Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Dazey.
Lauren, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Texas girl born and raised. In my younger years I moved around Texas always at a new school in a new city long enough to make a friend than off to the next, or so it seemed. It wasn’t until we moved to San Antonio where we were able to make a home. My high school years were filled with friends, dance team, and a little trouble. After graduating high school, I immediately went to Vogue Cosmetology School. I was hired at Visible Changes in North Star Mall starting as an apprentice while training with the company. There I had to decide if I wanted to specialize in haircutting or chemical (color) services. Being naturally artistic, I knew specializing in hair color was for me. After completing the apprenticeship, I started taking clients of my own. Following a year and a half with VC NorthStar I met my now husband of almost 10 years there. We eventually made a big move to Houston where I transferred to Visible Changes in the Galleria starting all over in the chemical department. Visible Changes allowed me to grow as a Master Colorist and provided me with classes to further my education on new and upcoming trends, but was very competitive between hair stylists and demanding.
Working for a big company was great until it was time to have a family. When I had my son in 2012 my priorities changed and I was no longer able to give all of myself to my job like I was used to and as was expected of me. With lots of prayer, and after 6 years in the Galleria, I made the move to a smaller family-owned salon called J.Dall Hair Salon in the Memorial area. It was a breath of fresh air to be able to balance mom life and still give more individual attention to my clients. I then decided to expand my craft to include additional services for my clients not just hair color. Being a part of the J. Dall team allowed me to make real relationships with my clients as well as my co-workers and others in the hair industry. I felt my artistry really coming to life as I poured into learning everything I could. I trained in several detailed courses in New York and California and became a certified Designer level colorist with Goldwell Hair Color as well as hair cutting. After a couple of years with J. Dall I helped train the new stylists coming in under the apprentice program. I was honored. I loved helping new and upcoming hair stylists find their place in the industry.
In June 2017 my daughter was born and I stepped down from the apprenticeship program to focus more on my clients and being a mom of two. As I continued to learn, there is a time where all things good and bad must come to an end. Balancing work life and mom life is stressful. I was torn by what I thought I wanted do as a hair stylist and what I needed to do. After 5 years with the J.Dall team I made the move to start my own business where I could manage a salon and my schedule to better fit into this season of my life.
Starting your own business takes a leap of faith! I’m reminded of a quote by Georgia O’Keefe that says, “To create one’s world in any of the arts takes courage.” I had to learn so much about the business side of the hair industry, but I soon started Dazey Hair Artistry in the Heights. I was motivated by the opportunity to be my own boss, serve my clients in a much more intimate setting, and better manage my schedule. It is challenging to be a business owner, hairstylist, and a mom, but I can balance them in ways I could not do working at another salon. When I am behind my chair my client gets 100% of my attention and I’m happy in my artistry. It’s so rewarding!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Absolutely not. If life’s journey is too smooth, I think you haven’t challenged yourself enough and are missing out on really rewarding experiences. I’m definitely on the introverted side, at least at first, which is a struggle when you are in client service and a business owner. To say I have had to get way out of my comfort zone is an understatement. What I’ve learned is when I’m out of my comfort zone, I am learning the most and growing personally and professionally.
Working in the beauty industry can be a struggle due to the competitive nature between stylists, and the bigger the salon the more competitive it can be. Also, anytime you move salons there is always the struggle of starting over with clientele because some clients will follow and others don’t want to leave what they are used to. When I moved from San Antonio to Houston, I lost all the clients I had worked hard to earn. It was truly a reset in my life and career, but I wouldn’t change a thing.
If you let your passions fuel your journey, you will be good at what you choose to do. I really believe being a hairstylist is an art, but like art, different people appreciate it differently. I had to learn the hard way that you cannot make every single person happy. I used to beat myself up when someone wasn’t fully happy. The most you can ask of yourself is your best and largely when you give it, people will appreciate it.
There are struggles and fears that come along with just about any career which can discourage you from pursuing your dreams. Find your support system. My faith in God, my husband, family and friends made it possible to pursue my dreams. You will have days when you want to give up, but you must stay focused on your goals. My mother-in-law likes to say “chin up and walk in like you own the place.” I realized when you do that long enough, you just might.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Dazey Hair Artistry – what should we know?
Good art makes you really feel something. I want my hair artistry to make my clients feel like the most beautiful version of themselves – an outer portrayal of their inner beauty. At Dazey Hair Artistry, I provide hair services for women and young ladies. I specialize in all chemical services including highlights, color, bleach outs, balayage, ombres, custom color and Brazilian blowouts. Some other services I provide are women’s cuts and styles, tape-in extensions, and conditioning treatments. I mainly work by appointment.
I’m proud to share what I love to do with clients who become my friends. I strive to make the salon experience about you and to exceed your expectations. A new hair style or color is really refreshing, and I love knowing when my clients leave to go pursue their own dreams, they will do so with the best looking hair in the room.
Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
My go-to resource is Instagram. You can connect with all other hairstylists around the world and see the latest and greatest trends in hairstyling and color. I continue to learn so much from other stylist such as @lizhaven and @domdomhair
Also I use glossgenius for scheduling my appointments, taking credit card payments, keeping track of my expenses and inventory, sending clients automatic reminders of upcoming appointments and much more that makes owning a business hassle free.
Pricing:
- Women’s Cut and Style $85
- Brazilian Blowout Treatments $250 and up
- Highlights $165 and up
- One Step Color $90 and up
- Shampoo and Style $45
- Balayage highlights $185 and up
- Tape in extensions will be quoted in a consultation
Contact Info:
- Address: 535 W 20th Street Suite 12 inside Sola Salons In the Heights
Houston TX 77008 - Website: Lauren.glossgenius.com
- Phone: 832-341-2032
- Email: Dazeyhairartistry@gmail.com
- Instagram: @dazey.hair.artistry
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