Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa O’Shea.
Hi Lisa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been cutting hair since I was about 13 years old, when my mom trusted me with a pair of scissors. She was my brave hair model for years (and still is)! In High School, I got a part-time job at a little salon in town. Teri Gerrin, my boss, took me under her wing and taught me all the industry secrets. I officially became her apprentice so that I was able to take clients. However, to be eligible to sit for the State Board licensing exam, it was quicker to get a degree from a Technical College rather than building hours as an apprentice. I continued to work as Teri’s apprentice to gain real salon experience, but I was also able to Dual Enroll my senior year to get my Cosmetology Degree from North GA Tech College. I went on to study Fine Art at the University of Georgia and did haircuts in the dorm my first year. By sophomore year, I landed a great part-time gig at one of the best salons in Downtown Athens: Bob Salon. After moving to Atlanta in 2013, I joined the wonderful team at Area4 Salon. After 8 great years with Robbi Hutchins and the crew there, it was time to go off on my own. That’s when Homespun began! Now I share a beautiful space with a couple great stylists. We all operate our own businesses under the same roof. It was important to me to be in a shared space with positive people. You have to keep learning in this field, and watching others work is a fun way to do that! I also value the opportunity for creative collaboration.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Of course there have been challenges along the way; that’s life! But I tend to go with the flow, be very optimistic, and try to ride the waves of life. To be honest, I still sometimes wonder “what I’ll be when I grow up?” But for now, taking care of my wonderful clients is what feels right. Working with the public can have its challenges, but I’m grateful to be in a place in my career where I am able to call most of my clients real friends. Building that client base is always the hardest part and takes YEARS.
We’ve been impressed with Homespun, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m a hairstylist that specializes in enhancing your natural hair; I want to always bring out the best and work with what your hair is already doing. Curly girls have a special place in my heart and my chair! I believe that sometimes less is more and that you often must respect the process. My clients often tell me how they appreciate my cautiousness. It’s important to me that each client feels comfortable the whole time they are in my chair. I’m proud to be a grounded stylist who would never pressure anyone to do anything drastic (*I may even talk you out of it). Hair shapes are my favorite, and I often feel like a hair sculptor at work. I would say cutting is my first love. But enhancing a shape with color is also fun!
What matters most to you?
I often think that doing hair is very much a collaboration between the client, myself, and the hair. It’s important to me to have a happy client but also to be happy in my work. That’s why I like to work with the natural and not fight the hair too much. Usually that leaves everyone most pleased in the end!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://homespunbylisa.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homespun_by_lisa
Image Credits
Wild Grain Photography
