We were lucky to catch up with Ali Davis recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ali , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Have you ever had an amazing boss, mentor or leader leading you? Can you us a story or anecdote that helps illustrate why this person was such a great leader and the impact they had on you or their team?

My mentors, Bill Vandiver and Charles Scarbro, have truly changed my life and career. They embody service and leadership with their team and clients by taking time to personally connect with each and every person that crosses their path. In my time with them, we have experienced joy, heartbreak, excitement, and grief with our clients. Their lives intertwine with our salon guests’, and we are all lifted by the care and compassion they embody.

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

I began my creative career in the same way as many others, in my friends and family’s homes, relying on their trust and willingness to experiment and be patient with me. Thankfully, more went right than wrong, and I fell in love with the art and science of hair color, and the experiences we have sharing stories in the salon. What connects me to my clients is equally the process of co-creating their ideal image, and connecting over the stories we share.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

I have grown my clientele in the most traditional, grassroots way I could, which I believe is the biggest asset to my business. I use no social media for my business, which is unheard of in the salon world today. I’m a big believer in getting out into the community, handing out business cards, striking up conversations in the grocery store or post office. Building my clientele with a personal, people-first approach will always be my preferred strategy, because it turns your clients into friends and your friends into clients.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

I dropped out of college to attend beauty school and start my career, and I would do it again without question. No matter how hard I worked in school, the thought of spending my career behind a desk was haunting to me. My career has been so incredibly fulfilling and connected me to so many wonderful people, I wake up and choose it again every day!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.theedgesalon.com

Image Credits
Eilish Bailey photography