We had the good fortune of connecting with Alana Fuselier and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alana, why did you pursue a creative career?
Honestly, I became a hairstylist because of a chance meeting in my early 20s. I was at an L7 show this really cool punk rock chick named Shannon and she was in hair school and she encouraged me to go as well. I was struggling to find a career, I knew I wasn’t meant for a desk, I had authority issues, always doing crazy things with my hair. Even with my new friend’s encouragement, I hesitated. I didn’t think I’d fit in to working at a salon. Finally she told me that “you can wear all black, have weird hair and listen to cool music all day. Why not??” So I visited her hair school and was immediately hooked. I saw that people from all walks of life get their hair done, and that I would be around other misfits too. The rest is history!

What should our readers know about your business?
I am most proud of how I have made changes to how I pay my employees. We eliminated gratuity and have an hourly fee that factors in tipping so that our prices are extremely transparent. My employees love it because we don’t have to factor in tipping which makes proving income for things like credit application for mortgages, ect, much less stressful. They actually make way more with how we do our pay scale now. Tipping culture needs to change in every industry in my opinion! We provide high quality services and charge appropriately not approximately. I also allow my employees to choose their own rates and work hours that reflect the lives they want to live. I put my employees satisfaction and safety first and I am really proud of the strong and happy team I’m growing.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The place I will take anyone from out of town is Hammer’s Goodtime Emporium in Hapeville. It’s a dive bar with beach vibes right by the airport-you can watch the planes take off and land. The best peel and eat shrimp and the kind of social diversity and friendliness that you can only find on the southside of Atlanta.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to shout-out my friend and mentor of sorts, Howell Belser, one of the owners of Dulce Vegan. Though Howell is no longer with us, I would not have taken the chance without that one conversation we had. I did Howell’s hair for many years. One day Howell simply said “you should open your own place. You can totally do it.” And I looked forward to our haircuts and business talks every few weeks, I learned so much from Howell, sharing triumphs and frustrations. There’s a hole in my chair where you used to sit, Howell. Thank you for everything.

Website: Www.thewaywardparlor.com

Instagram: @Thewaywardparlor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlanaFuselierHairStylist

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