Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Bensley.
Hi Sarah, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My interest in hair started in high school. I was an emo kid who loved doing my own hair and my friends’ hair. I’d even skip class to give haircuts in the bathroom. I graduated early and moved to Austin, eager to leave the small town I grew up in. Eventually, I enrolled in cosmetology school and graduated at 22.
I had the opportunity to mentor under a very talented stylist, James Bryant, and we eventually became business partners when we opened a clean beauty store and salon in 2018. When COVID hit in 2020, we were forced to close permanently. It was an incredibly difficult time, but the experience of opening and closing a business taught me invaluable lessons.
That same year, I became a mother to the sweetest, kindest little boy. We moved to Dallas in 2021, and toward the end of that year, I began rebuilding my business. Trends evolve quickly, and after a year-long break from being behind the chair, plus working in a new market, I had to learn new techniques to achieve the results my Dallas clients were looking for. In many ways, it felt like learning to do hair all over again.
Once I found my footing, my clientele grew quickly. In a city known for blondes, I discovered my niche as a brunette specialist. This past September, I opened my own salon suite to offer a private, more personalized experience for my guests.
I’m deeply grateful for every experience along the way, even the challenging ones. Since relocating to Dallas, I’ve grown tremendously as both a stylist and a person.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There were definitely challenges along the way. Becoming a mother during COVID, leaving behind my friends and the city I loved for more than a decade, and starting over truly tested me. You do not fully understand what you are capable of until you face major obstacles.
I also had to find a salon environment that aligned with the vision I had for my career. Sometimes it takes spending time in the wrong space to realize it is not the right fit. Eventually, I found a wonderful place to rebuild and formed meaningful friendships. It was difficult when that business no longer aligned with my own goals, but that transition ultimately led me to my salon suite, which has become a dream come true.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Dallas is known for blondes, but I have become known for brunettes. For a long time, the industry overlooked brunette hair. There were very few inspiration photos to choose from and hardly any stylists who specialized in it. As dimensional and lived in color became more popular, beautiful brunette tones finally started getting the attention they deserved.
My approach is rooted in intention. Every haircut and color is customized to enhance your natural beauty and suit your lifestyle. I believe your hair should look effortless, feel healthy, and reflect who you are, whether you are walking into a boardroom, leading a PTA meeting, or heading to a dinner date.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I am pretty much an open book, but something you might not pick up from my online presence is that I am a maker at heart. I love to paint, draw, sew, crochet, and make jewelry. You name it, I have probably tried it. For most of my son’s life, I have made his Halloween costumes and created themed birthday parties for him.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sarahbeehair.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahbeehair/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahbeehair
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sarah-bee-hair-dallas?osq=sarah+bee+hair
- Other: https://share.google/iK3gP1K0Y3hnSqgmz
Image Credits
For the bio pic with tan blazer only – Meredith McCarty
