Today we’d like to introduce you to Zachary Savage.
Zachary, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My life really began for the first time leaving home immediately after high school. I was stepping into my own role as an artist and a creative.
I had got my haircut before my graduation on a whim and instantly connected with my stylist. Asking if I could job shadow for free with her, she took me under her wing for two short weeks. This type of work came completely natural to me and I fell in love with a career I had always suppressed.
I realized after this experience it was only myself I was suppressing. Society had raised me in a box and being bullied through school, I pretended to not be good at a lot of things that came effortless to me, not wanting to be seen or draw attention to myself.
Being in a small town, questions began as of why I didn’t have an interest in sports or having a girlfriend? Why were all my friends girls or that my voice sounded different? I couldn’t wait to start my own life as the real me in a new town without any judgment from myself or others. I had spent the past 18 years of my life living a lie and denying myself the truth of the light that shines in me.
I moved six hours away from my home town after being accepted into school to become a hair stylist. I was the only male in my class among 20 other amazing women. The energy of the environment and the creative atmosphere made me feel at home and that it was my time to shine. I graduated from school and finished my apprenticeship at a salon that hired me because they saw my potential and my last name, Savage.
After being trained under my boss and her top stylists for three years, I decided I wanted to move to Toronto and that I was good enough to make it. My first two years living in Toronto were a struggle for money and anytime to myself. You had to prove that you wanted this and doing whatever you needed to do for it to happen. I ended up making an Instagram for my work that got a lot more notice than I thought it would, showcasing my specific hair I enjoy creating. This lead to a job offer at Parlour and I’ve been happy ever since. I work among 20 other hair artists and at one of Toronto’s top salons. I am privileged to work somewhere that offers education, creative expression, photo shoots and competition. Currently, I am a semi-finalist in the Trend Vision awards for 2019 competing for finals in Hollywood this year. This is my second year entering, last year making it to semi-finals and going to Vegas to watch the show and this year hoping to compete!
This industry has helped re-shape me as a person and go out of my comfort zone to experience so many growing pains to help me see who I have always been.
I never forgot where I came from to where I am now. I have a clientele that consists of friends and family, good hair, deep conversations and laughs. The opportunity have been endless once I stepped out of the box my mind was put into. It is so important to me now to always be my most authentic self and continuously re-wire my brain and practice mindfulness, wellness and self love.
I am currently still in Toronto and have been now for the past four years.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Moving from a smaller town with a third-dimensional perspective was the biggest struggle. Breaking out of my old ways of thinking or habits and re-wiring my brain to allow myself to be my most authentic self. Starting a career that is not only creative, but puts you into a position that your voice matters to your clients and wants to be heard. Learning to live in your own energy and out of a place of love and happiness has changed my life. I have spent the last 7 years of my life struggling to find the right salon for me and perfecting my craft. This is a job that is instantly gratifying, or not, and when you put yourself on the line and your work, it can be scary! I only want the best for everyone and my clients and creating something they wear on their heads can be a lot of pressure. Becoming a hairstylist taught me to embrace who I am and to have the confidence to be myself, in all areas of my life and I wouldn’t change a thing.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Parlour salon story. Tell us more about the business.
I am a Hair Stylist at a salon called Parlour. I have built a clientele over the past four years of creative individuals that come to see me for anything under the rainbow. Doing bigger transformations and always something custom and colorful!
I also offer a calmer energy to my clients which have become most of my friends and an open space for deep, meaningful connections and conversations. Being trained with my level 2 in Reiki, I also give my clients a session while we are at the sink. Working full time and not having a space to practice out of, I decided to set the intention to bring it into my everyday work and the salon. This has also allowed me to attracted more of a specific clientele base that I vibe with the best making everyday extra enjoyable.
I am working towards a more mind-body wellness approach in my work and with my session for clients. Coming into re-balance your energies and also leaving with the hair and confidence you deserve. I am allowed to promote myself and my instagram thehairsavage on an independent level to grow and also to offer who I am as a person to the salon and bring in a different type of energy.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
To be honest, the more I became myself and stopped resisting, this path has become a breeze from one moment to the next. I always meet the right people at the right time and in the weirdest ways or by coincidence. I keep my mind open and my heart full of gratitude. This mind set has changed my life and continues to guide me in this game of life!
Contact Info:
- Address: Parlour salon
6 Ossington ave
Toronto, ON
M6J 2y7 - Website: https://www.parloursalon.com/ossington
- Phone: 647-345-6663
- Email: [email protected]
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
