Co-owner, Fresh Hair Studio, Southhampton, PA
Goldwell Educator/Artist
Licensed: Wilfred Academy in Pennsylvania, 1985
First job: Shampoo assistant
Clients per week: 40—depending on my travel schedule.
Price point: $63 for cut; $75 background color
freshhairstudiopa.com, deborahgavin.com
Why did you choose beauty? I loved the salon environment and thought the hairdressers were so cool. I grew up drawing and was creative, yet I never felt inspired until I started working on the canvas of hair.
Milestones: Working for Goldwell; opening our studio; being nominated for NAHA
Big break: Partnering with Goldwell has given me many opportunities to have my work showcased and my knowledge of hair color has grown leaps and bounds. I was a part of Goldwell’s Color Zoom in 2006, an international achievement resulting in magazine covers, articles and being part of a few ad campaigns.
Career advice you’ve received: Someone told me early in my career that you will go through times where you just feel like you don't know what you're doing. Those moments are followed by growth and clarity. I think because change is uncomfortable when I have "a moment" like that it really is because something inside is shifting.
Career advice you’ve given: I believe there is room for everyone to be successful. I never think of another salon, colorist or stylist as competition. I always encourage stylists to figure out what it is about them that makes them unique. Concentrate on that, learn to find and build your strengths. Create your signature.
Who are your mentors? I have been to many academies and seen many great artists whom I find really inspirational.When I think of a mentor though, I think of a person who I have learned a lot from and that learning goes beyond inspiring. It drives deeper and changes the way I see things. I'd have to say Bruce Klein was that person for me. He was also an amazing leader who helped you grow by creating a safe environment.
Of course, my mom is a life mentor. She has taught me to be strong and charitable. Because of what she instills in me, our belief at Fresh is to give a portion of sales to charities near and dear to our clients and team. It comes from the entire staff. Last year we donated $10,000.
Who do you mentor? Anyone who asks.
Are there benefits to being a woman in beauty? A huge benefit to being a woman comes from how unique this industry is. Of course it is a "business," however, as artists we can be very emotional, too. It's because we allow ourselves to be so vulnerable. There needs to be a balance when you lead people in appreciating both sides, and I think women are very good at this.
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