Meet Douglas Bradshaw of Twisted Roots Salon in Chatham

Today we’d like to introduce you to Douglas Bradshaw.

Douglas, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I grew up in Robbins Illinois. I am the fourth eldest of six siblings, five boys and one girl. My journey in business actually started with me being laid off of work. I used to work for a company called Atlas for several years. The company experienced financial problems and eventually had to lay workers off. I was one of many to be laid off.

While out of work, I realized that as long as I worked for others, I was not in control of my destiny. I decided to go to cosmetology school and open my own salon. I learned to cut hair in grade school, and it was something I enjoyed doing.

The day I graduated from cosmetology school I opened my salon that specializes in natural hair. It was a bold yet necessary move. That was in 2007 and we’re still here today. We have a great crew that’s driven with the desire to be the best.

Has it been a smooth road?
No, it has not been a smooth road. Most of the challenges come from friends and family. Some people think it is easy to run a business, yet they have no expertise running a salon. Owning a salon is not just about styling hair. I have to make certain the bills are paid, the salon is insured and that I hire great stylists. It’s important that our clients are welcomed into a relaxing environment and that they leave happy. Every day is a challenge and I’m still learning.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Twisted Roots Salon story. Tell us more about the business.
We specialize in natural hair. However, all of our stylists are licensed and can style all hair types. We are known for starting Locs, Loc maintenance, styling, Loc repair, Loc extensions and braiding. We also have two barbers.

We’re most proud of the atmosphere of the salon. Our stylists want clients to feel comfortable when they enter the salon and happy when they leave with a hairstyle that makes them feel renewed.

What sets us apart from other salons is that each of our stylists has a specialty. When a client asks for a particular service, we make sure the client is styled by the proper specialists. We utilize our strengths and expertise to ensure client satisfaction.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
There is a big move to deregulate the cosmetology industry and make the cosmetology license obsolete. It’s important that the person caring for your hair has been properly educated and trained and understands not only how to style hair, but the science behind caring for and maintaining healthy hair.

Hair trends are cyclical, but hopefully people will continue to embrace their natural beauty.

Contact Info:

• Address: 701 E. 75th St.
  Chicago, IL 60619
• Website: www.twistedrootssaloninc.com
• Phone: 773-994-9878
• Email: twistedrootssaloninc@yahoo.com
• Instagram: twistedrootssalon
• Facebook: Twisted Roots Salon
• Yelp: Twisted Roots Salon

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