Conversations with Sasha McGowan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sasha McGowan.

Hi Sasha, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My name is Sasha McGowan! I’m 34 years old and I have been in the beauty industry for 10 years. I started my career in Charlotte, NC specializing in natural hair care and hair restoration. I took an interest in hair extensions after seeing the detrimental effects of improper extension installation.

I started out providing 1 method which was wefted microlink extensions. I soon learned that extensions are not one size fits all and started offering extension methods that were inclusive to every client and hair texture. I now offer 6 luxury extension methods! I am a bi-coastal stylist and I have had the honor of being planted in Scottsdale, AZ.

I wanted to bring luxury to Arizona as luxury extensions have not yet penetrated the beauty industry in Phoenix and surrounding areas. My goal is to educate stylists in Phoenix so that clients can have access to luxury extensions in Arizona with a healthy approach. I currently take clients and offer extension enrichment at Tantrum Hair Salon in Mesa, Arizona.

Alright, 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?
I love the saying that “Anything worth having is worth fighting for”. This road has been everything but easy. I have faced challenges from being misinformed about luxury extensions leading to poor results and unhappy clients to lacking knowledge in how to market to my ideal clientele.

There was a lot of trial and error. I took many losses and discouragement overwhelmed me most days at the start of my journey. Mentors are very few in the beauty industry so research, educational courses, and practice are essential.

Through faith and prayer, I found strength to keep moving forward and that is still the formula that gives me strength to keep going today!

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Before I started doing hair, I would work jobs that would put limits on how I could express creativity in the workplace. I would always push the limits with what I chose to wear, how I would style my hair, and how I would wear my nails. I would always think “This is no way to live! I was created to create!!” I believe in limitless creation. I specialize in luxury extensions which include but are not limited to wefted microlink extensions, I-Tip extensions, K-tip extensions, nano bead extensions, the brainless sew-in (the LA weave), and Brazilian knot extensions.

I’m most proud of my ability and willingness to care for hair and the scalp. Some clients have the detrimental effects of wearing extensions due to a lack of knowledge. I consult with clients about everything from the medicines that they are taking, recent surgeries, vitamin deficiency, and their stress levels to make sure extensions are right for them and don’t have adverse effects. I also take health insurance for those who suffer from hair loss. Extensions are a luxury for some but a necessity for others.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I have had a phenomenal support system in this unorthodox journey. I am truly blessed. My husband and children are all in with every single thing I do. They treat my business as if it is theirs too. They are just as excited as I am about any new product or service that I launch which makes my career fulfilling. I don’t think there is a husband on the planet that is as supportive as mine.

My mom, Darlene Robinson of Charlotte, NC has been a stylist since I was 2 years old and she has taught me everything I know about taking care of hair and respecting hair as a living thing. She is a genius! Heather Torriente, owner of Tantrum Salon has been such an amazing advocate and supporter by giving me a place to call home. She extended her beautiful salon and expertise to me. Tantrum Salon is not only pleasing to the eye but the culture is beautiful. Inclusive to everyone, tantrum provides a safe space for both clients and hair care professionals.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.sassybeauty23extensions.com
• Instagram: Www.instagram.com/sassybeauty.23
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sassybeauty23extension

Image Credits
Heather Torientte, Tantrum Salon