From a loft-like space off a busy street in Alexandria, Stephanie Prinzbach runs the one-woman-show that is District Chic Hair Co., providing hair styling to over 115 customers spanning from Washington, DC to Richmond.
“It’s just me right now,” says Prinzbach of her nearly six-month-old business. “I’m not opposed to bringing more of a team into the mix in the future, but right now the most important thing is keeping my values.”
For Prinzbach—a former Redskins cheerleader with years of experience in the beauty industry—maintaining comfort and instilling confidence are two key aspects that led her to opening District Chic Hair Co. over the summer. Plus, she’s two months away from having a baby boy, which inspired her to fulfill a longtime dream of owning a business.
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“I’ve been in and around the beauty industry for so long,” says Prinzbach. “I obviously think beauty is important, but the visual cues and definition of the word is different for everyone. And I hope to help my clients discover a different understanding of that.”
Since opening, Prinzbach has consistently increased her clientele within the region and beyond it, providing services like cutting, styling, foils, color and treatments, as well as her personal favorite, balayage. One customer, Prinzbach explains, recently moved to California, yet continues to stop by the studio for a touch-up when she’s in town.
“My goal is to bring out the natural beauty of each person without making them come in every four weeks if that’s not something they can do,” says Prinzbach, who makes it a point to never overbook and only sees one customer at a time.
Most recently, following her wedding a little over a year ago, Prinzbach decided to get involved with hair styling for brides and bridesmaids, which is something she has experience in from past jobs.
As she looks ahead to the life she’s about to have come February when her child is born, Prinzbach focuses on those two core values: comfort and confidence.
“I want to bring that [comfort and confidence] back into the industry,” says Prinzbach. “And I really want to be able to set a good example for my little boy and show him that following your dreams and all those cliche things are important.”
