We were lucky to catch up with Drake Myers recently and have shared our conversation below.

Drake, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.

My dad passed away when I was young, so my mom became the cornerstone of our family. She owned a custom picture frame shop that also served as an art gallery. My sister and I practically grew up there. She worked tirelessly to support us, but it was clear she loved what she did. She didn’t just make frames; she gave her customers something meaningful—beautiful, high-quality pieces that highlighted their artwork.

Her passion and work ethic showed me that you can make a career out of something you love, as long as you’re willing to give it your all. I carry that into my work as a hairstylist every day. Whether I’m transforming someone’s look with vivid colors or doing a challenging color correction, I strive to bring that same level of care and dedication my mom did.

One memory that stands out is the way she’d involve my sister and me in her shop. She’d let us help with small tasks, teaching us not just about framing but also about interacting with customers. That hands-on experience gave me a deep appreciation for the art of service—and ultimately, it shaped the way I approach my clients and my craft.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Drake and I am an independent hairstylist in Dayton, Ohio specializing in vivid hair color, color corrections, blonding, and haircuts. My journey into this industry started when I was a teenager with a love for creative expression. In the early 2000’s, I was heavily influenced by emo music and the whole “MySpace era” in general. The first time I dyed my hair was when I was 13 years old after seeing Paramore’s “Pressure” music video debut on Fuse TV. I used Special Effects Atomic Pink.

A defining moment in my life was in August of 2019 when I survived a mass shooting. It’s something that changed me forever, but it also gave me a deeper understanding of how precious and fleeting life can be. It’s one of the reasons I’m so passionate about my work as a hairstylist-helping people feel happy, confident, and seen feels like a meaningful way to bring light to the world. This experience also taught me the importance of making my chair a space where people feel safe and cared for, which is why I’m so proud to work in an LGBTQ+ safe space salon. Inclusivity and community are incredibly important to me, and I strive to make every client feel like they belong.

My Instagram handle, @happyhairdrake, reflects my personal journey. For years, I struggled with depression and worked hard through therapy and self-discovery to come out on the other side. Doing hair makes me happy, and seeing my clients’ joy after a big transformation is deeply fulfilling. That handle is also a tribute to the version of me that worked so hard to find happiness. I still struggle with depression, but I’m at a place in my life where it’s much more manageable.

What sets me apart as a stylist is my focus on the full client experience. Whether it’s a vivid color makeover, a challenging correction, or a gender affirming cut, I prioritize the health and integrity of my clients’ hair while collaborating with them to bring their vision to life. I’m transparent in consultations, ensuring that my clients feel heard and confident in their hair journey.

The thing I’m most proud of is the transformation-not just in their hair but in how my clients feel about themselves. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing someone leave my chair feeling empowered-like the best version of themselves. This year, I was honored to be nominated for two industry awards, which was a huge milestone, but what truly motivates me is making a positive impact on my clients’ lives.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about me, it’s that I care deeply about the art of what I do, the people I work with, and the spaces I help create. Hair is my passion, and I’m committed to bringing happiness, inclusion, and transformation to every person who sits in my chair.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

In 2017, I was working at a small salon in the downtown bar district. It was just me and the owner, and while I’m grateful for the experience I gained, I was really unhappy. I had just left a toxic relationship with someone who worked in the area, and I knew I needed a change. My best friend Rachel, who’s also a hairstylist, encouraged me to apply at the salon she was working at, and I made the leap to work with her.

That salon shut down after a year due to poor management, so Rachel and I moved to another salon after doing multiple joint interviews because we’d become a package deal. We loved working there, but unfortunately, it didn’t survive Covid. After lockdown restrictions lifted, we had found a new salon to work at together and stayed there for 4 years.

Throughout all these experiences, Rachel often talked about her dream of opening her own salon one day. We’ve been through so much together, including surviving a mass shooting. Our friendship is built on shared experiences, trust, and support. So, when the time came for Rachel to make her dream a reality, there was no question I’d be there to support her however I could.

In September 2024, Rachel opened her salon, Citrus and Cinnamon, an LGBTQ+ safe space. While I’m not her business partner-this salon is all hers-I’m so proud to rent a chair and be part of the space she’s created. It’s incredible to see her vision come to life and to work in a place that aligns so closely with my values. Rachel and I have built our careers side by side, and being part of her dream salon feels like the perfect continuation of our journey together.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best source of new clients for me has always been my current clients. Social media is an amazing tool for showcasing my work, but there’s nothing like word of mouth. When my clients go to work or meet up with friends and family, people notice their hair-and not just the look of it, but also the confidence they radiate after a transformation. That’s when the questions start: ‘Where did you get that done?’ My long-time clients are always referring the people in their lives to me, and I’m so grateful for that trust and support.

Another big draw for potential clients is that I work at an LGBTQ+ safe space salon. Hair is such a personal and emotional experience, and people want to feel respected, heard, and treated with kindness when they sit in a stylist’s chair. Knowing they’re coming to a place where they can be their authentic selves makes a huge difference, and it’s something I’m deeply proud to offer.

At the end of the day, my goal is to create not just beautiful hair but an experience that makes people feel confident and comfortable. When that energy resonates, it naturally attracts more amazing clients.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @happyhairdrake
• Other: Tik Tok @happyhairdrake