Meet Britt Secrest | Salon Owner & Hair Therapist

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

Hi Britt, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Isn’t it funny how one day you find yourself doing something you swore you’d never do? I always loved my craft and what I do but I never thought I’d take on the risk of owning and operating a 7 chair salon in the heart of San Diego! I found myself wondering what if? Why not start looking at potential spaces and if one feels right you just go for it?

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
15 years I’ve been lucky enough to be in the hair industry. That’s a lot of styles and trends to see come and go! Though it’s hard to pick a favorite thing to do because I love to be well rounded right now I am really digging doing low maintenance hair coloring techniques, cool shag haircuts and doing hair cutting with a razor.

To think where I am today all started when I was 17. I hopped on a plane to move to NYC with a duffle bag of clothes, a grand in my pocket and the dream to become a successful hair stylist. My beauty school was at the bottom of the Empire State Building. After only a few weeks there I was accepted to an apprenticeship program at a well known mid town salon and kissed beauty school good bye! Crazy lucky right?

I wouldn’t say it was easy, I fought like hell to get to where I am today but I will say I’ve always known that this path was for me. My passion for this industry and all the ways It could take me is so exciting! So because of that, every obstacle in my way I knew I had to get through no matter what because this is my path!

I think the mindset of always learning or to not be “too comfortable” …to push outside your comfort zone… to want to always be better is the best lesson I’ve taken from my experience in this industry. Constantly taking in education and classes to get new perspectives or just to learn a new trick is what’s going to fine tune your craft.

Hair Daze isn’t just a salon. It’s a vibe…Seriously.
I say that because when you walk in the door, you feel the good energy that everyone is bringing to share with you. You feel the passion for making you want to feel your absolute best when you are in your hair artists chair. Good hearted people, doing good hair on good hearted people. The space is light, airy, minimalistic and honestly really fun to people watch on the busy street below! We are a green circle salon, meaning we send off the foils used in hair and the company recycles them into bike and car parts. We are low tox and care about our environment.

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.
If I had a friend coming into town- we would most likely be on our motorcycles cruising around. I love to show people what I think is the most beautiful view of San Diego, Ft. Rosecrans. Then get dressed up all tiki and go hit the rad tiki bars San Diego had to offer! For dinner I’d take you to the turf club in golden hill or kindred in South Park! I’d definitely make sure you wind up around the corner from Hair Daze and Karaoke at the lamplighter!

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?
I have to say, if it wasn’t for my husband Chase, pushing me out of my comfort zone, believing in me, and a lot of sleepless nights making the space come to life… I really don’t think I would’ve taken the leap!

Website: https://hairdaze.square.site/

Instagram: Hairdaze.salon

Yelp: https://yelp.to/TRyql1wxCrb

Image Credits
Kami olavarria