Matthew Neff - 2000 Brown Aveda Graduate, Owner and Director of Neff Studio Salon
After graduating from the Brown Aveda Institute, Matthew Neff has worked his magic with Redken runway, with Holly Brown and Ken Novak at the Mid-American Conference, fashion editorials for the Cleveland Plain Dealer, and more exciting adventures along the way.
“I live, breathe, and sleep my salon.”
Now the owner and director of Neff Studio in Cape Coral, Florida, Matthew took a few moments from training interns, running the salon, and helping his clients look fabulous to give us a peek into his inspiration and success.
Why do you love what you do?
I love making people happy, I love making people feel good, I like having my salon being a catalyst to help the community by doing events and fundraisers. There's only so much you can do as a single person, but with a group of people behind you, you can accomplish a lot. I definitely think this is a more a people business than a hair business.
What makes an artist successful?
Listening first and foremost to people and their wants, needs, likes and dislikes. I think having a great foundation to start with, and then understanding that even artistry has to have rules or guidelines, and then somebody who's not afraid to continuously learn, evolve, and just randomly try something new, somebody who's willing to take a risk.
What advice do you have for aspiring artists?
Take things slow, learn everything at the beginning, walk don't run, never let anything stifle your creativity, always be you, embrace who you are, and just to remember that you are unique, and you should be fearless!
Neff Studio recently hosted their popular biannual event, Guest Appreciation Day, on December 9. The day starts with fantastic deals on gift cards, retail, and reservations, followed by an evening party with services offered for free in exchange for a toy donation for local needy children.
Don't miss Neff Studio Salon's website or Facebook page for inspiration, creativity, and a slot for your own unique style this season.
