Today we’d like to introduce you to Dennis Clendennen.
Dennis, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
From my earliest childhood memories, I have been driven to create artistically.
This artistic hunger led me into inadvertently becoming a hairdresser in the late ’80s.
Moving to The Woodlands after graduation, I worked in my first salon for about eight years. I attended shows and classes relentlessly in an effort to learn. Being seen at the shows and classes repeatedly, I was asked if I wanted to assist, of course, I did.
Eventually, I was starting to present in front of other professionals at shows leading to an opportunity to audition for a major product line as an educator. Passing the audition, I went on a fourteen-year adventure teaching and presenting on stage across the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Along the way, my hairstyling gave me the opportunity to style hair for top designers during New York Fashion Week for twenty-five seasons. This experience sent me to Korea to style hair during Seoul Fashion Week.
After eight years at my first salon opportunity, I accepted a position as artistic director for a new salon for one year. During my experience as artistic director, my wife, Terri, convinced me to join her in opening our own salon and spa. We were in business for twenty years providing services while training our staff, creating some very talented and successful professionals.
In 2016 we closed the salon and spa downsizing into a 200 square foot salon suite, my wife and myself. This opened the door to further pursue the editorial side of hairdressing. Signing with an agency, VCI Artists, I have the opportunity to explore the editorial, advertising, and film sides of hairdressing.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
“Expect nothing, and you will never be disappointed.” Buddha
If it were easy, everyone would be doing it.
Persistence is key to success at any endeavor. When someone told me no, I worked on my shortcomings and still work daily to better my skill sets.
My biggest obstacles have been facing prostate cancer three times, and in April of 2019, being diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia. Challenges make us crumble or grow. I have always persevered in the face of adversity, working harder to be the best I can be.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My wife and I still create magic on clients five days a week. We love the interaction with the people we see.
Not having staff frees me to pursue the creative side freely. Working with VCI Artists has opened more avenues in editorial, film and advertising work.
I love creating without fear. My favorite comment is when someone asks me why I did something. Collaboration with other creatives inspires me as we all have had different influences and perspectives in our lives. It is the openness of each of us to share these experiences that broaden our creative adventures.
What were you like growing up?
My earliest childhood memories are drawing, coloring, and having a vivid imagination. I’ve always been a bit shy, but I love expressing myself through art.
School bored me to tears, so I drew my way through it. I still have people I went to school with say they have pieces that I have created. I am terrified to see them again.
Contact Info:
- Address: Bei Capelli Salon
@Sozo Boutique Salons
10868 Kuykendahl Rd Unit G
The Woodlands, TX 77381 - Website: www.dennisclendennenhair.com
- Phone: 281-292-1644
- Email: hairpin1960@icloud.com
- Instagram: @dennis_clendennen
- Twitter: @DennisClend23
Image Credit:
Jay Marroquin, Robert Tremaine, Debbie Porter, Zhou Ya, Liz Kerr, Angel Shi, Phoenix Hamilton, Yellow Magazine, Neal Hamil Agency
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition, please let us know here.
