January 8, 2017

Meet DeAndra Giselle

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to DeAndra Giselle.

DeAndra, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started the salon June 01, 2013 because I wanted to create a relaxing environment that allows hairstylist to be artistic, and allow the clients to feel and see their beauty (hence the name B.A.R beauty, artistry, relaxation). I believe we have survived this past 3 years with excellent customer service, professionalism, and really caring for the health of the client’s hair. For us, it goes deeper than just doing hair but making sure that the client has a beautiful look that they can maintain.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. Every business definitely goes through transitions, but our transition was getting the right team and get the word out that we are here. We are a baby business but sometimes competing with major chains that are about quantity instead of quality can be hard. Meaning, they really lower their prices significantly because they are about the high traffic of clients and us smaller business have to figure out a way to compete without cheating ourselves.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The B.A.R Hair Studio (Beauty, Artistry, Relaxation) – what should we know?
We have always been a full-service salon with specialties in healthy hair care, extensions, natural hair, custom color, and makeup. However, recently we have been really involved in the community volunteering at the Women’s Shelters with an organization called the Glamour Project, having community events, and hosting hair and makeup classes. I believe that is what sets us apart from being just another salon. We truly want to make a lasting impact on our clients and our community by stepping outside of the salon and sharing our beauty knowledge. Each hairstylist brings something different to the salon but together we are dedicated to enriching each client’s life.

Besides volunteering we work on movie and photo shoot sets, special occasions (weddings, prom, red carpet etc.), and occasional house calls for those who prefer to get beautiful in the privacy of their own home. However, if privacy is what they prefer we also offer private rooms in the salon.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My fiancé so to be husband Scott Pearce has played a huge part in helping the salon become a success. He helps manage the salon, has painted and built furniture, keeps track of the inventory, and always helps with making my ideas come to life. I really wouldn’t have been able to have this salon without him,

My B.A.R Team! Malika and Vee they are hard workers, open minded to new ideas, team players, ambitious, and always willing to learn.

Honestly, my family in general for their sacrifice. Allowing me to work late hours, run my ideas by them, and forgiving my absence.

My makeup Mentor April Love, owner of April Love Pro Makeup Academy because she is such an excellent example of a hardworking business owner who loves her what see does and enjoys sharing her knowledge with her students.

My Hair mentor Yvette Evans, owner of Classy, Sassy, Braids and Beyond in Lakewood, WA. She really molded my skill set as a hairstylist and encouraged me to keep learning and trusting who I am as a hairstylist.

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