We recently connected with Doug O’Connell and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Doug, thanks for joining us today. We’ve love to hear an interesting investment story – what was one of the best or worst investments you’ve made? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)
I would have to say the best investment I have ever made in my career is EDUCATION! Taking classes and learning the craft is super important if you’re wanting to be successful in this industry. You have to keep on top of the latest hair trends. Invest into your craft and you will go far!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Hello! My name is Doug O’Connell and I am a professional hairstylist in the Orange County/Los Angeles area. I have been in the industry for about 11 years and have loved the journey this career path has taken me. I attended cosmetology school was I was 20 years old in Fullerton,Ca. Growing up I never knew I wanted to do hair, I just always knew I wanted to do something in the creative field. The way I got into the beauty industry was I was very interested in doing makeup. We’ll come to find out makeup wasn’t my thing. So I ventured out and went to school for hair and fell in love with every moment of it. Once I graduated and received my license I got an assistant position for a stylist at a salon, then worked as the owners assistant & a little less than 2 years later I had my own chair. I learned so much being an assistant. I highly recommend that every single person that graduates should be an assistant. That’s where you learn the most! I loved taking clients, doing their hair and having an impact on their physical image. It feels so good knowing you made someone day or hear their story and really develop relationships with these complete strangers. I work fully time behind the chair, but I always do a lot of outside work as well such as photoshoots, events, wedding and more. I do everything from color to cuts to styling to extensions.
The thing I am most proud of this far in my career is I’ve gotten to style hair for the Emmys in 2002 for some of the girls on RuPaul’s Drag Race. The moment I was asked to do this I literally cried because it was so special to me to be asked. My work has also been featured on MTV in 2023.
I want potential clients and/or brands to know that this industry is my life! I love everything about hair and the community around it. I know I’m a hard worker and will always get the job done.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Building an audience on social media is so important to be. It’s literally how I built my business from the ground up. Right when I was licensed I would take picture after picture and video after video of all of my work and post it! That way potential clients can see what you can do. I think with social media you have to be very active! I always say I have two jobs, hairstylist and then Instagram! It takes a lot of work and dedication to showcase who you are on social media. Always interact with your audience, post everyday and be humble!
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
I believe the best way for society to support the hair industry is to go to small businesses/salons to get your hair done and buy their products. With the community buying products from the salons they go to to get their hair done, it’s helping keep that business alive! There are also a lot of counterfeit products out there and you always want to get what’s best for your hair!
Another way for people to support hairstylists is to leave reviews and tell friends and family where you get your hair done.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @dougoconnell13
- Yelp: https://s.yelp.com/AbogB54Ewo
- Other: TikTok @dougoconnell13
Image Credits
Angela Orozco Doug O’Connell