Charlie Brackney began his career in the beauty industry at 15 years of age. From the beginning he knew that this work was his passion. He is a Master Stylist at Juut Salon Spa in Minneapolis MN where he has built a successful clientele in record time. His creativity and passion for education has quickly developed him into one of the top educators at Juut. He has led the creative direction and styled seasonal trend collections along with being instrumental in the development of the hair cutting and the hairdressing curriculum that is taught throughout the company. He is also an Aveda Purefessional, travelling around the country teaching creative techniques and working behind the stage at major shows. His creative edge is expressed in the local show scene and his photo work has been published in local fashion print. When Charlie is not managing his own clientele, teaching at the Juut New Artist Academy or on the road for Aveda you can find him at his personal creative studio. To elevate the level of his craft he works in his studio researching and experimenting with innovative new shapes and techniques with the hope of some day making his mark on the beauty industry.

1. What drives your passion?
My passion is bringing out the beauty in people and creating timeless images that challenge the very concept of beauty. I am also passionate about sharing these ideas with others through education.

2. What advice would you give to a young stylist starting out in the business?
It's the same with anything in life: you get out of it what you put into it. Set challenging goals for yourself, work as hard as you can and don't ever take no for an answer, everything is negotiable. Oh and Be Kind while your at it, it will take you far.

3. What does your generation have to offer to the craft that is better or different from the grand masters at the top of the career ladder?
I think this generation of hairdressers is extremely lucky due to the advances in technology and global communication. We can study full bodies of work created by the legends before us and see collections immediately upon their release. With Hairdesignertv.com you can transform any location in the world into a classroom. Because of our exposure to all of this greatness it is now our responsibility to follow in the traditions of those who have paved the road and commit to being technically disciplined while continually innovative.

4. You are a perfectionist do you see this as a blessing or curse?
Ha-ha it is both!! Coming from you I take it as a major compliment, so thank you. There is such a thing as being too close to the forest to see the trees, so when I'm working I make a concerted effort to breathe and take a step back to consider all angles. Without my devotion and attention to detail however I don't think I would have grown as quickly as I have.

5. What are your biggest concerns about our profession?
My biggest concern for the industry is the loss of reverence for our craft. People gravitate to this concept of deconstruction but unfortunately it often leads to lazy and sometimes frightening habits. Every thing you do as a hairdresser and artist should be done with respect and intention. I care about every single cut you make.

6. How important is advanced education for salon stylists?
Advanced education is paramount for sustainable business. The second you feel yourself giving people the same haircut over and over or you start to run out of ideas, it is time to hit the class room and hard! You would be doing yourself, your craft, your salon and your clients a major injustice by not staying aware of the latest trends and techniques.

7. What is the best part of your job?
I love creating a concept in my mind and manifesting it into reality. I love the emotional connection clients develop with their hair when its potential has been realized. I love working with students as they transform their business and art through education. I love being a student and pushing myself to learn as much as I can.

8. What is the worst part of your job?
Hair is everywhere ha-ha!! I can't watch a movie without analyzing every style. I can't read a book without envisioning exactly what look would best suit a character. It's an obsession really, there's no escape! But I wouldn't trade it for the world.

9. How important is it for stylists to build a portfolio?
It all depends on what you want out of your career. One of the beautiful things about our industry is that you can make it what you want. If you are passionate about creating beautiful images, starting a portfolio is taking the first step.

10. What have you learned from photographing your work?
Photographs do not lie! You can think something you've done is fabulous only to see it on film and realize it's simply ordinary or just too far out. The key is developing a critical eye, which is something I plan on working on for the rest of my life. I have also learned the importance of putting the right look on the right person. When I began shooting my work the focus was always the hair. I thought if I made the hair fantastic the image would look great. Silly me. There is so much more that goes into it and I learn more and more as I continue testing new ideas. With my next collection I will scour this city for the best models and artistic team.

11. What are you goals and aspirations for the future?
I want to continually grow and eventually be great. I want to open people’s minds by challenging their concept of beauty. I want to work with and learn from the legends that have paved the way. I know all of this will take time but I’m ready and willing to do what it takes, so hopefully you have not heard.