Meet Shannon Drexler

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shannon Drexler a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Shannon, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

As I see it, my resilience came from a profound blend of personal experiences, love, and determination. Growing up with a father who was not only a hero but a mentor in developing my business, his wisdom likely instilled a strong sense of purpose and belief that I could overcome challenges. My father, Merle, was a rock solid, kindhearted, strong character kind of guy with good sense of morals. He passed away when I was 33 and a single mom with two kids. As I navigated life as a single mom while managing the salon I feel it demonstrated strength and adaptability. Balancing those responsibilities requires not just hard work but the ability to stay focused on my goals despite the obstacles. My father’s influence provided a great foundation of values such as perseverance, dedication, and the importance of family.

Additionally, every challenge I’ve faced, from the loss of my father to the demands of raising two children I feel has contributed to my resilience. Each experience adds life value, which in turns helps me grow my business.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

This is for all the people out there that are afraid to take the jump. I wake up everyday completely happy with the business I opened at the age of 26, doubts and all from many. I get excited each and everyday to open the doors to the salon, smell the hairspray, and think of the beauty clients who will walk through our doors.

What truly sets us apart in our community is our commitment to professional and personal growth. After 30 years in the industry, I’m passionate about mentoring my team and helping develop their skills while fostering their personal development. Our brand was built on the foundation of providing beautiful hair and ensuring our clients leave the salon happy.

Moreover, we are heavily involved in philanthropy, actively supporting our amazing community. This connection not only strengthens our brand but also creates a meaningful relationship with our clients. We believe that beauty goes beyond aesthetics; its’ about lifting each other up and making a positive impact in the world around us.

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?

When I take the time to reflect on my journey, grit is the first thing that comes to mind. It’s been about overcoming fears and challenges; essentially the pillar of my journey. For me to improve this, I embraced challenges as opportunities for growth, reminding myself and my team that setbacks are simply stepping stones to success. Wisdom and lifelong learning are second to the qualities I treasure. The wisdom I gained from my father has been invaluable, instilling in me the importance to never stop learning. I’ve learned to listen actively, understanding that true growth comes from being open to new ideas and feedback. To enhance this skill, I regularly seek out workshops, industry events, and mentorship opportunities, with a goal of fostering a culture of continuous improvement in my salon. My 30 years in the salon industry has taught me that dedication is the cornerstone of success. Staying committed to my craft and consistently striving for excellence has allowed my salon to thrive. To further develop this quality, I continually set new goals for myself and my team, ensuring that we remain focused and driven. We always strive to give the best service and products. My team goes above and beyond with their dedication to education inside the salon and out.

The improvement comes from setting clear goals, creating a positive routine and celebrating milestones. I actively seek out challenges that push me outside my comfort zone. After I face a challenge I take time to reflect and apply what I’ve learned. I practice it again and again to strengthen the ability to overcome the obstacle.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

This is my favorite topic to discuss, I had the most amazing childhood. Merle and Carolyn instilled a strong foundation of unconditional love and strong values. This provided me with the confidence to pursue all of my dreams without fear. They listened without judgement, fostering an environment of open communication that allowed me to express my thoughts freely. I felt this support was crucial in encouraging me to take risks and embrace challenges, After my brother committed suicide there was a shift in their views. They really supported each other and they supported me, which was so important at such a difficult time. We educated ourselves on suicide and prevention. We bonded together even stronger then before. Their guidance allowed us all to heal and forge ahead with love. I feel their wisdom shaped my perspective of life and living it.
Merle, my father showed me the importance of a strong work ethic. The day-in and day-out dedication to your craft enhanced my positive outlook on life which helped me see life through a different lens.
My journey has been filled with impactful meanings and life lessons. I can still hear my dad saying “jump in with both feet” and I found t was so empowering. The combination of love, strength, guidance, and encouragement has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in my success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://amberwavessalon.com
• Instagram: amberwavessalon
• Facebook: amber/waves
• Linkedin: Amber Waves Hair Salon/ Shannon Drexler
• Yelp: Amber Waves Salon