This month, we are celebrating Chelsea McCoy, an independent stylist at @theplatinumcollectivesalon in Asheville, North Carolina. Chelsea says her goal is simple: to give every client the ultimate experience in the chair.
On Reaching a Turning Point
When asked what led her to Harper Ellis education, Chelsea describes it with the same humor and honesty that make her such a light in our community.
“I always tell the story with a Bring It On reference,” she laughs. “Remember when Missy tells the cheer panel, ‘Your school has no gymnastics team. This is the last resort?' That was me in my career. I was completely burnt out. I knew I either needed to change my services and my mindset, or I was going to keep googling new career paths. I went all in with Harper Ellis education, and there is no turning back. On the second day of certification, I cried real tears because I knew I had big changes to make. It’s embarrassing to admit, but it’s true. Growth and comfort do not coexist.”
“I always tell the story with a Bring It On reference,” she laughs. “Remember when Missy tells the cheer panel, ‘Your school has no gymnastics team. This is the last resort?' That was me in my career. I was completely burnt out. I knew I either needed to change my services and my mindset, or I was going to keep googling new career paths. I went all in with Harper Ellis education, and there is no turning back. On the second day of certification, I cried real tears because I knew I had big changes to make. It’s embarrassing to admit, but it’s true. Growth and comfort do not coexist.”
On Discovering Confidence in Numbers
One of Chelsea’s proudest wins has been watching her metrics transform alongside her mindset. In July, her year-to-date sales were up more than 30%, her July profit margin reached 56%, and her year-to-date profit margin held steady at nearly 50%.
“I used to say I was bad at math,” she says. “Now I am obsessed with numbers and metrics. They tell the story of how far I have come.”
“I used to say I was bad at math,” she says. “Now I am obsessed with numbers and metrics. They tell the story of how far I have come.”
On Transformations That Matter
Chelsea recalls a client and close friend who had experienced significant hair loss following surgery and lifestyle changes. Wefts alone were not enough to restore her confidence, so Chelsea created a hybrid installation, combining an 18-inch Elite Wefts in The Aubrey with keratin bonds. “It took her hair from broken and uneven to completely undetectable,” she says. “That install reminded me why I love what I do.”
On the People Who Shaped Her
Chelsea credits three key figures with shaping her journey.
“Terra Harvell has never sugarcoated anything and has pushed me to be the best version of myself. I always want to make her proud. Olivia Reese has mentored me for two solid years and believed in my potential before I did. Monica Rathbone keeps me accountable and gives me constant support and honesty. Each of them has been instrumental to my growth.”
“Terra Harvell has never sugarcoated anything and has pushed me to be the best version of myself. I always want to make her proud. Olivia Reese has mentored me for two solid years and believed in my potential before I did. Monica Rathbone keeps me accountable and gives me constant support and honesty. Each of them has been instrumental to my growth.”
On Tools, Trends, and Inspiration
Chelsea’s favorite tool is the Harper Ellis Signature Extension Tail Comb, which she says has made her installs faster and cleaner.
When it comes to shades, The Aubrey is her personal favorite, while The Fletch is the one she reaches for most often.
She looks to Harper Ellis educators Creighton Ellis, Kyrsten Chandler, and Brandie Campbell for inspiration and to stay connected to the latest trends.
Her dream client would be comedian Heather McMahan. “Who doesn’t want to laugh until you cry during an appointment?” she says.
When it comes to shades, The Aubrey is her personal favorite, while The Fletch is the one she reaches for most often.
She looks to Harper Ellis educators Creighton Ellis, Kyrsten Chandler, and Brandie Campbell for inspiration and to stay connected to the latest trends.
Her dream client would be comedian Heather McMahan. “Who doesn’t want to laugh until you cry during an appointment?” she says.
On Advice for the Next Generation
Her advice to younger stylists is straightforward. “Find a mentor with stats and start assisting immediately. You have so much to learn before you ever hit the salon floor.”
When asked what she would tell a stylist considering extensions for the first time, Chelsea does not hesitate. “Stop overthinking it. Say yes to the class. Say yes to being uncomfortable. And most importantly, say yes to yourself.”
Beyond the Chair
What makes Chelsea so unforgettable, though, is not only her skill but her spirit. She is the one who makes the entire room laugh, the one who can turn even the most serious business conversation into something light and hopeful. Within the Harper Ellis community, she has become known for her humor, her drive, and the way she lifts up the people around her. She is proof that success can be serious, but the journey can still be full of joy. We are proud to call her one of our own.