Meet Shay Bayer: Hairstylist and Small Business Owner

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

Hi Shay, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
Consistency, education and a little bit of work each day. It took me a minute after opening Shay Benz Hair to understand that working in my business and working on my business, were two different things. One hour a day, working on my business helps me stay focused and completely aware of what is going on in my business day in and day out. I am constantly trying to stay up with continuing education in all aspects of my business. Whether its new techniques for hair, or learning more business and marketing strategies. I try to continually keep up with this ever changing industry.

What should our readers know about your business?
When I think about what makes me most proud of my business, I think about the connections I have made over the years with my clients. I have been in my salon suite for almost 2 years but have been doing hair for about 7. I truly feel like the majority of my clients are like my extended family. I have seen and attended weddings, seen and gone through pregnancy together with many of my clients, I’ve been through deaths in families, divorces, and have had the happiest and darkest of times shared with me. Ive laughed and cried with my clients. Business does not come easy to me. I am constantly working on that aspect because I struggle with it. The hair and client experience is what comes easy to me. I want my clients to be happy. Period. My brand is about acceptance. I want everyone to leave my suite feeling beautiful and confident. I believe in clean products, which is why I work for amika as well. I believe in their company and their product. I like everything to flow together.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m an outdoorsy person. I’d definitely plan a hike of some sort, Kennesaw Mountain is a good one. I love downtown Acworth. Red Top Brewery and Henry’s are a favorite of mine. 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 husband, Chad. I know, sounds cheesy, but I owe a lot to him. Opening a business is scary, and I was terrified with the thought of it. Chad has always had more faith in me than I have had in myself. He has recommended I read so many books over the years that really helped me understand business, life, happiness, and most importantly, confidence in myself. Any time I’ve had a concern inside my business, I’m usually met with a “here is a book on that” from him. The books have ranged from Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink to Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki to Profit First by Mike Michalowicz. The list could go on. I honestly owe a lot to Chad for even stepping out on my own and opening in the first place. He helped me take that first step and has helped me with every step after that. I do eventually want to open my own small salon and have a small staff, but the state of the world is a little weird right now haha.

Website: Www.shaybenzhair.com

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