

Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Cheevers.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My mom has owned a hair salon for 30 years. I grew up in the beauty industry. At a very young age, I can remember playing with the mannequin heads she would bring home, pretending they were my clients and using a notebook as an appointment book. Entering high school, my mom encouraged me to attend Shawsheen Valley Tech for Cosmetology. I worked at her salon in high school till age 17. Other than Market Basket, this was the only job I had ever had. Since she was my mom, and because I was lacking professional experience, I definitely slacked off, gave her a lot of attitudes, and was pretty careless. She ended up getting tired of my teenage BS and fired me.
After I got fired, I worked full time at a corporate salon. Within months, I was promoted to a manager. For six months, I attended manager meetings while also working behind the chair as a stylist. At 18 years old, I was the manager of 11 employees, all MUCH older than me. I was in charge of handling hundreds of customer interactions and situations, important decision making, payroll, paperwork, numbers, meetings, and written documentation. This experience was life-changing and I was forced to mature very quickly.
After a few years, I felt I was unable to use my creativity at the salon I was at. Feeling bored and uninspired, I quit and was hired as a nanny. At that point, I was feeling very lost. After a year, the family I was nannying for moved to California. I was thinking of applying to colleges but had no interest in sitting in a classroom all day.
On a walk one day, my mom told me she needed someone to work once a week as a receptionist. A little bitter, I responded, “No thanks, you already fired me once.” She told me to think about it. A few weeks later, I decided to help her out. For the first time in four years, I was back at her salon, and I quickly regained my passion for the craft. I decided to start working full time as a stylist. Ever since I have been there to help her grow the business to become the most successful it has been since opening in the 80’s. Since being re-hired, I have been able to really grow creatively. I go to my job every day and love what I do, knowing this is what I really enjoy. In hindsight, being fired was the best thing to happen to me. If it hadn’t, I never would have been able to grow as much as I have in not only my career but also my personal life.
I am now a manager and full-time stylist. In my spare time, I style hair for photo shoots. I work with an awesome team and get to meet amazing people on a daily basis. I am so thankful for my past experiences because they got me to where I am today. I can’t imagine my life doing anything else!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has absolutely not been a smooth road! Everyone has off days and days that they feel like giving up. I think if you haven’t faced struggle, you don’t know success. I was 17 when I started my career, almost 10 years ago. I have made many mistakes and still do today. No one is perfect. My advice to women of any age who are just starting their journey is find yourself. Be yourself, know yourself, and love yourself. At the end of every day, know that you tried your best doing something you love, whatever that is. Every day is a new day and it is impossible to make everyone happy. Each challenge you face makes you wake up tomorrow with more knowledge and experience. Follow your vision with honesty and integrity and good things will always follow. Put positive energy out into the universe and go after what you want in life!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Hair Designs – what should we know?
At the salon, I am a certified color expert with Paul Mitchell. I specialize in all color, especially balayage. I also specialize in prom and wedding hair, women’s haircuts and styling, men’s haircuts, perms and facial waxing. On my days off, I style hair for editorial style photo shoots.
I am most proud of Hair Designs as a brand because we have been successfully owned and operated for the last 30 years. My mother built the business from the ground up, always finding a way to see the light and succeed through all the struggles. We have had loyal customers for years that have grown to be a part of our big family. A lot of clients say the environment in our salon is very relaxed, fun and comfortable. Everyone gets along very well and everyone’s happy. To be honest, I think you would have to ask our clients what sets us apart from others!
Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
For work, I travel to hair shows and I watch a lot of youtube videos for different techniques to stay current and educated. For life, in general, I have been reading a book called “Eastern Body Western Mind” and “The New Bohemians Handbook, Come Home to Good Vibes”. It’s good for mental clarity!
Pricing:
- First Session Balayage (includes cut and blow-dry) $265+
- Balayage Touchups (includes cut and blow-dry) $185+
- Partial Foil $85+
- Full Foil $150+
- Root Touchup $60+
- Keratin Treatment $250+
- Shampoo Cut & Blow-dry $45+
- Shampoo, Haircut $32
- Shampoo, Blow-dry & Style $30
Contact Info:
- Address: 668 Main St, Wilmington, MA 01887
- Website: www.hairdesignsforyou.com
- Phone: 978-658-4225
- Email: hairdesignsforu@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/samcheevs
- Facebook: facebook.com/hairdesignswilmington
Image Credit:
Terencia Michael
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