We recently connected with Lauren Oliver and have shared our conversation below.

Lauren, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

My biggest risk has definitely been stepping out onto my own and investing myself, time and money into starting a business. Honestly at the beginning of my career I never wanted to own anything. I wanted to be able to come in and love what I do and leave without any other responsibilities besides leaving my clients happy. I realized that my happiness and theirs goes hand in hand. And thus the idea of Fades of Glory LLC was born. I love that I have the control of being able to creative a beautiful, positive environment that people can come and relax and enjoy themselves and their time in my chair!

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

For as long as I can remember I was passionate about hair! I grew up with a cosmetologist mom. And she has always been one of my greatest inspirations. What lead me into the barbering aspect was me just being so inspired in the technique and skill it takes to cut shorter hair. I was always really good at being able to look at someone and say this style would actually look really great for your face shape and structure. So going into school that was my main focus.
I have my barber idols I love to follow, watch, learn, and continuously use new techniques to perfect my craft! I love the saying when you think you already know everything is when you should probably quit, but wanting to be the student will always encourage greatness and I wholeheartedly stand by that motto! My discipline absolutely goes hand in hand with my confidence about my skill and the services I can provide! I can do hair cuts, hair color, beard trims, shaves, facials, I offer waxing. There isn’t anything I am not willing to either learn how to do or practice doing. So I believe that helps me stand apart bc I don’t have the mindset of that can’t be done. It’s more let me actually research and study and I will absolutely nail it everytime!
Most of my clients at this point in my career have become friends. I can be a therapist at times. I can give great advice or recommendations. And silent appointments are always an easy thing for me as well.
Recently I started the process of expanding into the wedding business as far as onsite grooming for the groomsmen. Who wouldn’t love to be pampered on their wedding day as the husband to be. It’s a super special adventure and I feel so honored to be apart of their special days.
My goal is to always make sure my clients are happy, and helping figure out solutions if they’re not.

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

So right before I decided to create a business. I was renting a chair from a barbershop. And one day with zero warning we all received a text message to pack our things and leave our keys and it would be our last day. I was so upset and just kept thinking like omg the shop won’t be open in time. I am going to lose so many clients. But I decided that I was going to cut from home or do mobile barbering honestly whatever I could to retain my clients and help do whatever they felt most comfortable with. And sadly I did lose quite a few. A lot of clients that I never thought that I would. I told myself that it would all be ok, and I gave it all God. I trusted in him and myself and knew this was the right move for me! And in this first year we have absolutely grown. I have so many awesome loyal clients old and new and the book is constantly growing! The biggest thing is being able to go to work everyday and love every minute of it. And for that I am so grateful to be afforded that opportunity even through the rough times.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I would say the biggest thing that helped me build my reputation is consistency. I am always there, I show up, and I show out. There is always the opportunity to under promise and over deliver. And I absolutely believe in that. I have grown so much in my skill and in my business mindset that the only place from here is to keep climbing up. I am so proud of who I am and who I have become in my career and I believe my work and ethics speak for themselves and it is such a positive powerful journey!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://fadesofgloryllc.glossgenius.com/
• Instagram: La_ladybarber
• Facebook: Fades of Glory LLC