Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Mahoney.
Shannon , please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’m originally from a really tiny town outside of St. Louis and I always knew if I wanted to be even the slightest bit successful doing hair it wasn’t going to start there. After high school, I moved to Bloomington, IL and went to Paul Mitchell. Once I finished schooling, I moved to Chicago and started pursuing my dreams of being a hairstylist. I put in work as an assistant for awhile and when I wasn’t busy washing color bowls or towels I would watch the girls work and how they interacted with clients taking in everything I could so that I would be as prepared as possible when it came time for me to be “on the floor” doing hair. After two and a half years of being in my first salon, I decided to make the move to Nichole Beck Hair Boutique. This is where my creative freedom really showed. They allow me to really take my time so that each client can have the best experience and service possible. After all, they’re walking around with my work on their head, so I have to be happy with it!
Has it been a smooth road?
Fortunately for me, the road has been pretty smooth. I think it helps that I REALLY love doing hair and making people feel great about themselves. I’m excited to come to work every day because I legitimately get to do something I enjoy doing. Plus, I have some pretty amazing clients which just makes everything that much easier.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I would say, I specialize in everyday wearable hair, color corrections, and hair extensions. I’m not the stylist that likes all the crazy colors or the super fashion-forward haircuts. I have a lot of blonde clients and I thank my Instagram for that lol. The work I post on my Instagram is the exact kind of clientele I’m looking for. I think that’s what I’m most proud of too. I’m finally at a stage where I control the clientele I’m servicing (for the most part). In the beginning, you take whatever walks in the door because you just want people in your chair but now that I’ve found my niche and I post pictures of the kinds of cuts and colors I’m good at, people are finding me.
What sets me apart is my desire to make every client 1000% happy. I genuinely care about the integrity of hair and will take every step I need to in order to get to the result we’re looking for. I’m very honest and I set expectations where they need to be.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I think Chicago is a great city for the hair styling industry. The best part is that Chicago offers so many diverse neighborhoods. You can really choose a clientele just by choosing a neighborhood. I would recommend for any new stylist starting out to be an apprentice at as many salons as you can in different neighborhoods so that you can learn as much as you can before settling in a salon.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1130 W. Diversey Pkwy
- Website: Nicholebeck.com
- Phone: 773-248-2222
- Email: nicholebeck1130@gmail.com
- Instagram: @balaybyshann
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