Today we’d like to introduce you to Abby Evans.
Hi Abby, 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?
Growing up, I always loved doing hair. I was the one friend who would get everyone all dolled up before we would go places, but I never imagined it would be my career. After high school, I attended college for a semester planning to pursue a nursing degree but realized it wasn’t for me. When telling my parents that I wanted to go to cosmetology school, they pushed for me to stay in college and finish at least a business degree. I honestly felt that it wasn’t necessary, especially putting myself in debt with student loans, so during winter break, I chose to move back home and find a cosmetology school.
Shortly after my move, my world came crashing down. My dad unexpectedly passed away. This was very hard on my family and halted my future as I was focused on being there for my mom and sister.
Months later I enrolled at The Aveda Institute of Austin in the summer of 2015 and graduated in 2016. I then got my first assisting job at Blonde Faith Salon in Austin, Texas. I started as an assistant and worked my way up to a stylist. Within a year, I was promoted to one of the highest levels of stylists at the salon. Being a top stylist, specializing in extensions and blondes and booking out for weeks, I started to feel that I was ready for a new chapter. In late 2018, I decided to go on my own and rent a salon suite. With this change, I was my own boss which meant I made my own schedule, took off when I wanted, and controlled every bit of my happiness. Within the next year, I welcomed my first child, and continued to work part time as well as traveling to see my fiancé, Quandre Diggs, who plays in the NFL. Long distance was normal for us until we had our baby girl. My plan was to continue working and traveling with her, until Covid hit. Having to stay at home for months not working, and the unknown of the virus, I had to make the hardest choice for my career and family. I decided to close my doors and move to Seattle with our daughter to be together and not risk getting the virus or traveling with a 1-year-old. Family was my priority and sacrificing my career was hard on me, but best for all of us.
During his season, moving to a new state with no friends or family really hit me hard. I missed my clients, I missed the atmosphere, I missed doing hair. Being a mom is the most rewarding job I have had, but I felt lost. I felt that I lost my identity. Knowing how hard I worked to get to where I was, and realizing that I gave it all up killed me inside. After the season was over, I decided I wasn’t done, and I went back to work. With the pandemic coming to an end, I decided to work full time in his offseason and live with him in Seattle during his season while traveling once a month to maintain my clients in Austin.
At the end of 2021, I decided I was ready for my next chapter. That’s when Copper + Mane Salons was created. Austin has a lot of franchise salon suites, but I wanted to create something that felt more luxurious, more intimate, and that provided upscale benefits for all tenants. For example, maternity leave is a benefit that isn’t really provided in the beauty industry. After having my daughter, I really wished I had that option like most other professions, so that is something I felt was important to offer. Having access to professional cleanings in the studio suites is also a benefit that I’m very excited to provide. These are just some of the benefits that are included along with free wifi, access to a washer and dryer, 24/7 secure access, and fully furnished spaces that include top of the line salon furniture.
My love for interior design also played a huge part in my desire for a luxury atmosphere. I wanted to create spaces that would represent each tenant and would be inviting for their clients. After weeks of researching and looking for different interior design inspiration, I came across Audrey Sheck Interior Design. She is a local Austin interior designer whose aesthetic and attention to detail matches exactly what I was looking for. We partnered together and created 9 beautifully thought-out spaces along with two bathrooms, a waiting area, and a break room.
Creating and planning Copper + Mane over the past year has been so exciting and rewarding to see all of the concepts come to life. I can’t wait to welcome tenants and clients into this beautiful space! We are so excited to announce we will be fully open by January 2023.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think in life, there are always road bumps and challenges. Luckily I have the most amazing fiancé, family, and friends who have supported me and helped me through all of the difficult times. Challenges and struggles always bring opportunities for growth, and I try to look at all of them as blessings and moments to learn from!
We’ve been impressed with Copper + Mane Salons, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Copper + Mane Luxury Salon Suites was created in the mind of beauty professionals desiring a whole new form of luxury. These suites are beautifully constructed with the independent beauty professional in mind. Our salon space features 9 individual modern salon studios, ranging in size from 180 sq. feet to 255 sq. feet rooms. They are move-in-ready and are fully designed with a furnished space— everything you need to avoid start-up fees. Our goal is to create a work environment that gives our salon owners luxury amenities and benefits. We offer exclusive benefits such as maternity leave, vacation time, professional cleanings, on-site laundry, 24/7 secure access, & more.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The cosmetology world is one that has always and continues to allow individuals to express their artistic nature and provide beauty services to all. Copper + Mane’s purpose is to provide luxury spaces for stylists and other beauty professionals who are ready to be their own bosses. In the next 5-10 years, our plan is to open more locations across the Austin area to cater to beauty professionals who are seeking the luxury we provide.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.copperandmanesalons.com
- Instagram: @copperandmanesalons
Image Credits
Wildfelt Photography
