Issue link: https://www.ahpindiestylist.com/i/1250436
N ot a m e m b e r ? J o i n at a s so c iate d h a i rp rofe s sio n a ls .c o m 25 "Initially I didn't think [ JCPenney] was the right fit for me, but after discussing the opportunity with a friend, who was a leader at a major beauty brand, he told me, 'Nick, this is an opportunity for you to learn something new, to grow as a leader, and dive into how big box retail works.' I realized that this opportunity would also give me the platform to help thousands of hairstylists live out their passion." During this time, Stenson was splitting his time between New York City and the Dallas area, where the JCPenney headquarters is located. After several successful years at JCPenney, Stenson felt he hit a professional crossroads. Around that same time, Ulta Beauty approached him with a job offer. "I never dreamed I would continue my professional journey with another large organization," he says. "I decided to join Ulta Beauty because I believed the company was heading down a path that would allow me the opportunity to create positive change for all beauty professionals—not just hairstylists. "I think most impressive was the leadership team at Ulta Beauty, and I knew I wanted to be a part of a team that was led by Mary Dillon and Kecia Steelman—two amazing women in leadership who inspire tens of thousands of associates on a daily basis." Stenson says he still continues to learn from Dillon and Steelman (and all of his leadership team) every day, and after three and a half years, he's still having a great time. Today, Stenson is back in Chicago. "Everything came full circle now working for Ulta Beauty," he says, "but my fiancé has family businesses in Philadelphia, so we keep a residence there as well." NEVER SAY NO Stenson has a passion for helping others find their own success in the beauty industry, which he says has provided him with a very advantageous and successful career. "I have always lived by the mantra of 'Never say no,'" he says, "and what I mean is never say no to an opportunity, no matter how small it may seem." Those "small opportunities" are the ones that proved to be the biggest growth moments in Stenson's career. "I have been blessed to have so many amazing mentors to guide me along the "I have always lived by the mantra of 'Never say no,' and what I mean is never say no to an opportunity—no matter how small it may seem." —Nick Stenson