Grace, Grit, and Glamour: How Hannah Milojevich Turned Passion into Global Influence

By Dr. Brittney Clinton | Thursday, November 13, 2025 | Beauty and Personal Care

There’s a rare electricity that follows Hannah Milojevich—a blend of quiet confidence and creative command that turns every backstage moment into art in motion. With over a decade curating hair for runways in New York, London, Milan, and Paris, Hannah has transcended the title of hairstylist to become a storyteller of texture, tone, and transformation. Her journey from salon apprentice to international runway artist and producer  is more than a career—it's a masterclass in perseverance, intuition, and fearless reinvention. In an industry built on aesthetics, Hannah stands apart for her substance, leading with grace, grit, and an artistry that blurs the line between fashion and philosophy.

Dr. Brittney Clinton:  Can you share how your journey as a freelance hair artist began—and what moment made you realize this was more than just a skill, but you're calling?

Hannah Milojevich: “When I was in hair school, I assisted in a hair salon where several artists had quite successful careers in New York City. One was a color director working on celebrities, and the owner of styling for editorial magazines. They inspired me (and encouraged me) to move to NYC as soon as I graduated. I pursued a salon I had seen in magazines doing runway shows (and by pursued I mean I showed up once a week until they hired me!) I worked in that salon assisting the owner, Rodney Cutler of Cutler Salon, as well as other master stylists in their apprentice program and started to work runway shows for the Spring Summer 2012 season. I have only missed 2 seasons (which are twice a year) since, so that puts it at 26 seasons now over 14 years in New York, London, Milan and Paris. Working at the level where every detail matters, the highest level of a trade requiring intention, discipline, and focus keeps me pulled. The 4-6 hours prepping for a 5 minute catwalk, and the team erupting in applause at a job well done afterwards is adrenaline addicting!”

Dr. Brittney Clinton:  When you’re preparing for a runway show, how do you find inspiration for your hair concepts, and what’s your creative ritual before the models hit the stage?

Hannah Milojevich: “Runway shows seem so simple, the models walk for a few minutes to pounding music in intriguing clothes — but the back end to produce it all is massive (and addicting!) I freelance for hair artists who are signed with agencies in NYC, LA or Paris. Their agencies hire us freelancers to make up the hair team, 15-25 hair stylists. The goal of a freelancer is either to assist on as many hair teams as possible to gain experience, or start to build relationships with a handful or less with a goal of being on their “core team”. It’s a hustle to get on the teams, in the beginning there are a lot of last minute releases when you think you booked a job, and maybe even flew to Paris thinking you had a set schedule but ended up working a completely different one! Surprisingly, it’s a lot of emailing! Making sure you’re in touch with the agencies and their ever-evolving staff.” 

Dr. Brittney Clinton:  As a producer leading a hair team for high-energy events, how do you build trust and unity among your artists to create seamless runway magic?

Hannah Milojevich: “As a hair team producer, or some called a team leader, I have the unique position of being also a hair stylist. I know that freelance stylists are leaving salons, families, and young children to come from all over for the job. They are humans who miss alarm clocks, are sick, and get lost using google maps. I try to issue grace for tardiness, needing to leave early, and general distractions. I hope to empower hair stylists who might be nervous or unsure with the look but giving as much detail in direction I’m told as possible, and by advocating for their questions during high tense moments. Also, timeliness, a huge component. I know when a hair stylist says they will be done with a model in “2 minutes” it means 10-15. So I ask for real talk and real time to allow all of us to thrive!”

Dr. Brittney Clinton:  What’s been one of your biggest behind-the-scenes challenges in this industry, and how did it shape the woman and creative professional you are today?

Hannah Milojevich: “Backstage is cut throat. Everyone is answering to someone else, and everyone is wanting to perform at the top of their game in order to be asked to work again. It’s a collective of hundreds freelancers working for one brand, one designer. Time is of the essence, as is attention to detail. Attitudes can run high, and thick skin is required. I remember in the beginning, I was too nervous to admit I lived in North Carolina and was flying up into the city where the show was on my own dime to work the job. I didn’t want to sound desperate or unqualified — turns out 98% of freelance hair stylists are all doing the same! I wish I would have been a bit more comfortable and confident in my skin in the early days which probably would have propelled the level of shows I worked faster, resulting in my current ideal scenario of hair styling for 2 artists and producing for 1. We all have imposter syndrome, so just call it out, be at peace in your own skin and willing to be a bit vulnerable (lesson).” 

Dr. Brittney Clinton:  How do you see your role as a female creative leader influencing other women—especially those looking to break into beauty, fashion, or entrepreneurship?

Hannah Milojevich: “Oh gosh loaded question. I get A LOT of questions about entering the fashion week world, and truth is it is much easier with social media now then when I came up. Several freelancers have their own platform, i.e. wig specialty or braider, and now DM the agency or hair artist directly to get on their teams. There’s also more hair brands that sponsor shows or teams for agency artists, so I try to give encouragement to hair stylists wanting to work backstage. 

As for entrepreneurs, I am proud that I sold two salons valued at the top 1% of the industry in sale price due to consistent profitability, year over year growth, and team retention. One of my proudest career moments is being among 3% of US woman-owned businesses with over 1 million in revenue. I started my consulting practice two years ago, HLM Creative, to come alongside salon owners and other creative industries to help them truly understand their numbers and financials. By empowering them to know their business on a granular level, they can make decisions using data, hopefully eliminating the exhausting fear and emotional rollercoaster we as small business owners all go through.”

Dr. Brittney Clinton:  When you look ahead, what kind of impact do you hope your artistry and leadership will leave in the world of beauty and fashion?

Hannah Milojevich: “In the runway world, I hope I can impact the signed artists pursuing their artistry at the top global level possible, by producing hair teams that reflect perfection and attention to detail giving them the credit and hard work they deserve. I would say the same for hair styling. As for leadership on the beauty business side, I hope that the mistakes I made and lessons I learned in my ten years as a multi-location owner, can help others avoid those and empower, encourage and support their pursuit to find work life balance truly enjoying what they do. While also having room to breathe as they build successful companies with amazing team members in an encouraging and motivating environment!”

As the final strand is placed and the applause fades into the hum of the next show, Hannah’s impact continues to echo—a reminder that true beauty begins long before the lights hit the runway. Through her leadership, mentorship, and creative precision, she’s redefining what it means to thrive in fashion’s fast lane: intentional, inspired, and unapologetically human. As she reflects on her evolution, her words linger like a mantra for every woman daring to create her own path: “We all have imposter syndrome—so just call it out, be at peace in your own skin, and stay willing to be a bit vulnerable. That’s where true confidence begins.” 

Reconnecting with Hannah Milojevich felt like more than an interview—it was a full-circle moment, witnessing a high school classmate who once shared small-town dreams now commanding the artistry of global runways. Behind the gloss and glamour of fashion week, Hannah revealed the heartbeat of backstage production—where teamwork, precision, and human grace intertwine to create magic in mere minutes. It was an absolute joy to peel back those layers with her and see how far passion, persistence, and purpose can take someone who dares to dream beyond the chair.

---

Dr. Brittney Clinton is a content educational practitioner currently serving as an Associate Professor at Westcliff University, Dissertation Committee Member, independent published author, and compassionate leader that attract other professionals, scholars, and individuals in the community with a devoted purpose to empower, educate, and support others. Previously, Dr. Clinton served various leadership roles in Winston-Salem, NC with the following organizations: Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc and The Order of the Eastern Star PHA 30th District. Dr. Clinton currently serves as a board member for the city of Winston-Salem, NC Appearance and Commission Board. Dr. Clinton graduated from the following prestigious institutions: Winston-Salem State University, B.A. Sociology/Elementary Education 2009, Strayer University, MA Education Leadership and Management 2012, and Capella University, Ed. D Education Leadership and Management 2015. Dr. Clinton founded the motto “Continue to be a beacon of light”; which is implemented daily while effectively illuminating a successful path for others.

---