Meet Summer Oliver of Suite Summer Time in Rockwall

Today we’d like to introduce you to Summer Oliver.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Summer. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
BABES SUPPORT BABES!!! In an industry like this… we need more of that. HI, Sugars!! I’m Summer Oliver, the founder and owner of Suite Summer Time Salon in beautiful Rockwall, Texas! I grew up in East Texas spending much of my time in my parent’s salon, Main Street Nails & Hair Co. The ongoing joke between my mom and my meme was that I was born with hairspray in my veins. Being a third-generation cosmetologist, you could say that statement was very true. I learned a lot from those gals however, having a passion for this industry and the art behind it, I strived to become more than just a stylist. I promised them my mission was to teach ladies to love themselves a little more. When I spin that chair around and they see themselves for the first time… those smiles and sometimes tears of joy is why I continue to do what I do every day. Passion is a beautiful thing and to this day I will never lose sight of that. One of my main goals is to enhance each individual own unique beauty. I want to show women just how beautiful they are no matter race, age, sexual orientation or size. I strive to send all my clients off with the proper hair care instructions for upkeep and hair care education for their own personal style as well as their specific hair needs. Spending a little extra time answering any and every question my clients have, really shows them I care. It shows them that I would love to have their continued business and most importantly, value them as a client but also as a friend.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I will be honest; every day isn’t the smoothest. There’s always going to be struggles and obstacles in every profession. Let me tell ya, the life of cosmetology is no different. I’ve been through so much and have faced a lot along the way. Through every struggle, I’ve always stayed positive and tried to keep a smile on my face. My past pushes me and motivates me more than most people know. Losing my dad when I was 16 years old pushed me to know at a young age what I wanted to do. He always made me see the best in myself. He taught me to be selfless. He taught me to always treat people the way I want to be treated. Fast forward to becoming a young woman starting my career fresh out of high school. It was everything from learning the salon world to juggling personal relationships. I soon got married and shortly after became pregnant. While building my business and being so excited to become a mother, I was the happiest girl in the world. Never did I think what came next would ever happen to me. We lost our most precious baby girl. That killed me. However, I picked myself up and handled everything with grace. My friends and family were there for me so much and I will be forever thankful for that. I continued pushing myself behind the chair while handling yet another loss. The capacity of the loss of my daughter ultimately ended with a divorce and me just trying to figure my own self out.

At just 24, I became a struggling hairstylist, a divorced woman, and a bereaved mother. I felt like just giving up but continued to push through so to speak. I eventually “came out” as being gay. That was honestly so hard. So much hate and judgment in the world. I left the salon I was at after three years of working my butt off and building my own clientele. After I came out, let’s just say people didn’t like that very much. I left town and was in and out of relationships. My life was a roller coaster. It was chaos. In 2015, I took my life back. Standing tall, I returned to that town. I started all over. This time I promised myself I would never allow anyone to make me feel less than. I put all my eggs in one basket and started my own salon. Suite Summer Time! My drive and passion were back. I became a force to be reckoned with. Then, here comes 2016. I lost my mom. The loss was hard but at this point, I was used to it. I chose to throw myself into my work and make my three angels proud. I think I continue to do just that to this day.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Suite Summer Time – what should we know?
So… let’s fast forward again to 2019. Suite Summer Time is growing and with every step of the way, my heart could not be happier. I love my salon and the atmosphere I’ve created for myself and my wonderful clients. My focus as a business owner and as a hairstylist are simple. I want my clients to feel safe and beautiful all while trusting me with their hair and their personal stories. In this industry, we are known as “Hairapist’s”. Coming to my salon is like going over to your friend’s house to enjoy girl time. Drinking a glass of wine, relaxing, laughing all while getting your hair done. I’m always up for a challenge. Anything from platinum blondes, crazy vivid’s, roller sets or just a simple haircut. I’m your girl. Whatever your hair goal is I will achieve just that!

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My clients deserve more credit than most. Each one of them has impacted my life more than they know. Especially the clients that have been with me from the very beginning. That support and dedication deserve a million thank you’s from the bottom of my heart. They stay believing in me while I stay slaying their hair dreams. My friends have also been my biggest cheerleaders. Although, every person who sits in my chair becomes more like family. For them, I am forever grateful. Y’all continue to support my sassy self no matter what. My wife…she has exceeded all my expectations with not only my business but my fragile heart. Her love and constant admiration for my drive to be the very best version of myself, not only for us but for my business is such a blessing. She has made me believe in myself again. She sees my ambition and pushes me daily. To my salon girls. Women who have worked with me and women I see on the daily. Thank you for always being a shoulder I can lean on. Also, thank you for truly living by the saying “BABES SUPPORT BABES”. Y’all are the real MVP’S!

I would say times are forever changing with the world focused on social media and us constantly being on our phones. It’s a habit I’m willing to cut back on. Instead of being on my phone during clients processing times, I choose to be in the moment with them. After all, they are spending their hard-earned money to come to see me. I try to give them my full attention. We’re all guilty of wanting to post the “perfect” picture on social media. I think what sets me apart is that perfection isn’t always the same definition in my mind. Instead, I choose to post raw, real, candid shots. No filters, no perfect background. Just true photos in real-time. Beauty is defined a million different ways and that’s how I choose for people to view mine. Also, I don’t want people to think I charge an arm and a leg for services. I am realistic and confident in my pricing. I’m fair all while realizing my worth. With that being said, I believe in myself, my art and my passion. It’s a love that is forever growing in this amazing industry. I plan on changing the hair game in the future. Until that day comes, I will take it day by day and show the world that the beauty industry isn’t just a hobby. It’s a way of life. Thank you for taking the time to hear my story. I hope whoever needs to hear this… you are beautiful, you are more than enough, and you can fight any battle that comes your way.

Contact Info:

• Address: 983 e i-30
  Suite 205
  Rockwall, Texas 75087
• Phone: 972-876-0911
• Email: shenry421@icloud.com
• Instagram: Xo_summerrr
• Facebook: Suitesummertime
• Twitter: Summer8807
• Yelp: Suitesummertime
• Other: Www.styleseat.com/summerhenry

Image Credit:
Dang Nguyen

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