Stacey Smoker is an award-winning hairstylist, educator, and entrepreneur. She is also the founder of The Life of Riley NYC, a unique beauty and lifestyle space built on creativity, collaboration, and community. Her journey in the industry has been a blend of artistry, education, and business, but at its heart, it has always been about empowerment. Whether through transformational hairstyling, mentoring the next generation of professionals, or establishing a space where beauty and beyond beauty professionals can thrive, her work reflects a deep commitment to making a difference. At EliteX, we are proud to have Stacey Smoker as part of the edition: 10 Elite Women in Business, 2025.
Stacey Smoker | Founder | The Life of Riley NYC
Her journey into business was driven by a belief that beauty is not just about appearance but about how people feel. She longed for a collaborative community, and when the pandemic disrupted the salon industry, she saw an opportunity for change. Rather than creating just another salon, she envisioned a movement—an environment where artists could take ownership of their craft, clients could experience transformation, and an often-undervalued industry could be elevated. The Life of Riley NYC became the physical representation of this dream.
“When women build, they don’t just create businesses—they create movements.”
Like many women in business, she faced significant challenges early in her career. As a hairstylist navigating the business world, she had to work even harder to be taken seriously. Many doubted her ability to lead, build, or innovate, but she overcame these obstacles by proving them wrong. Through relentless effort, staying true to her vision, and seeking support when needed, she learned to trust her instincts—an ability that has been a game-changer in her success.
To Stacey, leadership is about showing up for people rather than simply giving direction. She leads by listening, mentoring, and ensuring that her team knows their ideas, growth, and success are just as important as hers. The Life of Riley NYC is not just about her—it is about creating a space where others can rise and fulfill their dreams. She believes that leadership is about lifting others up, providing opportunities, and creating an environment where people can thrive. One of the defining moments in her career was opening The Life of Riley NYC. Taking the leap from being an individual stylist to creating an entire business ecosystem was both terrifying and exhilarating. It was at that moment she realized she was more than just a hairstylist—she was a founder, a leader, and a builder. This milestone reinforced her belief that true success lies in taking risks and stepping into something greater than oneself.
“True success lies in taking risks and stepping into something greater than oneself.”
Stacey attributes success in today’s business world to resilience, vision, and heart. She believes that business is not just about numbers but about people. Connecting with people, solving real problems, and showing up with passion every day are the keys to success. Staying adaptable and responsive to change is essential, as the industry continuously evolves.
Over the years, the beauty industry has shifted from being trend-focused to prioritizing personalization, inclusivity, and well-being. Clients now seek experiences rather than just services. Recognizing this shift, she has built a business that is more than a salon—it is a full lifestyle space where artistry, education, community, and collaboration come together. While the salon industry can be slow to change, she believes in steady, consistent efforts to drive transformation.
Looking ahead, she predicts that customization and holistic beauty will shape the industry. AI-driven consultations, a greater focus on scalp health, and the rise of independent beauty entrepreneurs are some of the trends she foresees. The future is not just about what is fashionable but about how people feel in their own skin—an area where The Life of Riley NYC excels.
Staying ahead in a competitive business environment requires continuous learning and evolution. She refuses to become complacent and constantly seeks new knowledge. Investing in education for herself, her team, and the industry as a whole is a priority. Teaching keeps her skills sharp, while mentoring keeps her inspired. She believes that education is the foundation for innovation and staying relevant in an ever-changing industry. For young women aspiring to follow in her footsteps, she emphasizes the importance of finding a mentor—someone who will provide honest guidance and motivation. She encourages them to start before they feel ready, as waiting for the perfect moment can lead to missed opportunities. Building relationships, learning from those around them, and trusting in their own voices are essential steps toward success.
She believes that women in business can create a greater impact by supporting each other. True success is shared success, and opening doors for others rather than just holding them is crucial. Business should not be viewed as a solo journey but as a collaborative effort. Commitment to helping one another ensures that setbacks do not lead to quitting, and together, women can be unstoppable. Throughout her career, her greatest source of inspiration has been the people she meets—stylists, students, and clients—each with their own story of transformation. Seeing someone light up after learning a new skill or feeling their best after a service reinforces her passion for what she does. These moments remind her why she started and why she continues to push forward.
“Beauty is not just about appearance but about how people feel.”
Balancing work and personal life is an ongoing challenge, and she acknowledges that some days she succeeds, while other days she does not. Rather than striving for perfection, she focuses on being intentional with her time. She prioritizes what matters most in each moment and allows herself grace on days when things do not go as planned. To her, balance is not about rigid schedules but about maintaining a sense of purpose and flexibility.
Her greatest achievement so far has been creating The Life of Riley NYC. It is more than just a business—it is a legacy. It is a home for artists, a space for transformation, and a place where people walk in as one version of themselves and leave feeling unstoppable. Building something that has such a profound impact on both professionals and clients is her proudest accomplishment. The legacy she hopes to leave for the next generation of women in business is the belief that they are limitless. She wants them to know that their dreams are never too big, their ideas are never too bold, and they already belong in the spaces they aspire to be in. The Life of Riley NYC stands as proof that when women build, they do not just create businesses—they create movements. By believing in themselves, supporting each other, and embracing the journey, the next generation can continue to break barriers and redefine success.