Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Kern and Luz Swan.
Jessica and Luz, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Luz and I met through our jobs, we were both in our early twenties. We knew we each wanted to open a hair salon one day, and it didn’t take long for us to decide that we needed to do it together. In 2008, when the economy was the worst we’d ever seen, and no one had extra money to spare, we decided it was a great time to open our business, haha! I was 24 and she was 27, neither of us had a college degree, we had no business experience, and no money to add to our own cause. We were told ‘no’ more times than we could count, but then we got one ‘yes’ and it was the only answer that mattered. We had a woman who wanted to be our investor and she truly was like an angel to us. So, in 2009, our salon was ready to open, and thus we began our journey of becoming young business owners. When we opened our salon doors, we had three employees, including the two of us. Now, almost ten years later, we employ 23 people. We cannot believe the growth we’ve experienced, and all of the incredible relationships we’ve grown and created along the way.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It definitely has not always been a smooth road for us, I can’t imagine what went through the minds of potential investors when we showed them our business plan and asked them for money. And now, that seems like what should have been the least of worries! We had no idea how to manage people, learning to lead people in a professional environment was a learning curve for us. Then, you add the personal element, the relationships. We truly care for every single one of our employees and that can blur the management line sometimes. Even nearly ten years later, there are times when we huddle together in our office and remind each other why we started this in the first place. We wanted a place where people could come to work and love where they are and what they’re doing. We wanted a place where our staff could come to work and escape the outside world and things that might be otherwise bringing them down. Together, we’ve seen our staff become empowered. We’ve created lives and we’ve buried loved ones. We’ve walked away from toxicity and we’ve met loves of our lives. We’ve held the hands of our clients while they delivered heartbreaking news to us, and we’ve cheered each other on in life’s greatest victories. These four walls we come to work in every day, are so much more than a building. Life happens here. These moments of greatness are our ‘why’.
Please tell us about Davao Hair Studio.
We’re hairdressers! We get to come to work and create every day, it’s always something new. We do color, cuts, extensions, makeup, microblading, and formal styling (and therapy sessions unofficially haha). One of our greatest accomplishments has been that we had the opportunity to work as a salon backstage at NYC’s bridal fashion week doing hair for Anne Barge Bridal. Luz and I have also gotten to work backstage at NYC fall and spring fashion week a few times, it’s so fun since we are a tiny suburban salon from GA and we get to bring those experiences back to our team and our clients.
What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
Work for someone you respect, don’t trade your conscience for a paycheck. Should you become the leader, BE the kind of leader that your team can respect. Know your worth and fight for it, but remember the fight is in the climb to the top.
Contact Info:
- Address: Davao Hair Studio
12540 Broadwell Road Ste 1101
Milton, GA 30004 - Website: www.davaohair.com
- Phone: 678-867-9904
- Email: info@davaohair.com
- Instagram: @davaohair @jessdavaohair @fixhairupper
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davaohairstudio/
Image Credit:
@fixhairupper, @jessdavaohair
Getting in touch: VoyageATL 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.
