We recently connected with Sydney Weable and have shared our conversation below.

Sydney, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Early March 2020 I was in the middle of an amazing 8 year career with the salon called Bubbles. I was a full time stylist behind the chair and also a full time educator for the company. I traveled the DMV teaching new techniques and also had a full book of loyal clients in Columbia Maryland. Then boom the world shut down completely…I was literally the last person in my salon. I didn’t know it at the time but that was my last day working there. What happened in the next couple weeks rocked my world. The company filed chapter 11 bankruptcy and the leaders of the company didn’t have an answer for us as to were our next pay checks were coming from, the money we worked really hard for two weeks prior and on top of all that the I had money taken out of my bank account due to insufficient funds in the company. I still to this day have not received it. I understand that no one was ready for the pandemic but I felt violated and forgotten about.

That was the moment I decided to trust in myself and open my own business. So I did just that! I used my unemployment money to find a salon suite and purchase everything that a salon would need. The biggest challenge was I didn’t have access to my clients information. I was terrified, how was I going to support a business and myself? But I kept believing in myself and fast forward 5 years I am thriving in my business, I was given the opportunity to cut hair at the US Senate and also have worked side by side with my mentor to curate an education program for cosmetologist and barbers across the DMV. It has not been easy but when you have a dream don’t give up on yourself. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Alot of my clients found me and I just continue to grow in my community. I am beyond grateful for all of the people in my life who have encouraged me to keep going.

Sydney, 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 Sydney Weable and I have been a stylist for 15 year and have been an educator for 10 years and I’m also licensed in the state of Missouri where I am originally from. I am the owner of Studio731 salon suite in Columbia Maryland and recently had the amazing opportunity to work for the US Senate haircare. I am a proud American Board Certified Color specialist and have obtained many certifications through my years of education. My specialties include Precision cutting, men’s grooming and fantasy color. I am so passionate about continuing education and my journey has taken her all over the DC, Maryland and Virginia area. Including trips to New York fashion week and photo shoots for corporate salons. I believe that if you want to be the greatest of all time you must put your heart and soul into the things you love! Its way more than just hair its an opportunity to get to know people, to heal parts of them, to help people see a new version of themselves. We can laugh together cry together. One person at a time is how you change the world. I want people to know that my salon is a safe space. All are welcome! I’m here to make your hair dreams come true!

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I honestly feel like stylist and barbers have come together and elevated our industries through social media and across the board raising prices for our work and we want to been respected by the ecosystems of society. But still there is more that can happen for us such as acknowledge hair artistry as creative and cultural work, not just service labor. Elevate hair art in cultural institutions such as museums, fashion shows, public art programs to validate its artistic value. Provide grants, microloans, and startup capital for independent stylists and salon owners, especially woman owned, black owned and LBGTQ+ entrepreneurs. Offer subsidies or rent support for entrepreneurs. spaces, especially in gentrifying neighborhoods. Support cooperative salon models, where artists share resources and profits collectively and most importantly provide access to healthcare, ergonomic support, and mental wellness resources for hair artists. As a salon professional mental and physical health are so important. As entrepreneurs we don’t have PTO or sick leave we are the sole provider. That part is the most challenging. As the sole service provider if you are not there you are not making money. I think in certain cities there are so many for lease signs, if salon and barbershops had opportunities to move into these spaces at an affordable price this industry could bring so much to the communities that surround them. This truly is a luxury industry and should be treated as such.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My mission is to make people feel and see their best selves. When you look good you feel good. I want to help my clients feel more confident in themselves. My mission is one person at a time and bring so much value to each appointment. I want to provide a safe and calm place to escape from the hard moments life can bring. I want to cultivate authenticity through creativity. Hair is a form of self expression and I want to help bring that to life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.studio731.com
• Instagram: Syd_vicious31