Today we’d like to introduce you to Mercy Herradon.
Mercy, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
From a young age, I worked alongside my mother who designed dresses for women’s special occasions. Getting experience in fashion opened me up to other possibilities in the beauty industry, which I discovered is where I wanted to dedicate my time and career. After marrying young and having two beautiful daughters with an unconditionally supportive husband, we moved from my native home, Honduras, to the Us, where I became a full-time stay-at-home mom in 2002. Finally, in 2011 I decided I had to pursue my dreams. I enrolled in beauty school full time and a year later I was on my way to starting my career as a professional cosmetologist. Suddenly relocating from California to Wilmington, North Carolina in 2013, I landed my first job at a blow dry bar, yet I still felt compelled to work outside of the dry bar field.
One thing leads to another and before I knew it I was opening my own full-service salon, still maintaining the dry bar concept as well. For four years, I had the pleasure to work with an amazing team by my side and built a loyal clientele that I still tend to this day by traveling to Wilmington every other month. Moving to Texas in June 2018 has allowed me to discover and experience the uniqueness of the beauty industry of Houston, ranging from remarkable beauty expos to cosmetology classes with the latest trending products, and meeting spectacular stylists and clients along the way.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
One thing that was the hardest for me was pushing myself out of my comfort zone. Making the choice to work in my dream job was a big step, but even bigger was finding the courage to enroll at a great English based beauty school when I spoke a speck of English. Being born and raised in Honduras, Spanish has always been my main language. Learning a new language at 31 was tough, but being surrounded by my encouraging mother, husband and accepting peers was exactly what I needed to get the ball rolling. Eight years later, I’m still learning yet I’m so proud of how far I’ve come. I feel very confident communicating with my clients; something I would not have believed possible if you had told me ten years earlier. Another obstacle in my career was relocating once again from North Carolina to Texas. It hasn’t been easy but I believe it’s not impossible. I already see myself building a great future here actively forming and I couldn’t be more excited!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Mercy’s Hair Designs – what should we know?
I am a full service licensed stylist, meaning I am trained in color, extensions, trims, cuts, shampoos, Keratin or Botox treatments and balayages. I specialize mostly in bridal updo’s and makeup, but any ladies’ special occasion is right up my alley. I am known for working with brides and their bubbly bridal parties, champagne included! What sets me apart from others is that I incline towards working on-site, where I travel to YOU on your wedding day. I make a point to make the client feel like I am fully committed and catering to them and them only! Whether it’s a venue, hotel or right at home, you can count on me to be there. I also offer the option for you to come to my lovely beauty studio.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I truly believe I wouldn’t have been able to form my career as a practiced stylist if it weren’t for my husband. He helped me every step along the way with the opening of the salon and by pushing me to go to school, as well as my mother. Another person who was by my side from the early development of my career was a true friend and incredible prodigious stylist, Erica Eisel from Wilmington, NC. We connected at my first job and she moved with me when I opened my salon. I’d also like to recognize the talented photographer and welcoming friend Barbara Gonzalez, not only for showing me around Houston but for opening many doors to new opportunities around Sugar Land. Lastly, I can’t leave unmentioned the lovely and skilled Nittasha Naidu for referring me to VoyageHouston Magazine! I am incredibly grateful for the chance to participate in this issue.
Contact Info:
- Website: mercysdrybar.com
- Phone: 910-515-6586
- Email: mercyshairdesigns@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mercyshairdesigns/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mercyshairdesign
Image Credit:
Barbara Gonzalez, Fernando Ordoñez
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