Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia May.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My start to hair was something I didn’t expect to be apart of as a little girl. Growing up, I was such a Tomboy, which I got from my dad. My mom was in sales which meant she was always dressed to impress and loved everything beauty which I now realize that’s where I got my love for fashion and beauty from. However, growing up I was a daddy’s girl. I grew up on music, art and the great outdoors because my dad loved it. That’s what sparked my creative side. I always wanted to draw, sing, dance, sew and create things. I was always taking scissors and cutting my own hair along with other victims (this actually should have been a sign). I was blessed with parents who supported my dreams 100%.
Once I got into high school, I, like many other girls my age, I got into hair and makeup. We were all just learning about what the heck hairspray was and how to use it properly. Also, wands just came out so that was a fun time. My mom and I shared a stylist in Houston. She saw something in me through my constant questions and how observant I was with her techniques. She suggested cosmetology school to me and informed me of the endless opportunities I could have if I worked hard so I went! My mother had amazing work ethic that I will always carry with me which pushed through school and continues to push me through life. I came out with a job at a day spa. I was thrown out to the sharks soon after I received my license. It wasn’t a huge salon and I didn’t have any training prior to being on the floor which I would recommend to any new stylist. During that time, I worked seven days a week. Most of my techniques were learned from trial and error and all were self taught. I would spend my paychecks on classes to educate myself as best I could. I was lucky to have a mentor with me in the salon who I would go to for advice. She means a lot to me to this day! Looking back, I am thankful for that first year of working on the floor. I learned a lot about myself and even without a training period I feel like it helped me gain that self-confidence that I really needed to move forward.
After a few years, and after a few salon transitions I never really felt like I found a salon who represented my style and what I believed in. Somewhere I could grow creatively. All I knew Was that I didn’t want to go to your typical suburban strip center salon.
So, I decided to take the plunge and open up my own salon suite. Being that I’ve only had my license for barley four years at the time I was worried I didn’t have enough clients who would follow me, I was worried about my ability to juggle the new responsibilities and if financially I could keep afloat. So I worked hard. I worked a lot and I kept educating myself. After a few months, I tripled my clientele, my books became filled three months in advance and I surprised myself with my abilities to not give up. I fell deep in love with this industry and being a business owner.
Today I am at a salon boutique called the Hair Haus in a quaint part of pearland that allows me to have creative freedom and represent who I am as a stylist and business owner. I specialize in balayage, blondes and tape-in extensions. My books are filled until Early October and my tribe of ladies are the most supportive, best clients I could ask for. I have many more goals for my business that I am looking forward to and hoping to expand in the near future.
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?
It hasn’t been easy. I feel like Social media only plays the highlight reels with peoples life’s. No one wants to post about the hard times. Being a business owner has its ups and downs. Obviously, the ups make up for the downs!
However My first couple of years as a stylist I was only making around $300 a paycheck every two weeks. Yeah I know. It was crazy. That $300 went to pay for education and food!
After I had my salon suit and became a business owner, I had to make hard sacrifices. I turned down parties, sleep, family/friends events, birthdays and couldn’t really do things for myself. I’m on the clock 24/7. I reply to emails, messages and calls in the morning and evenings. I work tues-Saturday 9am-sometimes 9 pm or later. I constantly am stocking up on products and maintaining salon duties. Also keeping up with Taxes and paperwork.
I also have a house to tend to, a fiancé and three dogs along with a wedding to plan. So, to help get my mind right, I get up early every morning to workout then head straight into my list of things to do for the day! Working out truly helps!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into The Velvet Underground Salon story. Tell us more about the business.
I specialize in balayage. It’s a technique that is hand painted color. It’s perfect for those who desire a low maintenance look but still have that beautiful bright appearance. Touch ups are between 6-8months.
I also specialize in blondes and tape-in extensions.
I’m most proud of the confidence I’ve built throughout my career. I only hope my clients leave my chair feeling just as confident with themselves.
Pricing:
- Balayage $200+
- Highlights $120+
- Single process color $80+
- Haircut $50+
Contact Info:
- Address: 2202 Park Ave
Pearland Texas 77581 - Website: https://tvusalon.glossgenius.com/
- Phone: 2815365928
- Email: mayoliviamay1@aol.com
- Instagram: oliviammay
- Facebook: The Velvet Underground Salon
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.
