We were lucky to catch up with David A. recently and have shared our conversation below.
David, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
Resilience, for me, isn’t some abstract buzzword—it’s survival. It’s self-made. It’s waking up every day knowing there’s no backup plan, no safety net. I’ve lost both of my parents. I don’t have siblings to lean on, or a big extended family rallying behind me. It’s just me. If I don’t show up, if I don’t keep going… I could lose everything I’ve worked for. And that thought? It fuels me like nothing else.
I built my career in the hair industry from the ground up—not just with talent, but with grit. I gave away services in the early days just to get people in my chair. I worked late nights, long weekends, took every opportunity to prove myself. And I still do. Even now, years later, when I have a loyal clientele and a reputation I’m proud of, I don’t coast. I grind. I fill my books. I push through the exhaustion. I make the salon glow and the clients feel seen—because this isn’t just a job, it’s my life. My future. My legacy.
And yes, I like nice things—beautiful things. But I don’t expect them to fall into my lap. I earn them. Every candlelit evening at home, every designer splurge, every moment of peace—I fought for it.
My resilience comes from knowing that no one’s going to save me. I have to be my own safety, my own motivation, my own fire. And I think that’s where my true power lives—right there in the space between heartbreak and hustle. That’s where I found myself. And I’m not going anywhere.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m a hairstylist, entrepreneur, product alchemist, and creative force behind a brand that’s as bold, soulful, and beautifully unexpected as I am. My salon in Solon, Ohio, isn’t just a place for great hair—it’s a haven. It’s where real connection happens, where people sit in my chair and feel seen, heard, and transformed—inside and out.
I started with nothing but a vision and the willingness to work harder than anyone else. I didn’t just want to be good at hair—I wanted to change lives through it. That means color corrections that restore confidence. Custom cuts that express identity. And now, an entire line of hair and skincare products under the name Parker Apothecary crafted in small batches, bottled by hand, and infused with both high-performance ingredients and heart.
What makes my work special is that it’s deeply personal. I lost both of my parents, and I’ve learned to carry that strength in my bones. I named Parker Apothecary after my late dog Parker, because even in business, I build legacies out of love. Every label I print, every serum I blend, every dry shampoo I custom-tone for blondes or redheads—it all comes from that place of care, creativity, and connection.
There’s something really exciting happening right now, too—my products are popping up in local boutiques in Lakewood. I’m launching new items seasonally—like my “Can I Get a Do Over?” dry shampoo, my “Soothing Glow” rosacea defense serum, and our best-selling Everyday Glamour Magic oil. Each product has a story and an intention—and our customers feel that.
Whether I’m behind the chair doing lived-in blondes or midnight raven witchy glam, designing packaging that looks like a spellbook, or helping a client feel like the best version of themselves, I’m fully invested. This isn’t just business—it’s passion. It’s healing. It’s art. And I’m just getting started.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, what do you think w
Looking back, I’d say three things shaped my journey more than anything else: perseverance, humility, and the ability to really listen.
Perseverance is everything when you’re building something from the ground up. There were times I could’ve quit.. when the hours were long, the rent was due, and the doubts crept in.. but I didn’t. I pushed through. I showed up even when I was exhausted. I didn’t wait for opportunities.. I created them. That kind of resilience is what turns a job into a legacy.
Humility is often overlooked, but it’s essential. When I was coming up in the industry, I didn’t act like I knew everything.. I asked questions. I watched how others did it. I learned from every stylist I could, whether they were brand new or seasoned pros. I never let ego get in the way of growth. That mindset helped me build a foundation of skills that I still use every single day.
And lastly, listening.. truly listening.. to both mentors for guidance, and clients changed everything. Listening is how you understand what someone really wants, what they’re afraid to say out loud, and what will make them feel beautiful. It’s how you build trust, and trust is the heartbeat of this industry.
My advice to anyone just starting out? Stay humble. Stay curious. Absorb every bit of free education you can.. shadow people, watch, assist, ask questions. Take the sweep-the-floor & shampoo assistant jobs with pride, because they’re steps toward something bigger. Don’t be afraid to work late, or take the client no one else wants. Every experience shapes you. And when things get hard, don’t quit.. dig deeper. That’s where your magic is going to thrive!
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
Right now, one of the biggest challenges I’m facing is the shifting landscape of salon culture. I run a booth-rental salon that’s set up in a more traditional way.. stations on the floor, shared energy, that old-school camaraderie and connection that I still deeply value. But the industry is changing. More stylists are looking for private suites and loft-style setups, and I’ve definitely felt the impact of that in terms of recruiting new talent.
It’s a tough balance.. staying true to the vibe I’ve built while trying to evolve with what stylists are asking for. But I’m not one to throw in the towel when things get hard. I’ll adapt. I’ll get creative. I’m lucky to collaborate with an amazing marketing partner, and together, we’re constantly brainstorming new ways to breathe life into the space, promote community, and highlight the benefits of being in a shared environment where stylists can thrive together.
I believe that what sets us apart is heart. My salon isn’t just a workspace.. it’s a sanctuary of connection, inspiration, and transformation. That kind of magic is hard to replicate in a closed-off loft. So I’m doubling down on what makes us special while also looking at smart ways to modernize and stay competitive. It’s a challenge, yes.. but I’ve faced bigger, and I’ve never backed down yet.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://davidahair.com
- Instagram: @david_a_hair)
- Facebook: david A Hair
- Yelp: david A. hair
Image Credits
Francine Dibello
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