Meet Steffanie Tulk of Studio 32 Chicago in Lincoln Park

Today we’d like to introduce you to Steffanie Tulk.

Steffanie , let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Early on, I had an opportunity to join my mentor on a photoshoot in LA that was completely out of my league. I found a model and spent the entire day with a team of industry professionals capturing magazine-worthy photos. I loved it. I had the beginnings of my portfolio and a newfound interest in photo production. After a few years in the salon industry, I finally ended up at a salon that I knew would encourage my creative side. I spent two years building my clientele while taking side jobs styling photo shoots, fashion shows, TV pilots, and occasionally the morning news. After a promotional shoot for the salon where I was working fizzled out, I decided to use my own contacts to produce a new one. It was a dream of mine to work in a salon that featured my work, and suddenly my photos were all over the walls. After this success, I was offered more authority. Before I knew it I was booking appointments, teaching assistants, and running interviews. It was time for the next big step in my career. I began negotiations to purchase the salon in late 2016. After 8 months of negotiating, the deal fell through. Using everything I learned along the way, I moved on to open my own studio. I started with nothing but four blank walls and a shampoo bowl.

In three weeks, I decorated the space, moved my clientele, and established an LLC. My salon, Studio 32 Chicago, opened its doors in Lincoln Park on March 3, 2017. I cater to all, specializing in balayage, creative colors, and corrections. I’ve been my own boss for over a year, and I wouldn’t change a thing. I have the freedom to produce shoots while collaborating with outgoing, creative people that I’m lucky to call my friends. I get to come and go as I please, filling my time between clients with painting, designing, photography, and Montrose beach.

Has it been a smooth road?
Life is not a smooth road. I’m proud to say I bought a car and paid for cosmetology school myself. At age 19, I moved from a town of 800 to Chicago with a full-time assistant position at a salon. All of this was made possible after a dog attack in my youth left me with a few scars and a $25,000 settlement. With that jumpstart, in just six short years I’ve built my own business, a network of friends and colleagues, have two adorable Chihuahuas, and a loving partner. The beauty industry gave me the independence and stability I needed to build my life on my own terms. It’s taken a lot of work but I wouldn’t be here without obstacles and determination.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Studio 32 Chicago story. Tell us more about the business.
Studio 32 Chicago is a small upscale boutique salon providing a comfortable space where people can be themselves. I specialize in creating colorful styles for creative types like myself, but also enjoy hand painting sun-kissed highlights and natural grey blending. I believe in customizing every service to each individual, and my goal is to make my clients happy. My prices reflect the duration of the service, the amount of product used, and my years of experience, all on a gender-neutral menu to ensure everyone is equally charged. Throughout my career, I have enjoyed giving back to the community. I have marched in Chicago’s Pride Parade two years in a row alongside my wonderful colleagues, donated services to charity auctions, helped raise money for a client’s transitional surgery, and hosted two cancer makeover events. I care about my clients as much as I care about my community, and I guarantee it reflects in my work.

Pricing:

• Short Length Hair Cut 48
• Medium Length Hair Cut 58
• Long Length Hair Cut 68
• Root Touch Up 52
• Balayage 182
• Bleach & Tone 127

Contact Info:

• Address: 2860 N Broadway
  Chicago IL 60657
  Suite 32
  Within Salons by JC
• Website: Studiothirtytwochicago.com
• Phone: 773-598-9095
• Email: studio32chi@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studio32chicago
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/studio32chicago/

Image Credit:
Photographer: Marcus Mader, Makeup Artists: Kevin Pierce, Blaire Knight-Graves, Models: Nicole Petrie, Sophie Foote, Himani

Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.