We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Donna Granberry . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Donna below.
Donna , appreciate you joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I’m blessed to be a multi generational cosmetologist by trade. I grew up in salons and Barber shop as a kid. I have always been an observer of people and how they style there hair.I am the proud mother of a 21year old man who was given a life expectancy of 7. Our family has had 15 hospitalizations at least and countless doctors appointments. The year my son turned 10 we had his last major hospitalization and mine. Jordon had both feet broken and each toe. Tension released behind his ankles and knees he was cast hip to toe. Six months later the same year I lost 42% of the blood in my body and had brain surgery as well. The recovery was very difficult. I found myself needing more care than ever before from my husband and our family and friends. It was near the holidays and I was still recovering from my surgeries one morning dropping Jordon off at school. I saw a little girl moving her bangs out of her eyes and I knew at that moment what my mission should be. I knew after work in salons that kids were usually the most difficult clients. I also knew how difficult it is to schedule an appointment without a room full of people who understand our children. We are different and sometimes require more time and patience. Being a caregiver myself I realize that it’s difficult to find good people who understand & would be willing to make house calls without breaking the bank when we all live on a budget. That year I got with my son’s teacher and went to work with free haircuts for special needs kids. As my son Jordon got older I realized that the physical strength & sometimes disabilities could make it more difficult for haircuts. When Jordon turned 18 I decided to expand the haircut clinic for special adults as well. I realize that the holidays are hectic and stressful for a lot of people but and if we can help make the family photos better it’s my pleasure to share my gift with siccors. I noticed that there were always back to school haircuts but our kids don’t always have the patience to wait or have sensory issues in large groups. For our family having a feeding tube limited our time in public with Jordon and we time everything because of his feeding schedule. Having the opportunity to meet new mom’s is always exciting. Every year I have been blessed by a new family and we have the opportunity to encourage one another. Seeing the smiles or the way that the clients are happy to get away from me with my clippers are the most rewarding moments. Having the opportunity to share my experiences with others is priceless ❤️
Donna , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My mother is an instructor and cosmetologist as well as 10 or more family members!, like my mom I took cosmetology in high school with awesome instructors at South Garland high school. I graduated in 1996 from high school as a licensed cosmetologist. I was naturally talented with so much still to learn. My 1st job was at Hills Beauty salon in Garland helping out my mother. Initially I handed her perm rods & papers and eventually she had me as her shampoo assistant. I had other odd jobs mostly in retail which helped to get me management experience. After graduating from high school I attended college and needed to make extra money. I was in a new city with no clients. So I started filling out applications and luckily I got hired at Pro Cuts as a stylist on summer break and I was just starting my own hair journey. I had a hunger to learn everything I possibly could. Pro Cuts help me with a road map to properly clean, keep books, set goals and continue education. After my son’s birth and health issues I stayed home for a few years but continued doing friends and family. I was blessed by a client who saw my potential and invested in my dream of being a salon owner. I had a goal of being a multi cultural salon and I continued education whenever possible. I give God all the glory for all of my success in the industry.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
After having brain aneurysms I was told not to stress… however I had a business to run, at that time I was told that I needed a year to recover. 4 months later I was back behind the chair part time and my clients were so supportive. I couldn’t stand up for a full shift but I did what I could to keep my business operational.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
During my recovery I realized that there were people who were sick or shut in who may have mobility or other issues & I started making house calls for more money during my recovery and it continued on.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Donna Granberry
- Facebook: Donna Granberry
- Youtube: Jordon Granberry
- Yelp: Salon Selection’s
- Other: Tyler morning telegraph
Image Credits
Salonselections and Donna Granberry