Meet Sarah Davis of Mane Salon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Davis Sarah.

Davis, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
When I look back at my life, I see so much writing on the wall leading me to where I am today. But that wasn’t ever in my original plans. Growing up, I was a little obsessive with my hair and makeup, because I wasn’t the prettiest girl, and had weird curly hair that nobody taught me how to style.

I learned how to do makeup to cover up my acne, and I loved playing with eyeshadow colors. My dad always said that I could color my hair any color I wanted, and do whatever makeup I wanted, so long as I don’t pierce my face or get tattoos. (Little did he know that I’d wait until I was 35 years old to have my rebellious period–I now have my nose pierced and a huge tattoo on my back)!

Fast forward to career choices–I decided in High School that I was going to major in Interior Design and went all the way, including achieving a degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Interior Design, designing for top Chicagoland companies for over 10 years after college, and passing the NCIDQ Licensing exam.

I loved designing and building strong relationships with my clients but got really burnt out after a while. I started doing some soul-searching to decide if there was anything else I could do… For many years, I worked part-time jobs in salons (as their front desk help) and would joke about how in my next life, I was going to be a hairdresser–It NEVER occurred to me that I could pursue a career in hairdressing/makeup in this lifetime.

Then, one day during my year and a half of soul searching, I met a hairdresser that inspired me more than anyone–she changed careers from the corporate world to a hairdresser in her 30’s, and was incredibly professional, vulnerable, creative, and welcoming. I thought if she could do it, so can I! My family was super supportive, always being my backbone through thick and thin.

So, I handed in my resignation and started cosmetology school 3 weeks later. I honestly thought that after 1 year of cosmetology school, I know it all and be ready to take on the world of hair and makeup. Little did I know how much more there is to learn. I decided on taking an apprenticeship at a downtown salon, and couldn’t be more grateful for my advanced education.

I have learned so many wonderful techniques to work with all different hair textures, personality types, and trends. I also attribute my education and experience in Interior Design to my successes in the Cosmetology industry. They’re very very similar when it comes down to it–designing someone’s room or their hair requires lots of listening, guidance, creativity, and technique.

I pride myself on creating extremely safe spaces for my clients where I can discover new beauty inside and out. I’m incredibly lucky to have found such a fulfilling career path.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No way!!! Starting over in a cosmetology career in my 30’s was super challenging. I wrestled with how was I going to pay the bills, how do I get along with these 18-year-old students and stylists, what will people think of me quitting design to be a “hairdresser”?!?!

I’ve really had to stand strong in the face of judgments, being the lowest woman on the totem pole several times over, feeling like a failure over and over again… but it’s only made me stronger. I also was diagnosed with thyroid cancer while in beauty school and had to do treatments (including surgery and radiation) and find a way to take better care of myself.

Although this wasn’t the biggest challenge of my career, it has made a big impact on how I relate to others! Most recently, I have become a NEW MOM! The biggest and best challenge of my life. I am deeply in love with my new little boy and am figuring out how to hustle in this industry while being the best mom I can at home.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Mane Salon – what should we know?
I work for Mane Salon, as well as freelance for special occasions, weddings, photo shoots, and commercials. I am a makeup artist, cutting stylist on the floor, and soon to be colorist as well. I have a large variety of clients, ages, and textures.

Many clients are working professionals and want to look their best for their clients, many are women who only get their hair done a couple times a year, and want cuts that go the distance, as well as retired women who are finally taking more risks with their hair.

I love love love working with curly hair–it’s like I’m rebuilding the inner adolescent Sarah by helping others appreciate their curly locks. The most important thing for me is to make my clients feel like they’re being tended to and part of the process. I want to know what my clients want for their hairstyle, but also what they are going for in their lives, and what matters to them.

I love learning about people as our times together get more and more detailed. I also run a local community outreach program called Shaving Lives, when once a month, we cut hair at the homeless shelter–I hope to expand this in the future!

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I have many mentors. My old stylist/boss was the one that finally clinched my decision to pursue cosmetology. She upholds an amazing standard of professionalism, femininity, creativity, and technique. Even though we don’t work together now, she is always at the forefront of my mind.

My family and friends have been my biggest cheerleaders and support. They have taken me in when I wasn’t working, have passed along my name and praises to their circles, and always make me feel special.

I also look up to many other stylists that are fellow coworkers or Instagram sensations–they most likely don’t know how much I look up to them and how grateful I am to know them… this is inspiring me to let them know!

Pricing:

• My haircuts start at $80

Contact Info:

• Address: 1119 w. Grand Ave, Chicago
• Website: manechicago.com
• Phone: (312) 988-0297
• Email: hairbysarahdavis@gmail.com
• Instagram: @hairbysarahdavis, @manechicago
• Facebook: sarahallisondavis
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mane-salon-chicago

Image Credit:
Monika Summerfeldt of Creative M Photography, Meka Hemmons of Spider Meka Photography, Dan Pietrini of Dan P Photography

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