Herstory: She Can Do Hair

The ‘Herstory’ Series highlights women along our travels who overcome challenges to pursue their passions. Celebrating what we each Can Do.

I was 15 and joined my friend at her hair appointment to be styled into an updo for the Valentines Day Dance. I sat while she got styled, enjoying the atmosphere. Dana was her hairstylist and after she had finished invited me into her chair for me to be styled. I didn’t have very much hair at the time  after a horrible  experience at Great Clips where the woman and I could not communicate; I cut my own hair.

Dana changed my part, asked me about my haircut, and offered to cut my hair. I told her I couldn’t afford it, that I went to Great Clips with the $6.99 coupon. Dana told me she would cut my hair for $6.99 if I promised to never go to Great Clips again. So I did.

When I went for my first haircut with Dana she was running behind (I would realize later that this was almost always the case) so I swept hair and cleaned color bowls. eventually Dana hired me to do her books, tear foils, sweep hair, put away color orders. I did this twice a week until she hired me for the summer.
I fell in love.
Being in the salon  surrounded by people feeling good. Dana didn’t just do hair, she solved their life problems. These women trusted her more than anyone, and they loved her. Dana was my best friend and she helped guide and mold me into the human I am today.

After graduating from high school I had plans for art school , KCAI had offered me a few scholarships and I wanted more then anything to create. Financially this was still not an option, so I moved out and did what all 19 year olds do.