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

Hi Misti, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
2020 definitely shifted my perspective on what I think “balance” is. I went from working six days a week to my business being completely shut down for eight weeks. Then once I was allowed to reopen I was faced with new COVID restrictions. My hours were limited, my work days were limited, I was limited with the amount of clients I could take. I was forced into “balance” like never before. I decided to focus on the silver linings. I was more rested than I’ve ever been in my life, I was able to focus on my fitness goals, and I was finally able to take the time to learn to cook! Now that we’re into 2021, I’ve decided to incorporate some of these new take aways into my existing ‘new normal.’ I don’t see things going back 100% to the way that they were, and that’s okay.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m extremely dyslexic. So I feel like I’ve spent the majority of my career trying to overcome that in many ways. I’ve felt a lot of times like I’m very different, even from other stylists. I have often felt like an outcast at many different times in my life. Having a learning disability can be very isolating socially. People can make assumptions about your intelligence, or your “social awkwardness”. Learning new skills takes so much longer, and is so much harder than what others may have to do. Everything that I want to learn, whether its a physical skill or just knowledge, I definitely have to do it over and over again until I perfect it for me to feel confident with it on a client. Hair mannequins are my best friend, I’m constantly re working techniques or trying to find better ways to do things On the positive side of my learning disability, I do feel like my brain allows me to think about things in a different way and see a different perspective. I’m always looking to push myself and try something new, even if that means its not perfect at first. Honestly, some of my favorite creations have been made that way. brand has always been about inclusion. I want everyone that sits in chair to feel comfortable, now matter how “different” they may be. Ultimately, for me, my brand has always been about inclusion. I want anyone who sits in my chair to feel completely comfortable, no matter how “different” they may be.

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.
Honestly, my favorite spots in Atlanta are anywhere on the beltline; The east side or the west side. It’s literally a trail of adventure. I work on the east side of the beltline trail and if you want to head In the Krog Market direction there’s Superica for amazing TexMex, The James Room for cocktails, and Shake Shack for some delicious fast food. If you want to go the Ponce City Market direction, there’s El Super Pan for bomb latino food, Pancake Social for breakfast, and Ton Ton for Ramen. I live on the Westside Trail of the beltline. It is still Atlanta’s best kept secret. (though, I’m sure not for long) We’ve got Monday night brewing, Wild Heaven, and Best End Brewing for all your boozy needs. Then once you’ve worked up an appetite you can hit up Boxcar for some excellent food and cocktails. The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My brother has been integral part in my life behind the scenes in my story. He’s lived with me for nine years and has helped me take care of my pets and run my household while I’m at work or at out town at shows. I Literally would not be able to do the work that I do without his help, and I am forever grateful!

Website: Www.mistidoeshairatlanta.com

Instagram: Mistidoeshair

Facebook: Facebook.com/mistidoeshair

Image Credits
I certify that I have permission to post the previous eight photos. They were all taken by me.

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