Life & Work with Dakota Sullivan of Scottsdale, Arizona

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dakota Sullivan.

Hi Dakota, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I always knew I wanted to become a hairdresser but was interested in so many things and always had doubts about going into the beauty industry. When I was 17 I graduated high school in 3 years and started my journey in Biology at Arizona State University with an academic scholarship in hopes to one day become a doctor. My hairdresser called me one day and said her assistant was sick and she had a 10 person wedding to complete the next day. She told me “Your hair always looks so good when you come in and I know your interested in possibly going to beauty school, would you want to come help me with this wedding?” Undoubtedly, I said yes. I remember that day perfectly; how much fun all the bridesmaids were having, how perfect the bride looked and how happy she was, but most importantly the most complete and whole feeling in my heart and soul that the energy in that room made me feel. I came home that day and told my parents I was dropping out of my freshman year of college to pursue a career in the beauty industry. My father (being a college drop out and business owner) gave me a big hug and said, “Welcome to the club!” My mother expressed that she always felt this was my passion and that whenever I set my mind to something I will do whatever it takes. I was extremely lucky that my parents were so supportive of my decision, I have heard so many stories where that was not the case.

A few short weeks later I toured Penrose Academy in Scottsdale and fell in love with the school, so much that I didn’t even tour any other school. I started October 10th, 2018 in the cosmetology program. Penrose was an amazing school from the assemblies, to the teachers, to all the amazing people I met. Beauty school was one of the hardest things I have ever done, but worth every minute, penny, and tear. Fast forward to January of 2019 I got a job working the front desk at Sachi Salon and Spa right across from Fashion Square Mall. I wanted to work at a salon prior to graduating beauty school so that I could integrate myself into the industry and hopefully have an easier time getting an assisting job and chair if I already knew some of the stylists. In October of 2019 I graduated beauty school with honor roll, had the privilege of giving speech at my graduation in which I did not get through without crying, and started shampooing for my new boss, Eddie Hidder, on my 19th birthday. I took my state board test (SO STRESSFUL) and passed! Shortly after began working full-time for Eddie, working weddings with Chelsea Sprinkle, and taking my own clients as well.

When the dreaded Covid-19 rolled around Sachi decided to close a little before Governor Ducey ordered all salons to shutdown. Weeks went passed and I still was out a job. It was always a dream of mine to own my own business so I started toying with the idea of buying an RV and turning it into a mobile salon. A luxury concierge service that everyone has been dreaming of…who wouldn’t want to get their hair done in their pj’s in a parked RV outside their house?! As the year went on I wasn’t allowed to go back and assist as Sachi due to CDC protocols etc so I decided to take a leap of faith and sign a lease with My Salon Suite in Gainey Ranch. Again, I toured My Salon Suite, instantly fell in love, looked at 1 other place and called the landlord at My Salon Suite ASAP because I just knew I needed to be there and nowhere else. Zach and Phil (the owners) are so incredibly welcoming, fair, and care so much about all of their members even from the very start.

I was so excited to “be a business owner”. When I signed my lease in the middle of a pandemic I had maybe 5 consistent clients and was extremely nervous that I would not be successful. Needless to say I have covered my rent every single month since the day I signed the lease and worked tirelessly to make sure my business would not fail.

April 2nd , 2021, Zach and Phil surprised me in my suite to let me know I had won 2021 My Salon Suite Member of the year for my location. Just a handful of us were selected out of 5,000 members and I am ecstatic to be a part of not only My Salon Suite but each franchise and all the amazing people they attract as a company. June 2021 I resigned for another year lease and look forward to expanding my business even more. A couple years in the beauty industry down and I have never looked back. I wake everyday and LOVE my job and all my friends, family, and clients that make my day, everyday!!!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
-Not feeling like I learned enough in school -Learning to deal with all kinds of different people that sit in my chair
-Comparing my work to other people’s and telling myself just because my style wasn’t the same as someone else’s that my work was bad
-Not knowing what to charge
-Find my own niche in the hair industry
-Wanting to be knowledgeable and know everything but trying my best to set a realistic goal

-Legalities such as
-finding a good reputable insurance company
-creating and LLC and all the paperwork along with it

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I predominantly do hair. Even though I have my full cosmetology license, hair will always be my favorite. I specialize in hair health/growth. I became very interested in this topic due t a couple of my clients who had cancer or thyroid issues but also because in highschool I could never grow my hair. In beauty school I learned about the best products and even the best foods and supplements to help hair growth.

I am most proud of how far I have come from even just opening my suite a year ago. I have taken classes, shadowed, and learned from my own mistakes and will always continue to learn something new every day in the salon.

What sets me apart from others is I care so incredibly deeply for all my clients. I will stay up until 3:00am researching a new color line to carry if one of my clients is allergic to most professional lines etc. or a text them everyday and see how they are doing because they told me their dog died the day before. I want to make everyone happy and feel their best self and will do anything to make sure that happens.

What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is that all my clients feel how much I love and appreciate them. I am not only their hairdresser but their friend, therapist, sister, daughter etc.

Something that also matters a huge amount to me is loving my job. If you aren’t happy how are you supposed to come home and be a good spouse, mother or a good human being.

Pricing:

• Fair/median pricing for location
• Hourly and Flat rates
• Some pricing based on hair amount/density

Contact Info:

• Email: dakotadoeshair13@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ddakotadoeshair/

Image Credits
Jacquie Olson Giovanna Youshimatz Romero