Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mandy Davenport. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Mandy, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

I don’t double book chemical appointments, I’ve been a hairdresser for more than ten years. Most stylist do this to enhance their sales and profits, the majority of hairdressers double book as much as they can. Over the years, I’ve come to the conclusion that most clients dislike visiting to a salon where they would be shuffled around as their stylists attend to other clients. The client feels uncomfortable as a result and frequently feels as though they have been forgotten about. The stylist grows overworked and needs assistance from others to finish the customer’s appointment during their session. In my opinion this is unacceptable to do to our clients. Don’t get me wrong, if done appropriately double booking might be beneficial. I never schedule two chemical services at once rather I might schedule a cut while my client is processing. This lets them know that I’m paying attention to them, and it also enables me to monitor how everything is processing. Over the years, clients have confided in me that they enjoy visiting. Because of this. They never have to worry about sitting too long with a color on their hair or feeling pushed aside because they know that they are the center of attention during their visit. They expressed its a very pleasant experience and they didn’t have to worry.

Mandy, 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?

My name is Mandy and I’m a hairstylist located in Birmingham, Alabama. I was born in Nashville, Tn but was raised in North West Alabama by my grandmother.

Since I was a young child, I have known that I want to do hair. It was something I always did naturally and something I adored. Growing up, we spent a lot of Saturdays at the local beauty school owned by my grandmother’s friend. My grandmother has always encouraged me to pursue my passions and achieve my goals. I know as I’m adult today I’ve made her proud with things I’ve accomplished.

In the heart of Sheffield, Alabama, I launched my first full-service salon in 2014. I had a great business partner, and we had a lot in common in terms of beliefs and principles. We made use of our position to give back to our neighborhood and assist those who might not have it as easy. It was during this time I learned the stylist I wanted to be. I wanted to offer a safe place for anyone who sat in my chair. I wanted to help rebuild one’s self confidence. To help see their own beauty inside and out.

I’ll was given the chance to relocate to Birmingham, Alabama, in 2016. Although I knew I had a lot going for me in my hometown, I also knew there were bigger things and opportunities out there for me. Though I was aware that moving to a bigger city would provide greater difficulties, I wasn’t prepared for just how challenging it would be. Finding a salon that shared my beliefs and the ethical approach I wanted to offer was difficult for me. They appeared to be driven primarily by success-related avarice. Over the years, I tried a few different locations, but I was never able to locate the one where I could provide my clients with the services they wanted a deserved. It was during this time I knew I needed to do something different.

I decided it was time for me to go back out on my own in the summer of 2022. I had been trying for the past few years to work in bigger salons, but I had no luck since I wouldn’t compromise my principles or do things that weren’t suitable for me or my clients. I made the decision to establish a salon suite rather than another big salon. This is how Smoke and Mirrors Parlor was born. With this, I had the benefit of being able to work one on one with my clients.

Coming up on a year since I first opened, I have seen incredible growth in my company, won the community award for Birmingham, Alabama’s Best Salon, and, most importantly, have been able to give my customers the services they deserve. I’m able to spend time with customers and personalize sessions to their needs and spending limits. When visiting a salon, you anticipate being catered to, with the utmost care possible being given to you. Being independent today has allowed me to accomplish all of this.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Social media is the center of the world we live in today. Everyone seems to be providing updates on their lives, activities, or even soliciting suggestions from others. Social media is, in my experience, a really effective tool to sell oneself. To show others what you’re capable of, you can publish your work. You can also let your clients know how it is when they come to see you. I’ve also observed that a lot of people use social media to request assistance in locating the best location for them to find a particular item. This is where I’ve seen a lot of my clients respond by praising my business. At this time, I provide all services in my salon, including haircuts for both men and women and kids. Having a sizable social media following has been beneficial in the expansion of my business and my ability to establish who I am.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

The fact that I treat people with respect and love is what I believe has contributed to my reputation in this industry. My clients are not seen as a source of income. I view them as the people they are, regardless of the way of life they lead. No matter what we do for a living, who we love, or how difficult life has been for some of us, we all deserve the same respect and level of service. I pay attention to their needs and wants in order to discover a solution that best fulfills all of their boxes. We have the chance to improve someone’s self-esteem while we are working behind the chair. We have the chance to recover the client’s trust after the previous stylist had broken it. We can help rebuild one’s confidence through our work and it’s important that we remember that.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://smokeandmirrorsparlor.glossgenius.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/smokeandmirrorsparlor
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmokeandMirrorsParlor
• Other: https://linktr.ee/smokeandmirrorsparlor

Image Credits
Brendyn Allen