Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Demont.
Shannon, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Believe it or not, before I became a Stylist, I was shy. I came out of my shell when I became fascinated with other people’s stories and experiences. I realized that I learned so much from just listening and asking questions. This is when I knew that I wanted to work with people, and my first thought was to become a nurse…but I don’t love handling blood. So instead, I decided to improve people’s lives in a different way- emotionally, through change and touch. I started off with my education in Cosmetology at Montachusett Regional Vocational Tech High School. I never thought I would be a hairstylist, but once I tried it, it came naturally, I was good at it, and I loved it. My favorite part about it was the way people perceived themselves after having their hair done. I now have 9 years of experience, learning and being behind the chair. I spent a few of my years working and taking classes (I also became a licensed Massage therapist). I worked on editorial photoshoots, entered competitions, and also participating in NY fashion week. About two years ago I moved to where I now currently create beautiful hair- a Day Spa located in Lunenburg Ma (New Outlooks), and I also travel over MA and New England as a bridal stylist. I LOVE the ability to interact with people, and being a positive light in their lives.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. Some of my struggles have been: deciding how to narrow down my craft and truly do what I love, working long days, nights, and weekends away from my family to build up a clientele and perfect my craft, scraping by paycheck to paycheck, not letting the “debbie downers”/ unsupportive people bring me down, not letting things get to me personally, learning to be humble, and juggling work/life balance (aren’t we all?!)
Please tell us about Day Makers Chair.
I am a Hairstylist at New Outlooks Day Spa in Lunenburg, MA. I feel that I am known for the experience I give each guest- A person to talk to, an unbelievable scalp massage, and personalized knowledge about each individual’s hair. My specialties and absolute favorite things to do on my guests are Balayage, and Updo’s. “Balayage” is a French word for freehand painting and it is used to create natural highlights. It is currently a popular trend that will be around for a long time, because of its simplicity. I also love Bridal Hairstyling- there is something so special about making a bride feel beautiful for her big day, and updo’s are an opportunity for me to be very creative. I am known for both of these- but more importantly for the experience I give each and every guest when they sit in my chair. Occasionally we travel offsite for editorial work, weddings, and competitions.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to start over, I wouldn’t change a thing, but I would go back and give myself advice. I would tell my fresh-out-of-school-self, that there is always learning to be done, and that the sky is really truly the limit. There is an awful belief about Hairstylists- that they don’t work hard, and that the job is easy. I wish I knew when I started how emotionally tolling, and physically exhausting it really would be- but with that comes great reward. Not only can a hairstylist make great money if they put their mind to it, but they also will change lives, and create lifelong friendships. I learn SO much and am taken on beautiful journeys with wisdom, just by talking to the guests in my chair. One thing that I would have done differently: I wouldn’t have wasted so much time trying to please the people who can’t be pleased by anybody.
Contact Info:
- Address: New Outlooks Day Spa
266 Massachusetts Ave
Lunenburg MA, 01462 - Website: www.newoutlooksdayspa.com
- Phone: 9785820742
- Email: ohxoshannon@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/daymakerschair
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