Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharon Hughes
Hi Sharon, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Of course, I’d love to. I have been a professional hairstylist for over 25 years. My love for hair began as a teenage hair client in the 80s. The mother of one of my best friends was the cool local beautician. She drove a tan Mustang 5.0, which was a big deal back then, she wore blazers with shoulder pads and owned every color high heeled pump you could want. When I was nineteen, I was visiting my brother in Austin, Tx, and he took me to get my first professional haircut. Paul was a Vidal Sassoon trained stylist, and the entire haircut was an experience. I was a different person after that precision bob. It was at that time that I began thinking about becoming a hairstylist as a career. I grew up in rural Missouri, and I moved to Minneapolis in 1998 to attend the original Aveda Institute. It was the only location at that time. That ended up being the defining moment of me becoming an independent thinker, artist, and woman. I dedicated myself to my craft and to learning everything that I could about the industry. By 2003, I was ready for some southern hospitality and sunshine, so I finally moved to Austin to be close to my brother and explore a place that I’d been hoping to live in since I was a kid. I am so grateful that I lived here at that time, predating smart phones and apps. I built a book of clientele organically, by word of mouth. I would go out many nights per week and network, handing out business cards, making friends, and gaining clients. Relationships have been the key to my success and longevity in the beauty industry. Every job that I’ve had, every new client gained, happened because of a seed that I had planted at some point.
Throughout my career, I have worked in almost every role in a salon. I started as a salon receptionist while attending cosmetology school and became a licensed stylist. I also love the business side of what I do, so I have owned salons, managed salons, been an in-salon educator, styled hair for fashion shoots, brides, and their wedding parties and for runway shows. One of the biggest gifts that I have been able to give is being of service with my skillset. Donating hair services to philanthropic organizations has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. I am a long-time donor and volunteer for the Texas Advocacy Project here in Austin.
I have moved back to Minneapolis and Missouri and somehow always return to Austin. My sons and I moved back to Austin at the end of 2021. What got me here today is my perseverance, my commitment to personal and professional growth, my ability to maintain relationships regardless of the physical distance, and the love and commitment to being a good mom and role model for my boys.
Since returning to Austin, I have shifted up the trajectory of my life, pursuing a second career in real estate with the goal of making good long-term investments for retirement. I am still committed to my hair business and my clients and was fortunate enough to land at a salon that I love, Alchemist Society started by my long-time friend Piyush Ragha-Rook. I also just graduated ACC with an Associate of Applied Science in Real Estate and have been working hard on a start-up company with my client and friend Abigail Jones. Our company is Elemental Evaluations, and we provide Real Estate Valuations for financial institutions. One thing you learn about me is that I am always hustling to provide and build a future for my sons, so I also pet sit on Rover and work front of house for Mood Aura Nomad, an aura photography business. You may also find me on a retreat with my sisters from the Badass Ladies Club, whose cheerleading, and support push me through all the good and bad moments.
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?
Honestly, it has not been a smooth road. I feel like I have learned so many valuable and costly lessons along the way. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial drive in me, which has led to a lot of managerial and leadership roles. During my first decade of doing hair, I was also passionate and driven, so I became a salon owner. We had a successful run, but ultimately that came to an end because of a bad business partnership. Fortunately, I had experienced business mentors that validated my experience and assured me that every entrepreneur goes through a bad partnership at some point. I also became a mother, lost both of my parents, and then became a single mother in the same stretch of time as closing my first salon. Since then, I have worked with incredibly talented stylists at various salons, ran my own salon spaces alone and with other contractors, and been a pop-up artist at salons in Minnesota, Missouri, and Texas.
I’ve been parenting solo for about 10 years. Every salon that I’ve left or started, city that I have moved to or from, and every decision that I’ve made has been to provide a stable or improved quality of life for my children. That also means that I made the choice to be alcohol free more than 9 years ago and take better care of my mental and physical health.
Being an entrepreneur and an independent personality requires resourcefulness, relationship building, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Stay humble, open to opportunities and friends, and prioritize your health and well-being.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Professional hairstylist and freelance artist. I am known for hair color transformations, precision and detailed haircuts, and curating a color, cut, or style that will make my client happy and leaving feeling better about themselves. I am most proud about the relationships that I build with my clients, salon team, and other professionals in the industry. It keeps me showing up behind that salon chair after more than 25 years. I think what sets me apart from others is my chill and down to earth personality that makes clients and other artists feel comfortable in my chair and the space that we are in.
I still operate my freelance company, Sharon Hughes Hair, for special event and bridal party styling, photo shoots, fashion events, collaborations, etc.
All the people can reach me at sharonhugheshair@gmail.com or @sharonhugheshair on IG.
I am always taking new clients and referrals at Alchemist Society. We are located at 215 S Lamar, our website is www.alchemistsocietyatx.com, and our number is (512)284-8500. Find us on IG @alchemist_society.
You can also reach out to me if you need a pet sitter, aura photo, want to support the Manor New Tech Middle School PTSA or band, or The Texas Advocacy Project!
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I learned to take my health and well-being serious and in turn, respect other people’s decisions to keep themself safe and healthy. Basic respect for others because you never know what they are going through.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.alchemistsocietyatx.com
- Instagram: @sharonhugheshair
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/sharonhugheshair
- Other: https://www.elementaleval.com
Image Credits
Photo: @sweetxjane with @moodauranomad Hair: @gagemichaelhair
Photo/Hair: @gagemichaelhair
Photo: @gagemichaelhair Hair: @sharonhugheshair Model: @sweetxjane
Photo/Hair: @sharonhugheshair Model: @cyril.kuhns.tattoo
Photo/Hair: @sharonhugheshar Model: Roman
Photo: @rodel.querubin MUA: @femmefatalmakeup Hair: @sharonhugheshair Stylist: @jalynrosestyling Model: @shilowsullyboo
Photo/Hair: @sharonhugheshair Model: Dorian @howdeedo
Photo: @darin_k_ Hair: @sharonhugheshair MUA: @femmefatalmakeup Wardrobe: @glamdiggersvintage @mothoddities @shopforelise Director: @hayleymatthewsjones for @mplsvintagemkt Model: @victoriaturcioslaparra
Photo: @_alexander_just Hair: @sharonhugheshair MUA: @femmefatalmakeup
