MEET THE STACEY SMOKER HAIR & CO TEAM @ The Life of Riley NYC
My name is Stacey and I am the owner of Stacey Smoker Hair & Co and our new concept location THE LIFE OF RILEY NYC. I am so excited to welcome you to my fresh take on a traditional salon experience. I’ve genre mashed the best of the studio suite life and the traditional salon experience, to create a new hybrid that our guests and team members both LOVE!
At the core of our culture is a belief that everyone has light that the world tries to dim and if nurtured, can shine so bright it makes the world a better place for everyone.
If you cant find the light, be the light. If you can’t find a home, build a home. If you don’t have a family, build a family.
That’s what I have tried to do with my salon concept - Stacey Smoker Hair & Co and my lifestyle concept - The Life of Riley NYC (TLR NYC)
I spent years in traditional commissioned salons - trying to be seen. Then my salon closed on me abruptly and I then landed in a tiny suite by default. I loved what it did to my guest experience but I desperately missed working with a team. It’s taken me years but I finally figured out how to be the light, build a home and a family.
I’d love share with you our mission statement for TLR NYC which extends to my salon concept SSHAIR & CO as well.
The Life of Riley NYC Mission Statement:
"Empowering Individual Expression, Elevating Collective Wellness: Our multi-concept beauty and beyond lifestyle haven in Chelsea, NYC is a dynamic fusion of independent and commissioned hair sanctuaries, transcendent beauty spaces, collaborative work lounges, a vibrant coffee and mocktail bar, as well as a refined wine bar. In addition, we proudly offer a unique blend of tattoo artistry and cutting-edge injectable medi-spa services. We are dedicated to cultivating a space where diverse forms of self-expression flourish, where creativity and innovation converge, and where each individual's journey towards beauty, empowerment, and holistic well-being is celebrated. It's a sanctuary for carefree and luxurious lifestyle experiences, where you can indulge in the art of self-care and discover your unique path to radiant, authentic beauty.
Stacey Smoker Hair & Co is actively looking to grow our family. We are only looking for those that believe and approach life with a similar mindset. If you choose to see the positive over the negative and what’s possible over seeing it as impossible, then we’d love to offer you one of our available positions.
We are looking for one or two new team members - this could be any of the following positions: Full or Part-time Hairstylist, Hair Assistant, Jr. Apprentice or Styling Technician. Independent Beauty and Beyond professionals interested in renting studio space are also welcome and the same culture standards apply.
If this sounds like something you want in your world - please fill out the form below and email your resume.
Get to know Stacey Smoker…
Photograph by Andrew Werner, Make up by Cheryl Esposito
Hi! I’m Stacey… A little about me; I am involved in an 20 year (and counting) love affair with NYC! I call the George Washington Bridge my boyfriend and I chose my apartment because I can see that bridge from my house!
I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of the small business fabric of this city. Its some of the hardest yet most rewarding work that I get to do.
I was born in a small town in Pennsylvania to self employed parents who are 5th generation Maple Producers and I’m proud to offer their maple syrup to my guests @ TLR NYC. Fun Fact: When I was 18 I was crowned the Pennsylvania State Maple Sweetheart! YUP! I had the crown, the sash and the wave down pat!
I’m a cat mom to a tuxedo named Finnley with serious separation anxiety and a thyroid problem and a demon baby Tortoiseshell rescue named Lilith who has serious anger management issues! Recently, my husband saved an abandoned American Staffordshire Terrier named Bayley and I became a reluctant dog mom as well.
I am a National Artist and Global Influencer for Goldwell and I am very involved in the hair competition world. I was just named the Global Creative Awards US Gold Technical Haircutter of the Year and The Global Bronze Editorial Hair Colorist of the Year. To say 2023 has been busy is an understatement! As a seasoned stylist and educator, my true passion (and I believe) my purpose is to get others to believe that they are capable of anything they can dream. I really believe that pushing ourselves out of our comfort zone is where we grow and I try in every class and everytime I coach a fellow stylist to push them toward just a little growth.
Behind the chair, with my guests, I specialize in multi-service experiences, blonding, low maintenance color, hair loss/extensions and grey coverage. In salon, I aim to push our guest experience and we really aim for something worthy of a Michelin Star (if such a thing existed in the beauty industry!)
I see guests Wednesday-Saturday and travel for Goldwell 2-3 weekends a month on Sun-Tues. I give 100 million percent to my business, my team, my work as an educator and my creative work. What I can promise you is this, If you commit to me, I’ll commit to you at the same level. And If we do that, I can guarantee you the best, work environment of your career. No matter what, I’d love to meet you and grow my network. -Stacey
Get to know Sam Alter…
My name is Sam Alter and I’ve been a hairstylist for 15 glorious years. From grown up suburban south orange, New Jersey, to 11 years in nyc I’m still so happy to be here. I have many widespread interests including visual art, piano, and competitive international Latin ballroom dance. After developed an impressive artistic portfolio, I was accepted to Boston university’s prestigious college of fine arts. At Boston university, I took a variety of courses in the arts and finished with studies In Hispanic language and literature.
Upon graduating, i realized that my true passion was for styling hair and makeup. I chose to further my education, and completed schooling at Blaine School of Cosmetology in Boston. After this, i began a competitive apprenticeship at the esteemed Jean-Pierre & Co. Hair Salon in Boston.
Currently, I live in New York City where I can stretch my imagination as far as possible. I occupy my daily time enjoying a flourishing business with a growing clientele. i keep my skills sharp by attending classes at the Redken Academy in New York, as well creating and designing full concept hair and makeup pieces. When I’m not working, I spend time at the gym and with my dog, cat and turtle.
Working with renowned photographers and other artists has lead me to New York Fashion Week and many other international opportunities. My classical art background and high level education allow me to bring a unique perspective to my field. My love for my art is evident in the passionate way in which I work. Today, I freelance traveling all over the world doing editorial photo, video shoots, wedding hair and makeup, in addition to working with Stacey Smoker at The Life of Riley NYC.
Meet the TLR NYC Team
We have an amazing blend of Independent and Commissioned Beauty & Beyond Artists at The Life Of Riley NYC - by Stacey Smoker Hair & Co
Our Working Collective Culture is one of community support, creative inspiration sharing and flexible work models. We prioritize our guests and their experience above all else and strive to elevate it in every way we can. To that end we have created a space that not only provides an elevated and luxurious beauty experience, but also provides a lifestyle sanctuary where our guests can gather with friends, work for the day or simply just wait for their Uber in comfort.
Our Salon culture is the perfect hybrid of a traditional commissioned salon floor and a private salon suite. Our space is unlike any “salon” you have ever been to. We believe we have the best of all the worlds, all in one new version of a beauty business model.
We don’t have a reception desk, we have a coffee/wine bar!
And we don’t have a receptionist, we have our front of house welcome barista’s/bartenders!
We offer our guests AND passers-by on the street a welcoming lounge and cafe vibe.
While our guests are our #1 priority, our staff and the independents that call our space “home” matter just as much.
SO, Why should you come on board this ship and choose us as the next stepping stone in your career?
Our leader, Stacey Smoker, is reason #1. She is the epitome of what making magic in your career can look like in this industry and her passion in life is inspiring others to believe in their own magic. As a leader she is fair and patient, she is not afraid to be vulnerable. She creates a safe space for open communication by holding monthly one on one and group team touch bases. Stacey believes in the 3 C’s - Communication, Consistency and Cleanliness.
Stacey is an award winning stylist, a National artist and Global influencer with Goldwell. She does several photoshoots a year and dreams of working with her own crew to create, enter and win a Salon Team NAHA or GCA Award. Mentoring, coaching and supporting her fellow stylists and the industries next generation is what she lives for.
Our Dynamic Trio
(in order) Alexa, Sofia and Paulina
Front of House Angel’s
Welcome Crew, Barista’s and Salon Guest Services
No matter what part you play in our community, we want you to feel seen, safe and supported in every way we possibly can. We WANT you to have a life outside of us. We WANT you to take the vacation. We SUPPORT you chasing your dreams, even if those dreams don’t directly benefit us. We believe that if you are inspired and thriving, every single one of us are all the better for it. We don’t want you to work when you don’t want to work. We don’t want you to work more than you want to work. We simply ask that you meet us half way and that you commit fully to us for the time you are here. That you see that you are part of a crew that serves the greater good of each other AND all our guests. We encourage you to check out our over all space mission statement, if you feel it aligns with you, then we should definitely talk.
Plainly said, if you are looking for a predictable environment, a traditional salon model or a place to complain about - then please don’t apply, we aren’t for you.
BUT, If you want to get outside your comfort zone, if you want to be pushed to be your best, if you want to be in a supportive and positive environment, and ESPECIALLY if you are interested in learning about the other aspects of the beauty industry and having opportunities to create and learn then PLEASE, Apply and let’s get you in here!!