Meet Mandy Hancock of Prominence Parlor in Southside Fort Worth

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mandy Hancock.

Mandy, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I knew I wanted to do hair since I was 8 years old. My mom cut my brother, sister and my hair for us when we were kids (not super well, I might add)… In third grade I met a friend whose mom was a hairstylist. “A hairstylist? “ I thought… I didn’t know there was such a thing! From then on I knew that’s exactly what I wanted to be when I grew up. It turns out that my great great grandfather was a barber so I guess it’s in my blood! I earned my associates in cosmetology through a vocational program that I was able to take in high school and began my career immediately after graduation. I did a two year apprenticeship and began building my clientele and perfecting my craft by attending countless advanced education classes, hair shows and by doing hair in the Fort Worth area over the next 14 years. About a year ago I decided it was time that I go out on my own. I had a dream to own my very own salon and that dream came true when I opened Prominence Parlor!

Has it been a smooth road?
I’d say for the most part it’s been a pretty smooth road… I am a firm believer that if you are on your right path the universe just unfolds before you and things will simply work out accordingly. Couple of tiny bumps that did happen though were first, my parents did not want me to become a hairstylist! It’s a common misconception that hairstylists are not classically “smart”. Not “college material” and also not capable of making a good quality living. My parents wanted me to get a four year degree and then if that didn’t work out then I could “fall back” on cosmetology. I was so thankful that my high school had the vocational program… I saved up the $200 for my hair school kit by working at a snowcone stand and was able to pay my way through hair school myself and finished with absolutely no debt. I received my license at 17 years old, moved out of my parents’ house and started my career! Needless to say, my parents are beyond glad that I followed my passion and drive for doing what I wanted to do. The industry has changed so much over the past 20 years and I am very thankful to be a part of the updated perception of what it is to be a successful hairstylist!

The second hurdle that I’d say I’d had to jump is probably true for any woman in any profession… Juggling my career and becoming a mother. I absolutely love doing hair. I love enhancing people’s beauty and I love the look on their face when they come in feeling not so great and leave feeling like 1 million bucks. It’s truly something I feel like I was born to do! So five years ago when I became a mom it was really a struggle to balance this new found joy of caring for my child and also maintaining this business that I had worked so hard to build. It took about a year to find my groove as a working mom. When I had my second baby I decided to start working part time to be with my kids the rest of the time and it has been a wonderful decision on both fronts! I am able to spend quality time with my kids while they’re little as well as continue with my dream job. I will more than likely go back to full time when both the kids are in school but right now it is a perfect balance for myself and my family! I often say that I am living the dream and I truly feel that way!

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Prominence Parlor is a product of my years of experience, my love for people, eye for design, talent for hairdressing, and my entrepreneurial spirit. I love to create. After years of working in corporate style salons as a manager, educator and top stylist, I evolved to leasing my own space at an independent salon and followed that to open my own business. Every step I have taken along the way, and every person who was ever a mentor to me, has in one way or another prepared me for this ownership adventure.

There are a few things that set Prominence Parlor apart from other salons and first is the attention to detail. From booking the appointment to consultation to customized style, every step is tailored to each individual. A guest’s lifestyle, desired maintenance, budget, facial features, head shape and inspiration are all taken into consideration when deciding what should be done to achieve their hairstyle goals.

Another is the fact that when you come to Prominence Parlor you can expect 5 star service and a full experience. We start with a delicious beverage. Hot tea, coffee, beer, wine, water, sparkling water, snack, there’s something for everyone. A scalp, neck and shoulder massage is included with every haircut as well as a relaxing shampoo with acupressure massage and a steamed towel. I want getting your hair done to feel like a luxury and not just a necessity!

I am probably most proud of the salon’s amazing clientele. Over the years I’ve been honored to do hair for major life events from birthdays to graduations, weddings, anniversaries, baby’s first haircuts and beyond. Everyone in my chair is so unique and I’m proud that they choose me to take care of them.

One more point of difference that I feel is worth mentioning is our inclusiveness and private environment. Anyone and everyone are safe in my chair. We are advocates and allies to the LGBTQ community and have many clients who really appreciate the privacy of the salon and the accepting, caring atmosphere. All of our services are gender neutral, no matter what you identify as, when you book a haircut it is called a haircut and not a “woman’s” haircut or a “man’s” haircut. Whether someone is going through chemo treatments and losing their hair or going through hormone therapy as they transition, they feel welcomed and safe here without the anxiety that some feel in a busy, bustling salon.

And the final point of difference that I think stands out is our commitment to environmental consciousness. We only use all natural, sulfate and paraben free, carbon neutral products including hair color. At Prominence Parlor, we believe that what you put on your body is equally as important as what you put in it! And to have a lower environmental impact and to be as sustainable as possible is very important to us!

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I do think that the DFW area is a great place for young hairstylists and young entrepreneurs because the entire metroplex is growing so rapidly, I think it was 30,000 people that moved to Fort Worth last year alone? And a projected 100,000 more this year… All of those people need a hairstylist.

 

Contact Info:

• Address: 3214 College Ave.
• Website: www.prominenceparlor.com
• Phone: 8175222109
• Email: prominenceparlor.com

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