Today we’d like to introduce you to Dennis Stokely.
Hi Dennis, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
After 25+ years working in top salons in NYC, Miami and Los Angeles, I have returned to my Southern roots. I have a private salon suite in Bluffton, by appointment only.
I dropped out of the University of Georgia, moved to NYC. I began my career as a receptionist at Kenneth Salon inside the Waldorf-Astoria hotel. Kenneth was famous as the stylist for Jackie Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe. I later trained as an assistant to Frédéric Fekkai atop his sumptuous Salon inside Bergdorf-Goodman.
After NYC, I landed a gig with the NFL’S Jacksonville Jaguars cheerleaders, creating hairstyles for game days and for their swimsuit calendars.
Miami beckoned. South Beach was red-hot in the fashion world. I worked styling hair for countless celebrities.
Hooray for Hollywood!
I arrived in Los Angeles with no connections and within weeks was on-set. Landing the gig-of-a-lifetime styling hair for Paula Abdul on AMERICAN IDOL. My time in Los Angeles sealed my status as a celebrity hairstylist. Working with Paula Abdul, Eva Longoria, Jessica Simpson, Martha Stewart, Carmen Electra and Brooke Anderson. It was always a blast creating red-carpet hairstyles for the Oscars, Emmys, Grammys and Golden Globes.
I returned to the Lowcountry after my Mother was diagnosed with Alzhiemers. I was a constant presence during her last years in Savannah.
I opened the salon at the Montage Palmetto Bluff (the site of Justin Bieber’s wedding) as the Artistic Director. Working on million dollar weddings. Meeting and working with Dana Perino/Fox News and so many high profile clients.
I am thankful for my, full-circle, journey
in the beauty industry.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I have certainly experienced triumphs and setbacks along the way. I always face the light and focus on the positive things in my life. Returning home and rebooting my career presented unique challenges. I worked, briefly, in several salons throughout the Savannah, Hilton Head, Bluffton areas. I realized pretty quickly that my biggest success as a stylist has always been working as a solo artist. Hence, opening my salon suite, by appointment only, was the best decision
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’ve gained the most success as a hairstylist creating hairstyles for the camera. I have a knack for updos, blowouts and glamorous hairstyles. I have always thrived working one on one with clients. I’ve been told that my Southern manners set me apart. I developed my skill set working in New York City. Then, I segued into the world of celebrity hairstyling and the rest is history. I have so many wonderful memories styling hair for tv, film, magazines and fashion shows. I would say working on AMERICAN IDOL, traveling with Paula Abdul and creating her hairstyles is my proudest moment.
What matters most to you?
Be good at what you do and be nice!
Fyi, my big break came via a makeup artist, Alexis Vogel. I worked with Alexis on a wedding. At the end of the day, I thanked her. I told her I had always admired her work(Pamela Anderson, Anna Nicole Smith, Elizabeth Taylor). She asked for my number. A few days later, she booked me to style Paula’s hair. So, it was being nice that got me noticed. Of course, creating stunning hairstyles is my secret to success.
My wanderlust journey has been a dream come true.
For more information visit,
www.dennisstokely.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dennisstokely.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dennisstokely/
