Today we’d like to introduce you to Stacia Sundahl.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have been a hairstylist for 24 years. AT 16 I started beauty school, my junior year of high school well also working at Starbucks and being a freelance Make Up artist for MAC. I moved to LA at 18 and trained in Beverly Hills and Santa Monica. At 20 I moved to New York City to start a whole new Assistant job at Cutler Salon. I lived and worked in New York City for eight years being part of fashion week for 16 seasons, doing photo shoots, red carpet, and TV and film. At 28 I moved back to Pebble Beach, California. I started working at a salon and built up my Clientele. From 2018 to 2020 life was a little rocky I survived an abusive relationship that almost took my life. Two weeks before Covid started. I moved back home from my short stent in living in Southlake Tahoe. November 2020 I took a risk and started Franklin Street Collaborative that housed HUDSON JAMES boutique and at the time Stacia Nicole beauty. Last year 2025 I launched my own extension brand and rebranded in my salon to CARTÉ MANE Salon the same name as my extension brand. November 1, 2026 we will be celebrating our sixth year in business. I don’t know how but I managed to start this as a single mother looking back. I honestly don’t know how I accomplished so much in a very short period of time, especially during the pandemic.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has absolutely not been a smooth road business partner. I started with left two days before our one year anniversary. She was in charge of the boutique side, and I had no previous experience working in retail. I had to learn all the ropes very quickly to continue moving forward. Numerous struggles were how to finance everything make it all work smoothly higher and be the buyer of the shop while still working behindthechair simultaneously.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a hairstylist who specializes in color correction Extensions, and styling. I am known for my hairstyling background, and now the creation of a beautiful boutique. I have just expanded my salon space so I can nurture and help other Stylist be the best that they can be while creating a healthy work environment. What sets me apart from others is that I am extremely ambitious and always willing to take a risk. Starting my own extension brand is an example of finding a solution to a problem in an industry where most Stylist feel like they’re forced to use poor quality product products. I will also be focusing more on educating, expanding my extension brand and making it available to other stylist throughout the US.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was always very ambitious. Always had a very entrepreneurial drive. I have always been very straightforward so when I move to New York City, I felt like I finally fit in somewhere. I am fast paced and have a lot of vision for where I want to go in life. I grew up as an only child so independence has always been a blessing and curse. I have always been a solution based person so I do my best to work through and navigate any challenges that come my way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Franklinstreetcollaborative.com
- Instagram: Stacianicolebeauty
