Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Bethany Darrough. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Bethany thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you share a story about the kindest thing someone has done for you and why it mattered so much or was so meaningful to you?

One day when I was working at the salon a woman walked in wanting to make an appointment for that Saturday. I was already fully booked but offered to come in early on Saturday to accommodate her request. She was very appreciative and made the appointment. A few days later when coming into work I noticed someone had slid an envelope under my salon door. It was a card from the woman letting me know that she had to cancel the appointment, and how appreciative she was that I had offered to come in early for her. She also included a Dunkin Donuts gift card. I was blown away! For someone to be so thoughtful and write me such kind words. And on top of that give me a gift card! There really are still good people out there.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a Cosmetologist / Barber / Small Business owner. I specialize in haircuts (men and women), hair color (of all kinds), Brazilian Blowouts, wedding hair and extensions. I’m always hearing that hair cutting is my strongest skill. I have to say I love it all though! Im most proud of making a name for myself in this industry and I feel what sets me apart is my ability to do my craft while at the same time making a comfortable space for my clients to enjoy their experience.

My interest in the beauty industry all started when I was a young girl. I HAD to have all the fashion magazines with all of the hair and make up tips to try at home. And believe me, I tried them all! I was also always doing my mom and sisters hair for special events or even just to play around. Also always helped with styling everyone’s hair when I was a cheerleader. As well as my friends hair for prom and various things. Needless to say, I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wanted to do hair. So at the young age of 19 decided to make the trek through beauty school. I went to the College Of Hair Design in Lincoln, Nebraska. I completed the Cosmetology program as well as the Barbering program there. My first job was with a company called Beauty First. I worked for them for 8 years in Nebraska and for another 4 years in Jacksonville, Florida after I made the move to some warmer weather. Always knew I would end up somewhere with palm trees and here I am still here 17 years later! After my career with Beauty First came to an end I worked at Compliments by Sherry Salon & Spa. I worked there for 4 years then decided it was time to make the leap into working for myself. So I made the move to Sola Salons Atlantic Beach in January of 2015, and opened my own salon studio called Divine Hair Design. It was so exciting but at the same time so scary! I mean I knew I could do it. I can do anything if I really put my mind to it! I I was fully committed to this opportunity! I worked in a Large sized studio by myself for the first 2 years and it was just amazing! It really blew me away how much support I got from my clients. And they just loved the new space! It was at that time when my former boss Sherry Woconish, of Compliments by Sherry, contacted me stating she wanted to work together again. I was so excited! I mean it was great to be in business by myself but I really did sometimes miss the company of another stylist. Especially one as talented as Sherry. So we made the move together into a larger studio at Sola and Divine Hair Design grew into a double studio space! We have since been in that space for the last 7 and a 1/2 years! January of 2025 will be my 10 year anniversary of working for myself and it couldn’t feel any better! I did it! I just love it so much. I have now been in the beauty industry for 27 years. And I do have to say it was one of the best decisions I have ever made! Well, besides deciding to work for myself. I’m very fortunate that I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. Some people go their entire lives not knowing the answer to that question. I’m very blessed! And look forward to many more years in the industry that I love.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

When I moved here from Nebraska I had to start all over again. I went from a full book to nothing. It was goal of mine to build back up as strong as I was before I moved. The most effective strategy I had was a referral program. If someone referred me three people they got a free haircut. They also received some retail coupons. It worked SO well! I told every person that sat in my chair about the program and within a year I was back to being busy again. I have always preferred referral clients versus walk ins. Referrals are the way to go.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Well I think everyone that’s owns a business has to have resilience. It’s not always all about the great parts. When I first started working for myself I was so determined that I wouldn’t say no to anyone. I worked and worked and worked. To the point of exhaustion. I did this my entire first year. It definitely built up my resilience, but it also took so much away from me. My friends, my relationship, my health, etc… Through this I learned how to say no and had to figure out a work / life balance. It took
me a while to figure this out but I finally did. By the end of my second year in business I was back in my groove. That little bit of extra money just isn’t worth it.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @divinehairdesignjax
• Facebook: Divine Hair Design Jax
• Other: Business phone ~ 904-718-4002

  Business name ~ Divine Hair Design

  Business location ~ Sola Salons Atlantic Beach