Today we’d like to introduce you to Merria Dearman.
Hi Merria, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always done hair. Since I was very young braiding, doing my sister’s hair for school pictures. Braiding the neighbor’s hair for a night out before babysitting for an additional 5$. I went to beauty school as a means to pay for a journalism degree but while apprenticing at a salon right out of school I was encouraged to enter a hair competition called Wella Trend Vision. I won so I thought, hey maybe I should pursue this…I enjoy it. I’m making great money. After a couple of years doing hair in the salon I applied to do a course for hair and makeup for film and television at Vancouver Film School. This is where I learned wig-making for character design. My instructors were sure this was my calling. While in school my aunt got cancer and needed a wig…and that was my “Ah Ha!” moment. In 2006, there wasn’t this huge market for wigs. I could see that the industry needed something to service hair loss and I thought hey…I’ll just do character design for the public. At night I was working at places like Berkeley Rep, ACT, and Cal Shakes designing wigs for shows. During the day the business in the salon combined with my wig-making skills it took off and I formed my first company at 30 out of DiPietro Todd and eventually moved to NY to expand and learn.
I worked for nothing in NYC for a couple of years, learning under the Italian wig makers who once upon a time ruled the wig world at places like Kenneth’s Salon. I also learned from Amanda Miller and other wigmakers who were willing to do classes and give instruction. It was very hard to find anyone who would give education in this area. I still think it’s lacking so much in terms of elevated classes for building wigs. Eventually, I went out on my own, and with that came a ton of discovery. I was sort of obsessed with the hair trade business and where it was coming from which led me to create my own supply chain instead of just buying from vendors. I have had a ton of mentoring from female business professionals along with clients who are loyal and encouraged and supported me to continue to do what I do. Additionally, the editorial and celebrity world embraced me and gave me opportunities I would have never had. Specifically Harry Josh. I have been very lucky to get to where I am but it has also required a ton of sacrifice and time. I love every part of the wig industry and look forward to continuing to expand and educate.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has always been a bit of a struggle! No one was teaching wig-making or would give me instruction when I wanted to learn more. I had to pound down doors to convince people to talk to me see me teach me. And without getting to deep into the hair trade business it is really hard to source hair where the women are paid directly and the hair is kept in its original state or intact. I have been a single parent through my career as well offering a different challenge not only being a woman but a mother. And I can say we certainly do both, but there is so much judgment. I continue to deal with mostly men in my industry and feel often that having a kid can be a factor in a client choosing you for your availability. Just being a woman has been a challenge as far as getting in the door and making opportunities.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I really specialize in the traditional art of wig making. Making things look hyperrealistic and the challenges that one faces with hair loss. I love working with clients until they get things to a place where they can walk in a room, and nobody knows they are in a wig. They feel like it’s a part of them and that it’s something to not be ashamed of. I also pride myself on being able to source hair… to know where it comes from and to pay women fairly for it. What sets me apart is I have done the work. I have learned wig making, been a hairstylist, run theater shows, done film and the public. I have 20 years of experience in this industry. But I am most proud of the work I do with clients who suffer from hair loss. It’s the most rewarding work there is.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Covid taught me to pivot. To re-invent my business model. I learned to work online with clients. To ship pieces to just completely shift my model. In addition I learned to have several different sources as things all over the world were different. So to create multiple sources so if one fell apart I could rely on the other.
Contact Info:
- Website: merriaedearman.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/merriadearman/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/merriadearman/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/merriadearman
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/merria-dearman-los-angeles?osq=provenir+by+merria+dearman
Image Credits
Photos by Zara Aleksanyan and Photos by Martin Crook
