Meet Sidney Hollwager of Salon Vagabond at The Beacon in Grant Park

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sidney Hollwager.

Hi Sidney, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in a salon and knew by five years old that I would do hair professionally when I grew up. My first mentor was my beloved Aunt Karen, a successful hairdresser & salon owner.

My hair journey began in Ohio, worked in Toronto, and landed in NY for eight years. I started NY working at Warren Tricomi and ended up working alongside Edris Nichols of Edris Salon in the Meat Packing District at the time. Prior to moving to Atlanta, I returned to Columbus, Ohio to serve as Creative Director for Penzone Salons + Spa.

Ultimately, to be closer to my parents, who now reside in S.C., I moved to Atlanta in 2007. I worked for a few salons for the first two years but couldn’t find a salon culture that was a good fit. In 2009 I started Salon Vagabond, LLC and rented salon space from Amy Bransford’s first location for Aviary Beauty + Wellness on Old 4th Ward. That was an absolutely wonderful experience, but it became time for me to follow in my aunt’s footsteps, conceptualizing, branding, and building a salon.

I chose The Beacon in Grant Park, along the Southside Trail of The Atlanta Beltline. We were the first to sign a lease and finish the buildout. It’s been 5+ years since our Grand Opening Party; it’s been wonderful to experience not only our own growth but also our neighboring small businesses.

I’ve been blessed with an amazing group of hairdressers and managers. I’ve aimed to build our team thoughtfully because culture and community are everything.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
We were lucky to survive Covid, literally and figuratively. We chose what some might call extreme caution, but as a business owner, on some level, I felt responsible for everyone who walked through the door. It just seemed the highest path was to be safer than sorry.

I would say the hardest part so far was walking out of a 2.5-year divorce. You really get to see what you’re made of. In the past, I’ve worked for salon owners who kept themselves composed and some who allowed stress or addiction turn them into monsters. I managed pretty well, and I’m sure my coworkers are grateful. The divorce has just recently been finalized. I look forward to tending to my salon and own spirit without the weight and stress of that experience.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I see myself as a Craftsman more than an Artist. I say that because I’ve worked around session stylists and hairdressers who were artists first and hair professionals 2nd. I do things artistically, but I am proud of my skill set and my craft in and of themselves.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I am of the mindset that it’s all an illusion. I like to think we’re dreaming even when we’re awake. We may as well risk it all because it’s all smoke and mirrors anyway.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.salonvagabond.com
• Instagram: salon.vagabond

Image Credits
For pro pix: Production and Photography: New Age Marketing IG: New.Age.Marketing Creative Director: Jahon IG: @masterofthecraft_