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

Hi Dashonna, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I grew up playing in family and friends hair at the age of 12. By the age 14 I had a full schedule servicing family and friends. It was at that age I thought about becoming a salon owner. I went to cosmetology school in 2009-2010. I immediately received  my license and worked in salon since. I became a stylist and assistant at a salon in Scottsdale,AZ from 2010-2014. I spoke about my dreams from the beginning of that salon experience but honestly did not have a plan. It was September 2014 when my plans became real life.

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.
Free Expressions Salon is set apart from others because my work and type of clients speak to the salon name. Free Expressions Salon patience, creativity and versatility is what sets us apart. There’s not much we can’t do. I work with all textures and hair types. I believe I’m set apart because I’m open to hearing the client and really learning about them to execute the look they are going for, while incorporating my professional opinion. I’m really fast and efficient. Surprisingly, licensed and unlicensed stylist are not giving haircare and that’s my number one goal before styling.

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.
I would first take my best friend to Blue Martini for some live Sunday night music with Reminisce. The next day off to the spa for massages, nails and then off to brunch. I love antelope canyon so the next day we would take a little road trip. Can’t go there without a mini photo shoot. The following day I would take her to Ruth’s Chris for some dinner and drinks. Our morning would start with a short hike A mountain in Tempe, then hangout by the pool. I would make dinner and desert. We would spend time with her family and have dinner. The final day we would just shop and relax.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to shoutout myself. I hope that’s not cliche but I’ve been through a lot it has taken everything in me not to give up. With the constant inner work and self love I’m here today. It was the push of the pain that helped me show up everyday, I love my clients they have no idea how me helping them has pushed me to show up everyday. I’m grateful for proving HAIRAPHY= Hair Therapy to myself

Instagram: freeexpressionssalon

Linkedin: Dashonna Taylor

Facebook: Free Expressions by Dashonna

Yelp: Free Expressions by Dashonna

Image Credits
Dashonna”s head shot Keston Duke, NYC First photo with the magazine: MUA Tracy Gia, Talent: Christina Jordan( Half their Size-People magazine) 2 and 3rd photos MUA: Lee Keoni, Talent Musical Artist: Taylor Dayne 4th Photo: Talent: Shelly 5th Photo: The Rolling Stone Deutschland: MUA: Nancy Nicholson Talent Musician: Nik West

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