Erika Bortot | Stamford, CT 
Updo Specialist & Styling | @hairbye_

People always ask if being a hairstylist is what I’ve always wanted to do. I answer every time with YES but I had to figure it out durning my teenage years. 

I grew up in Stamford, CT, 45 minutes from New York City, where’re everywhere you turned was fashion and beauty. Growing up I always had (and still do) a passion for hair. From practicing braids on my friends to (unfortunately) cutting my own bangs, I knew this was the career path for me. 

As senior year of high school approached I had to make the choice of going to college or not. All my friends were doing it so I felt like I had to also. I attended LIM in New York City, a fashion business school. I had a major in Visual Merchandising and a minor in Marketing. After my second year of school I realized this was not the career path for me. I went home, told my parents I was dropping out and going to attend beauty school. 

It was one of the best decisions I ever made! I attended beauty school three months after leaving college and knew right then and there that this is where I needed to be. I went through the schooling, took my test and was a licensed hairdresser in nine months. 

I have currently had my license for five years and have worked in some amazing salons in the Fairfield County Region. I am currently working in New Canaan, CT at Salon Kiklo with an amazing staff and wonderful clientele. I specialize in updos and bridal looks. As each year goes on I learn more and more about the industry and myself. I believe that you can never have too much knowledge especially in an industry that is always evolving. 

I love being able to make someone feel just as beautiful on the outside as they are on the inside. Being able to let me creativity shine through onto my clients hair brings me joy. I love being there with my clients during their happiest moments and being able to make them feel beautiful in the process. 

The biggest thing that has blessed me behind the chair are my clients. Without them I wouldn’t be where I am today. I am grateful for them everyday that they have put their trust and hair into my hands and let me work my magic!