Check Out Abby Barker’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Abby Barker

Hi Abby, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am originally from Dodge City, Kansas. I graduated high school in 2006 and knew I didn’t want to go the traditional schooling route. I grew up always loving doing my friends’ hair and nails. It was fun and came so easily to me. That made my decision to go to cosmetology school very easy.
So, I got the heck out of Dodge, moved to Kansas City, went to cosmetology school, and started in the industry in 2007. I have landed at MTHD Hair Co. in Town Center. Come say hi!!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Building a clientele and finding the right salon fit/atmosphere can be tricky. I am so lucky, I had great training, have worked at some great salons and met really good people.
When I started hair we didn’t have social media, it was all word of mouth and going out and giving business cards. It makes me sound old but the younger generation of stylists coming through are so lucky to have what they have to showcase their work and build clientele! It’s amazing.

I am also a wife to a wonderful hubby & mom to 2 amazing girls. The struggle to do all the things while being a working mom is real! Post this, capture this, content, remember to respond to clients, do inventory and let’s throw anxiety into the mix. All while doing the parenting thing can be a lot. Finding that balance can be hard, I go through phases of it being easy and it being harder. Thank G for my husb, I couldn’t do it with out him! I think we can all relate to this on some level, whether you’re a working parent or not.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I LOVE what I do. I am passionate about lived in hair color, natural colors, brunettes (like me) and I love a good blonde. I want every guest to leave feeling refreshed and not like they have to come back in 4 weeks for a touch up. Some of my clients are moms and as a mom myself we don’t have time to bop into the salon all the time, I try to tailor each service towards my guests needs, price point and lifestyles.

I am also enjoying extensions. The world of extensions is amazing & the different ways they can be used is so cool to see. You can use them to add color, length or volume. Sides of your head thinner? Cool, let’s add some extensions, voila! I am certified in Harper Ellis extensions and have gone through their training and continuing education so I can always give the best. The way extensions can change someone’s hair and give someone so much confidence makes me love doing them even more. Having good hair is really the biggest ego boost and we all want to feel good!

I also just really enjoy being with my clients, I’ve had some of my clients since I started in the industry and they are legitimately friends and I love getting to catch up with them.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
It can be hard to build a new clientele from the ground up & to find your place in a salon or a suite that fits you.
Find your place, find your people. Find coworkers that make you want to try harder and try new things- get out of your comfort zone. I am blessed I get to work with a bunch of boss ladies and everyone brings different strengths to the table and cheers each other on. The girls I work with motivate me daily and that’s what we all need! I am a big advocate in women supporting women and I also want my girls to see that! We raise each other up!
But, don’t forget to find your work life balance, mental health and physical health is so important to keep the balance going!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mthdhairco.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hairbyabbybarker?igsh=MTVlZTQ4YnJxN2ZpcQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qrI’m