We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Doug Stewart . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Doug below.

Hi Doug , thanks for joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

My parents did everything right… literally everything. My father, a Kentucky hillbilly, was on the road at 14 years old, heading North to escape abject poverty and a short life in the coal mines. My mom. Perfect. Not just in the dutiful, maternal, dinner on the table at 5 ways at all. She was raised a poor farm girl who ran into my dad in Toledo Ohio while they were both working very hard, trying to just stay afloat financially. Their stories echo the stories of the myriads of post war baby boomers. I didn’t like my dad at all. He was everything I desire to be now, however. I worshipped my mother as a second born of four who would’ve enjoyed being the only child. Older brother, drug addict who struggles to this day and put my parents through hell. ( As did I with my untameable tongue), a set of fraternal twins who came seven years after me. No comment there. We were all spoiled beyond rotten. I didn’t know I was poor. None of us kids did. It was a loud, busy house with different pets and people coming and going. Dad, one of fourteen children, had brothers and sisters coming in an out who were also trying to escape their hopeless lives in Kentucky. ( Many are rich now. Not just well to do) Mom couldn’t do enough for everyone who came her way, so again – strays of every walk of life came and went. I resented it. Family gatherings were often. Wonderful. I missed out, not wanting my space invaded. BUT – despite my intensely negative attitude, these two phenomenal people modeled perfection: in their fighting ( things thrown, yelling, etc) which was always about money & kids. Again, we never knew we were poor. They protected us from that horrible stress they carried and broke their backs fighting AGAINST. In their presence. My parents were home. AND involved. The love got misconstrued as the generational divide always resulted in miscommunication. Their actions, however, always clearly screamed out their undeserved love, care, and loyalty to offspring so unworthy of it. They were at every concert, football game, name it. We took for granted all they provided. In their daily lives. Honest, make a deal with a handshake, my word is good ethics. Their hardships and struggles made them finely honed people. Literally perfect in my estimation. I’d go on and on with my praise for people who, like many I grew up with, gave everything raising their children. We missed it. I missed it. The question is “…the things they did right and the impact they had…”
They did everything right and probably should’ve gotten rid of all four of their thankless children. The impact? I now wear some of my deceased father’s clothing and weep everyday. Every day. I’m able to make beautiful music, encourage others and help to build their confidence, get down and dirty with those hurting I come into contact with, and care to become exactly like them. My whole foundation is based on the lives they sacrificed so I could learn to share and be of some use. Their impact was entire. To say I’m thankful doesn’t come close to describing these two lifelines who, most importantly, taught me to not fear. There is nothing, creatively, I’ve not been able to accomplish. Nothing. All thanks to my mom and dad.

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

I’m a licensed hairstylist of 42 years. It was the vehicle that allowed me to go and do. I’ve had a theatre with a rotating stage in my home, lived in the Northwoods of Michigan for over 30 years composing music, producing my original theatre works, playing with reputable orchestras, and doing benefits for historic opera houses. This all possible as a result of having cosmetology as a vocation. And very kind clients and benefactors along the way. This all after my first semester of college. I knew it wasn’t for me. I didn’t want financial instability. And wise counsel along the way encouraged me to seek a lucrative profession to support my endeavorings musically and theatrically. I’ve owned two “beauty” salons. I was a terrible owner. Networking with others helped alleviate job stress by shouldering the bean counting burden. One of the salons served as a part time theater, which was fun for clients. The other in a tower overlooking a lake. The view made for quality time spent there.
All the while, I was able to perform and write music. It continues to be daunting – what art form isn’t? I would barter my time acting and playing in pit orchestras for theatre usage to mount productions. Money from hair facilitated the rest.
I chose this unconventional lifestyle knowing I needed, like I believe all artists need, to pursue what I was wired for. It is not easy being creative when financial stress is weighing on your mind. It continues to be difficult as mortality sets in.
I’m 60 now. I continue to play with orchestras and sing with various ensembles ( recently – trips to Colorado and Savannah) and style hair part time. The cost of self employment is high. The benefits are worth every minute.
And don’t underestimate – as Blanche Dubois would state – the kindness of strangers, friends, and the like. People want to help people. Not enable. Help. There is so much to the corporate effort. Technology seems not to foster that notion as much now. My first ten years in Northern Michigan, I had no telephone. They were very focused, productive years.

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

Pivoting is daily. COVID changed all the rules most recently re: everything we do collaboratively. I just started employment with a new spa six months ago. A new dwelling nine months ago. I’m 60. This was not the plan. Resilience is the result of never settling for good and the struggle. It is truly refining fire. My take away, as a man who abhors change, is be ready, know nothing is permanent, meet and get to know as many people as you get the opportunity with, SHARE, but listen. Listening is key to every minute of every day. We all know worrying about anything we cannot change is life draining. Must list: cook meals at home often, even if you do not like to cook; sing; hug people; laugh a lot; HAVE GOALS. Otherwise, why get out of bed? Give. Your time, yourself. People need that boost, that encouragement. We need each other. Travel. As much as you are able, change the scenery or you’ll get stuck in your head. Appreciate. It’s a long way down from comfortable. Just a power outage or car accident will snap us into that reality. Really savor indoor running water and a kind word.
You’ll never ARRIVE. Be in the moment. Don’t miss it.

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

My hair clientele is a complete mystery to me. I’ve a handful who drive @ 6 hours one way every 5-6 weeks for hair maintenance. They’re not rich. I’ve moved three times in the past four years. My appointment book is full. Someone long ago told me “bars and beauty shops don’t go out of business”. I make sure to be all ears with each client. One said “I’d rather break in a new husband than a new hairdresser”. It’s a fine line re: getting in too deep. Hair is a personal thing. Once physical contact is made – shampooing, cutting, etc.- trust is established and sharing is almost automatic. Some are quiet and that is to be respected just as highly as things said in confidence. Many clients I’ve had for over 30 years. This was never planned, of course. I believe it is a gift. Divinely orchestrated. Staying consistent is my only input to the process. I don’t take a call or text, check the clock, or schedule additional appointments during a client’s visit. Never.
One on one time is priceless in the hydraulic chair. Removing, curling, washing, drying, combing, brushing and running hands through hair is a sacred moment of stopping someone’s busy to care for one’s self.
I think that directly translates to many other vocations, if not all.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: The Michigan Harpist
• Other: Victoria day spa, Monroe, MI 48161