Today we’d like to introduce you to Doris Franklin.
Hi Doris, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Meet Doris Franklin | Founder of DFW Blowout Bar
I often get asked how long I’ve been doing hair, and the truth is—my journey started as a little girl. I’m biracial—Black and Mexican—and I had very long, curly hair that was hard to manage. With my mom working early hospital shifts, it was my dad helping us get ready in the mornings. I learned to do my own hair out of necessity, and over time, I got really good at taming what I like to call “rebellious hair.” By high school, I was styling classmates in gym class and braiding friends’ hair between classes.
But before I pursued hair, I dreamed of becoming a singer. I performed everywhere—from school plays to mariachi competitions—and even recorded music in studios. Eventually, I realized my love for transformation—making people feel beautiful through hair and makeup—was more than a hobby. That’s when I enrolled in cosmetology school and never looked back.
I graduated in 2007 and began working at salons like Toni & Guy, Regis, and Elizabeth Arden’s Red Door Spa. But life took some difficult turns. I became a mother, experienced toxic relationships, and was repeatedly told to give up on my dream. I left the beauty industry for a while to work in insurance, all while daydreaming of owning my own salon.
Despite the setbacks, I always found my way back to hair. I started over multiple times—with three kids and very little, but with relentless faith. One day, after praying and leaving it in God’s hands, a friend called me with a salon space available in the heart of Mesquite. I applied with no expectations—and was approved. That was the beginning of DFW Blowout Bar.
I opened this salon because I wanted to create a space that celebrated all hair textures—especially the ones often overlooked. I wanted to specialize in blowouts, healthy hair treatments, and textured hair, because I knew how hard it was to find salons that truly understood our hair.
Every step of this journey has been built on faith, grit, and love for my children. They are my biggest inspiration. My dream is to one day grow DFW Blowout Bar into a nationwide brand, with multiple locations and a legacy my kids can inherit.
If you’ve ever been told you’re too old, too broke, or too “unrealistic” to follow your dream—I’m living proof that you can do it anyway.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I will definitely say getting to where I’m at while being a single mother of three children has been a great challenge for me. I’m very grateful for my parents. They are the only help I’ve had and I attribute much of my success to them.
As you know, we’re big fans of DFW Blowout Bar. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
DFW Blowout Bar is more than a salon—it’s an experience. We are a luxury blow-dry bar located in Mesquite, Texas, specializing in blowouts, silk presses, and healthy hair treatments tailored to all hair textures.
Personally, I specialize in luxury layered haircuts—and I’ve built my name and reputation around them. My haircuts and blowouts are what I’m most known for. As we grow, I’ll be training my team in this same specialty, so that DFW Blowout Bar becomes the go-to destination for luxury layered cuts in the DFW area. Meanwhile, my team and salon have earned a reputation for our signature blowouts and the elevated experience we create around them.
While many salons cater to one specific hair type, we’ve built our brand on true inclusivity—with an expertise in thick, coarse, and textured hair. Whether someone has curls, coils, waves, or straight strands, our goal is always the same: to enhance their natural beauty and help them leave feeling confident, polished, and radiant.
We offer a curated menu of services that focus on both style and scalp health, including detoxifying clarifying treatments and deep moisture rituals. We’re also launching a VIP membership program to give our loyal clients exclusive perks and consistent hair care all year round.
What truly sets us apart is our commitment to creating a warm, welcoming space where no one ever has to wonder if their hair will be understood. We’re not just experts in styling—we’re experts in texture, in care, and in delivering a luxury experience that makes every guest feel pampered, prioritized, and seen.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that we’ve created something inclusive without ever compromising luxury. DFW Blowout Bar feels elevated yet down-to-earth, professional yet personal—and that balance is what keeps our clients coming back. At the end of the day, it’s not just about hair. It’s about helping people feel celebrated, confident, and empowered—every time they sit in our chair.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was a joyful, imaginative little girl with a big heart and a personality to match. I grew up with two of my three brothers, so I was kind of the middle child, and I spent a lot of time by myself drawing, writing stories, or singing in my room like I was on stage. I loved performing at family events, putting on shows with my karaoke machine, and getting lost in make-believe—whether it was Barbies, dress-up, or dancing around the house.
Even though I didn’t think of it as leadership back then, I was the kind of kid who naturally drew others in. On the playground, I was always the silly one, cracking jokes, laughing loudly, and making sure everyone felt included. I’ve always had a positive, goofy spirit—and to this day, people tell me my energy, kindness, and laugh are what they love most about me. I think that ability to spread joy and connect with people has always been one of my quiet superpowers.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dfwblowoutbar.com
- Instagram: (personal) @dfwblowoutbar (Salon ig page) @dfw_blowout_bar
- Facebook: DFW Blowout Bar with black logo
Image Credits
Morris Peace Photography (my photo in the pink blazer)
Photos of hair clients from my iPhone
