Today we’d like to introduce you to Brent Johnson-Gage.
Hi Brent, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hair has been in my family for half a century. My granddaddy started barbering in the Army and has kept his career going to this day. And while I’d always been around it, I steered my education toward women’s fashion at the University of Alabama and spent years both sourcing, and designing, for the women’s fashion industry from Nashville to Italy. But my muses always seemed detached from my talents.
So, I followed in my granddaddy’s footsteps and began working in the hair industry, first with Goldwell master stylist Joi Rooks for a year and later apprenticing with legendary Parisian stylist Bernard Dugaud in Buckhead for three years, who taught me both the technical nuances of French cutting and drilled the importance of proper framing of a woman’s face. While apprenticing under Bernard, I also Studied cosmetology at the Aveda institute to add another layer of experience and technique to my skill set and knowledge. After working as a stylist at Bernard’s salon for a few years, I ultimately transitioned to my own salon, where I’ve continued to hone my skills. I guess my passion for hair is in my blood.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the hardest challenges for me was leaving an established salon and an amazing mentor. I knew I wanted to carve my own path with what I’d learned and build something that reflected my own vision. But, I still wrestle with feelings of betrayal and that speaks to the gift Bernard gave me. I like to think his legacy is being expanded to a whole new generation of women.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My specialty is the cut and nailing the shape and texture for each client. My goal in cutting hair is to give the client something that compliments their look and their lifestyle. When someone leaves the salon after a cut or blowout, I don’t want their friends or spouses to think they just left MADE arts salon—I want them to look like they just had their best hair day, naturally. And I’m proud that I have been able to establish myself as a successful stylist while also being able to have a life with my family outside of work. I love to do hair, and I so love the time spent with my clients. But as a new dad, I enjoy being able to have quality family time with my husband and son. That contentment flows into my work.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I want to work with people who push me to always innovate. That’s the way I grew through this process, and that’s how I want to continue. I’m always up for a challenge.
Pricing:
- Women’s haircuts starting at $90
- Men’s haircuts starting at $70
Contact Info:
- Email: Info@madeartssalon.com
- Website: www.madeartssalon.com
- Instagram: made.brent
Suggest a Story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
