow what lights you up and makes you happy, time is gonna pass regardless, so spend it doing what you love :)

Thank you Rex

@staygold31