Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Bethany Bebik. 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. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

Throughout my life I’ve been doing my own hair as well as my friend’s before pursuing hair professionally. While I was working in Social Work as a Case Manager, one of my co-workers and friends mentioned that she was feeling self conscious about going to get her hair done due to some hair breakage that was caused from nervously twisting her hair. Even though I wasn’t a professional, she trusted me to make her feel more confident without any judgement. At this time, I was considering going to Cosmetology school and with her encouragement and support, I decided to move forward with this next dream and create an environment where everyone can feel safe and included, regardless of mental health status, gender, sexuality, and disability.

Bethany, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

The first time I cut hair was when I was 5 years old and attempted to hide the evidence from my mom – which was unsuccessful. In high school, I began cutting and dyeing my own hair, which eventually led to doing the same for some friends. That hobby continued into college while I was studying Public Health and Women & Gender Studies. After graduating, I moved to Raleigh to work as a Sexual Assault Case Manager. I loved my job and connecting with clients, but after two years, it was time for something new.

While figuring out my next step, I thought about the things I truly enjoyed about my job: foraging connections, helping people feel good about themselves, and being creative. Hair felt like the perfect intersection of all those things.

With encouragement from friends, I decided to go to cosmetology school. I started in January 2020 and, well… we all know what came next. At first, we thought we’d be out of class for just two weeks, but that wasn’t reality. Classes moved online, and we did what we could from home. After months of virtual learning, we finally returned to the building but we had a lot to catch up on.

Once I started working behind the chair, I quickly gravitated toward larger and more complex color transformations. I love a big project, which led me to specialize in color corrections and vivid colors. I also love lived-in colors and low-maintenance looks — because let’s be honest, who has time to come in every 6–8 weeks?

After three years behind the chair, I found myself ready for the next challenge — starting my own suite at Sola Salons located at Saltbox Village in Cary! In my new private space I curate the feeling of safety, security, and acceptance. Everyone is welcome in my chair!

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

To be so transparent, life has definitely thrown some rough hands and have caused me to pivot a few times. The most difficult transition for me was when I was leaving Social Work. I loved my job and fought hard for my clients, but that ultimately led me to being terminated. I was the most depressed I’d ever been, and truly if it wasn’t for the help of my medication my life would look tremendously different. After giving myself some time to sulk, I knew I had to get up and get my life together. That’s when I decided to consider what I was most passionate about and finding a new career that would allow me to do that – hair was the perfect intersection.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

My biggest lesson I’ve had to unlearn is undervaluing myself. I’ve always had issues with Imposter Syndrome and even though I’ve worked hard and have had years of experience, I still always feel like I could be doing better. Growing up as the oldest of three kids and having less than, I’ve always struggled with feeling like I wasn’t good enough. This feeling has continued to adulthood, but that’s why therapy is important! I wish I could tell you that I’ve completely unlearned those thoughts and feelings, but it’s a constant struggle and you have to work towards becoming the best, most confident version of yourself everyday.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sagesalonnc.glossgenius.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethanybebik