We were lucky to catch up with Summer Demery recently and have shared our conversation below.

Summer, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you have any thoughts about how to create a more inclusive workplace?

Creating a truly inclusive workplace starts with listening to what people need to feel safe, seen, and welcome. That means honoring who someone is and how they move through the world. For me, that’s looked like being mindful of sensory needs by offering silent appointments, respecting all identities with gender-affirming services, and creating a space where no one has to squeeze into a mold that wasn’t made for them.

Some of my perspective has come from being in spaces where inclusion was an afterthought, or completely absent. I’ve witnessed salons that made clients (and sometimes even stylists) feel like they didn’t “fit in” because of how they looked, who they loved, or what they needed. Those experiences left a deep impression on me. It’s hard to feel creative or safe when you’re masking parts of yourself.

But I’ve also been lucky enough to work in spaces where diversity was truly embraced, and the difference in energy was palpable. You could feel the joy and trust in the room. That kind of environment doesn’t just benefit marginalized communities, it also elevates everyone. People feel freer, bolder, and more connected in creative fields, as a result, you get the best work.

My advice is to start with kindness; toward others and yourself. Inclusion begins with self-growth, the willingness to unlearn what no longer serves, and the courage to keep evolving. Educate yourself, stay curious, and lead with empathy. Show your values through your words, your services, and your attitude. Inclusion isn’t about checking boxes; it’s about compassion in action and the commitment to keep learning and growing alongside your clients and team.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Summer Demery, an independent hairstylist and vivid color specialist based in Colorado Springs. I’ve been in the industry for over 13 years, and for me, hair isn’t just a service, it’s a way to help people express who they really are. I specialize in creative colors, alternative cuts like shags and mullets, and bringing bold visions to life for anyone who wants their outside to reflect what’s inside.

I started experimenting with hair on my friends and family when I was just 14. With my background in traditional art, (drawing, painting, and alternative fashion) it felt like a natural extension of the creativity I already lived and breathed. Hair became the perfect medium to merge my artistic spirit with connection and transformation. Over the years, I’ve built a clientele that values not just my technical skill, but the space I hold for them while they’re in my chair. I’ve had clients cry with joy after a vivid transformation, and others say they finally felt like themselves for the first time. That’s what keeps me going.

Under my brand, Vivid Summer Vibes, I offer vivid hair color services, specialty cuts, and styling for all genders, body types, and backgrounds. One of my signature offerings is a freestyle creative color service, designed for clients who trust me to create something bold and completely custom without needing to approve every step. It’s perfect for people who love surprise results rooted in artistic intuition. It’s offered at a slightly lower price point since it allows me to work more freely and try new techniques to refine my skills. For many of my most vibrant transformations, this is where the real magic happens.

What sets me apart is that I blend artistry with empathy. I offer silent appointments for those with sensory needs, I pay close attention to inclusivity when it comes to body diversity and identity, and I aim to create a space where clients can feel celebrated exactly as they are.

If there’s one thing I hope people take away from my work, it’s that beauty should never feel exclusive or intimidating. It should feel like coming home to yourself.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Absolutely. When I first started out, social media was still in its early stages. Instagram wasn’t what it is today, and access to education felt limited to expensive classes or whatever happened to be available locally. Looking back, I wish I had the kind of free, high-quality content that’s now just a scroll away. These days, you can learn so much from educators, independent stylists, and niche creators who generously share their techniques, formulas, and behind-the-scenes processes online.

I’m incredibly grateful for the way the hair industry has evolved in that sense. There’s more transparency, more innovation, and more community than ever before. It’s helped me grow not just technically, but creatively and professionally. I think newer stylists today have an amazing opportunity to learn from a wide range of voices and perspectives, which is something I really admire

I also wish I’d had the opportunity to start even earlier. Some high schools now offer cosmetology programs that let students graduate with hours already under their belt. That would’ve been a game-changer for me. Having access to career paths like that as a teen can open doors so much sooner, especially for those of us who knew early on that we were meant to create.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Honestly, I owe so much of my reputation to my amazing clients. The way they feel in my chair, and the way they share those experiences with others, has been the most powerful form of growth. I’ve always tried to create a space that feels safe, affirming, and collaborative. So when someone walks away loving their hair, and feeling seen and celebrated, they tend to tell others. That word-of-mouth has meant everything.

I also stay active on Instagram, which has helped people discover my work, especially those drawn to vivid hair color. A lot of my new clients come across my transformations online, and that visual storytelling really helps them imagine what’s possible for themselves.

One of the things I’m most proud of is that I’ve been referred several times on a subreddit for safe places for trans people and kids to get their hair done. I didn’t even know at first, the first client that said something told me a few session in, and it really touched me. It’s a reminder that how you make people feel can ripple outward in ways you never expect. That kind of trust is priceless, and I never take it for granted.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://vividsummervibes.square.site
• Instagram: https://Www.instagram.com/vividsummervibes
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hairbysummerd

Image Credits

Summer Demery