Mobile hairdressing business up and running
Meg Shaw knew at a young age hairdressing would be an integral part of her life.
“This is what I love to do,” the Gaylordsville resident said. “I was born to do this.”
She worked in salons for many years but after having her two youngest children — twins born nine weeks early several years ago — she became keenly aware of the importance of service providers, such as a hairdresser, having flexible hours.
That realization prompted her to open a mobile hairdressing business, Meg’s Mobile Hairdressing and Spray Tanning, two years ago.
Shaw said once her twins were home, nurses, PAs, an occupational therapist and a physical therapist were among the providers who visited her home for follow-up visits.
“Everyone came to me because I couldn’t get out,” she said, referring to her two 5-pound newborns and a 5-year-old. “I didn’t leave the house.”
Once her children were nursed back to health, she pitched the idea of a mobile business to her husband and friends, who fully supported the idea.
Shaw brings her hairdressing supplies in a suitcase with her to clients’ homes, and offers a variety of services: one process color, two process color, low lights, high lights, keratin treatments, scalp and conditioner treatments, haircuts, blow dry, updos and spray tans.
“She’s done a really good job,” said Sara DiFabbio-Keeler, of New Milford, who first learned of the business through a mom’s group on Facebook about a year ago and has since been a client.
“She’s very personable and always done a nice job,” she said, citing Shaw had done color correction and given her different hairstyles.
“Megan is professional and does a fabulous job,” said Megan Stifel Nevins, of Ridgefield, who sought Shaw’s services for a haircut and spray tanning, and for a haircut for her daughter.
Shaw’s clients are mostly women, but she also has male and child clients.
She charges a small travel fee to serve clients in New Milford, Gaylordsville, Kent, Bridgewater, Roxbury, Brookfield, Danbury, Ridgefield, Newtown, Southbury and Woodbury.
Shaw said her clients range from moms with young children to clients who work long shifts and find it hard enough to find time to sleep, let alone get their hair done.
“I do it for (the clients),” Shaw said of her flexible hours that accommodate her customers’ schedules. “I make myself available.”
DiFabbio-Keeler said she doesn’t like to spend time away from her son, Rowan, 2, when she isn’t working. Having her hair cut at home makes it possible for them to spend more time together, and allows Rowan to even “run in and give me a hug” during a haircut.
Shaw, who graduated with a hairdressing license from Henry Abbott Tech, has 18 years’ experience in the industry. She has taken several continuing education courses for color and cutting in New York City.
Shaw will meet with a client in their kitchen or dining room. She just needs access to a sink and two towels.
If a customer wants to try a different look, Shaw will discuss the options and the expected maintenance.
“It makes people feel better,” Shaw said of why she enjoys what she does. “I have the opportunity to make people feel better about themselves.”
The hairdresser said many people — women, in particular — have “guilt when they do things for themselves.” But having hair done at home is “guilt free.”
Shaw said she understands how precious time is.
“I can relate (to the clients),” Shaw said. “I have three kids, a husband, a business.”