We had the good fortune of connecting with Sable Greene and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Sable, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
The most important decision I’ve made that contributed to my success is to pray. When I started working for myself in 2014, I didn’t know what I was doing. I prayed for all of the connections I have, the mentoring I received, the environment I’m able to work in & the people I’m able to service. Prayer definitely made the difference. When I first started in the cosmetology industry I was afraid. I was new & I knew I didn’t want to work out of a franchise salon or barbershop. I knew I didn’t want to stunt my creativity. I had vision, but praying helped me stay focus & possess the drive I needed to become the Master Barber Stylist I am today.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve been “doing hair” all of my life. My mother used to buy me the Barbie mannequin heads when I was really young. I didn’t even realize until my early 20s that I not only enjoyed doing hair, but that I was also good at it. I decided to go to cosmetology school when I moved back to Georgia from Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg), North Carolina in June of 2013. I attended Virginia College & excelled in their cosmetology program. Once I finished the program, I started working out of a barbershop where I learned how to properly use clippers & fade. I instantly developed a passion for cutting hair. Soon after that I met Shannon Buckner. He is an amazing Barber Stylist & a phenomenal businessman. Once I started working with Shannon, I learned so much. It’s literally been history every since that moment.
I think what sets me apart from most people on this industry is I had to create my own lane. In 2013-2014, I didn’t hear about a lot of women in this industry becoming barbers. Men’s Grooming & Barbering are heavily male dominated areas of cosmetology. Depending on what region of the country you’re in, people look down on female barbers. I had to create my own space & let it be known that I was here & I was worthy of a chance to show the world my talent. I was determined to make a name for myself in Columbus, Lagrange, Newnan, & the Atlanta areas.
One of the most challenging things I’ve faced being a master barber & stylist is really believing myself & my abilities. It took me a long time to learn that no matter how many people are doing what I’m doing, no one can do it like me. I was always comparing myself to the next barber, the next braider, the next loctician. I thought the only way I could find success in this industry was to do everything that everyone else was doing. I’ve learned that staying in my lane & perfecting my only abilities was the only way to find long term success & also the key to unlocking my creativity & being able to show my passion for cosmetology to the world.
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.
Well, I will take this opportunity to talk about my favorite places in the Chatthoochee Valley (Columbus, GA), since that’s where I live.
First things first, we have to go downtown on Broadway to see what the vibe is like. There are tons of restaurants, bars, & lounges on the Broadway strip. One of my favorite places to visit regularly is Iron Bank Coffee Co.
Lunch would be on the river at Banks Food Hall. It’s a great area to enjoy the weather & get something great to eat. One of my favorite spots in there is Filberto’s Filipino. SO GOOD. Also, grab a drink from Maltitude. They have these wine slushies that are heavenly!
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Thank you God for always opening doors no man can close!
To my son, Derrick Emmanuel. You are the light of my life. Mommy loves you forever & always.
To my Mom, Jody McIntyre. I love you the bestest!
To my mentor of 10 years, Shannon Buckner. You could’ve given up on me YEARS ago. Thank you for teaching me so much & for all you have done & all you continue to do. I love you Shop Pop!
Website: booksy.thegirlattheboyz.com
Instagram: @thegirl_attheboys
Twitter: @blsckxmajic
Facebook: Sable Simone