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SEARCHDuring COVID, stylists found many ways to stay afloat when they couldn't see clients. Haley Garber combined her love for design and her crafty capabilities to open an Etsy store to sell her handmade hair accessories.
This has been a year of figuring things out, and for some hairdressers, that meant how to stay creative, inspired, and maybe even earn some cash when not able to be with clients.
Haley Garber, a member of the MODERN SALON Artist Connective and a bridal and updo specialist, got crafty during quarantine, launching a side business creating handmade hair accessories.
We asked Garber what set this side hustle in motion:
"I’ve always enjoyed creating pretty things. It’s probably why I enjoy styling hair so much! In the past I’ve made hair accessories occasionally, to fit an idea of an overall look I’ve had or to simply craft. This year I have gotten back into crafting more regularly with various projects. I’ve had more time to be able to, and it’s helped me settle into a new area after a big move.
"I decided that I needed some more holiday hair decorations, and promptly went to the craft store for supplies. While there, I got an idea to create some paper flower pieces as well. So I of course got more supplies and headed home. Using a mix of premade flowers and then moving into painting them, then assembling my own flowers, I began to map out these accessories. I got so into these, that the holiday pieces took a back seat.
"I enjoy wire wrapping and use that as my base to keep the pieces fully moldable, then attach the flowers and add soft backing so that they don’t catch on hair. Focusing on creating color schemes, shapes, and assembling these start to finish is calming to me. I enjoy making them and envisioning the different ways to use these pieces. Painting each flower and then assembling the final creation has been my favorite part of the process.
"I then took them to social media to share what I had been up to and I was blown away from the response! It was amazing and I am so grateful. Thank you so much to each response and share, there were some that really blew me away! That night my Etsy shop opened under the name “The Fabled Floral”, name credit to one of my friends. Each piece is handcrafted specifically for the buyer, and fully customizable.
"Having the chance to create one of a kind pieces for others, have a little side income which is especially welcome this year, and enjoy the entire process has been amazing! I’m not sure where this little side job will go. But I am fully taking in where it is now, and I’m so thankful to each and every person who has taken the time to purchase pieces!"
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