Today we’d like to introduce you to Mercedes Green.
Hi Mercedes, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey as a hairstylist began in late 2014. I had graduated from college earlier that year with a bachelor’s degree in Music Industry Studies. I was working three different jobs and still struggling to make ends meet. I think I had been feeling the burnout for a couple of years but was in denial and way too far into my degree to give up on it. I finally decided to look into other career options after a lot of self-reflection. I wanted to work in a field that I was truly passionate about but had no idea what that meant anymore. One day while I was coloring my friend’s hair blue in my bathroom, she casually mentioned cosmetology school. I remember mentioning it to family members years ago but was told that it would be a step backwards after going to college. At this point, I didn’t care. I went ahead and scheduled tours at two local beauty schools. A few weeks later, I was registered and ready to start my cosmetology program at Paul Mitchell the School Dallas. I wasn’t prepared to fall in love with hair as much as I did! I loved learning all about hair but I had already been experimenting with color on my own so that’s what stood out to me the most. Maybe it was because I was a teenager during the peak emo/scene kid era, but vivid hair colors were my favorite thing to do!
After graduating and working in Dallas for a few months, I moved to Fort Worth and began working at a salon that offered more opportunity for continuing education and a super diverse clientele. I loved that I could still stay busy with my retouch and highlight clients while also growing my vivid clientele. I put in tons of hard work for 3.5 years and became their top-earning stylist, color educator, and started my Master Color Expert program at the Wella World Studio in NYC and LA. Unfortunately, right before I was set to finish my program, the pandemic hit, and everything was put on hold.
I had two months to self-reflect on how I wanted to grow my career. I knew the industry was going to change and we would face a “new normal.” I decided then to take control of my business, go independent, and make some big changes. As soon as salons reopened, I started my own business at Novak Hair Studios in downtown Fort Worth and became one of their elite Luxury Solo Artists. Life was too short to not do something I was passionate about, so I shifted my focus to vivids. Almost two years later, I am now a certified Master Color Expert and a Vivids Specialist! I spend my days creating art on hair. From holographic rainbows to deep jewel-toned hair, I love it all. I get to be creative all while helping people express themselves and feel beautiful. It took a long time to get here, but I am so happy I made that jump almost 7 years ago!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It was not easy getting here! I faced a lot of criticism from people around me when I decided to go to cosmetology school after graduating from college. I don’t have a single regret about how things played out! College gave me my best friends, my independence, and helped me grow into my true self. I also still use a lot of the business skills I learned through my degree!
My biggest obstacle was the definitely the pandemic. Going into business for yourself when we were facing so much unknown was scary. I was told that leaving my previous salon was a huge mistake and it was a bad idea to go independent in the middle of a pandemic. I didn’t let that hold me back though! It was the best decision I could’ve made. I have full control of my business, with the amazing support of Novak. It has been so beneficial to my mental health, which has in turn helped my creativity!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a hairstylist and I specialize in Vivids, otherwise known as fantasy and vibrant hair color. I am known for my multi-dimensional, unique placements and for creating art on hair! Living in a conservative state, I’ve managed to create a welcoming and open-minded space for all types of individuals. I can help them find self-expression through their hair color, which helps build confidence. I have vibrant hair too and it might sound weird to say, but it’s part of my identity. A lot of people with vivids feel the same way and to be able to help people feel like their best selves is an honor.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
It depends who you ask! If you haven’t known me my entire life, you probably wouldn’t know that I have a huge background in music. I’ve been singing since I could talk, and playing piano and guitar since I was a kid. I still love music but it’s more of a hobby now and I’ve come to appreciate it more without all the pressure!
Pricing:
- All color services are $85/hour plus product cost!
- Haircuts start at $70+
Contact Info:
- Email: Mercygreenhair@gmail.com
- Website: www.mercygreenhair.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/Mercygreenhair
- Facebook: Facebook.com/mercygreenhair
Image Credits
Melissa Claire Photography
Mercy Green Hair
