Conversations with the Inspiring Blair Smoker

Today we’d like to introduce you to Blair Smoker.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started out not having any clue what I was going to do for a career as I loved math, science, and art. That meant dipping my toe in the medical world and immediately knew that wasn’t for me and I couldn’t justify the cost of art school vs how much money I’d probably never make. Floundering, my hairdresser encouraged me to come to answer phones for her salon. I found myself without a place to live since I had worn out my welcome at home with my parents, my brother, my boyfriend’s mom, then my boyfriend. I was a hot mess, to say the least, and needed a path. Fast. Since I had been working in a salon, I figured I’d give hair school a shot. Within 2 days, I picked up my shears and immediately felt at home. Having a very strong math and science background, I was more than satisfied with angles, elevations, and chemistry. I came at hair with a very technical approach and once I grasped the basics, my art side came into play. I worked for Toni&Guy for 8 years and learned everything I could. I learned how to run a salon. Everything from interviewing and hiring, to payroll, scheduling, and inventory. I spent countless Tuesday nights in model night, well after I was done with my education because I couldn’t get enough. I eventually made a decision to head closer to home in the city and spent 8 years at Mariemarie Salon. There, I grew a clientele, was introduced to Davines and met my husband Patrick who is an incredibly talented hairdresser. I’ve become a trainer for Davines and now I get to share my love of color, styling, and all things Davines with anyone who will listen!

After many many years in large salons and working for other people, my husband and I opened PAIR Studio in March of this year in Historic Grant Park. We share clients on a regular basis and consult each other on these we don’t share. It’s a dream come true to share a successful business with such a talented hairdresser and with the man I love! We are both Atlanta born and bred. We live in East Atlanta with a bunch of fur kids and our 20-year-old son/stepson who is currently working in a salon.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It wasn’t smooth by any means but I figured it out. I had to hustle once I left a full book in the suburbs and started over in the city. I relied on any and all connections I had ever made. I took any job or gig I could. I cut hair at clients homes. I cut hair at music venues all over town for friends and musicians I met on tour. I got a second job to pay the bills. I assisted at hair shows. I took every class I was offered. You have to take advantage of what’s offered to you even if you don’t want to. Take those classes. Say yes to opportunity. Work every single day. Don’t take a lunch break. WORK HARD and SAY YES!!!

What should we know about PAIR Studio? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I do hair. I’ll cut and color it all day long, but I specialize in people. I see everyone in my chair as a family. We’ve been through hell and back together. What’s different than just a cut and color is my love for Davines. Davines gave me my fire back. I found my people and I love each and every person who is part of our wild and crazy family! There aren’t many companies these days, especially in hairdressing, that care more about taking care of what’s around them than padding their pockets. They help me make the world a more beautiful place one head at a time (haha) while being the leaders in sustainable beauty worldwide.

It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
I’m super boring for questions like this… I’m thankful for Square Appointments! I love Walking the Floor, Armchair Expert, Getting Curious and any other podcast that helps me disconnect from real life and teaches me something new. I follow a lot of hairdressers, musicians, and cute animals on IG when I need inspiration and a mental vacation.

Pricing:

• Women’s cut $75
• Men’s cut $45
• Single process color $70+
• Highlights $95-185

Contact Info:

• Address: PAIR Studio
  519 Memorial Drive SE
  Bldg D #201 & 202
  Atlanta, GA 30312
• Phone: 678-735-0423
• Email: pairstudioatl@gmail.com
• Instagram: @theoriginalredpanda @pairstudioatl
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pairstudioatl/

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.