Sherylynn Strong shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Sherylynn, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
What’s misunderstood about my business:
One of the biggest misconceptions is that because I am Deaf, it might be difficult for hearing clients to communicate with me or that my skills as a hairstylist could be limited. In reality, it’s the opposite—my focus, attention to detail, and ability to use my eyes and hands make me even more precise and dedicated to my craft. Communication is never a barrier when the quality of the work speaks for itself.
Another misconception is about running a salon from home. Some people might assume it feels unprofessional or unusual compared to a traditional salon. But my home salon is actually designed to provide a luxury and private experience. When my family and I purchased our home with an ADU (Additional Dwelling Unit), we converted one of the units into a professional salon studio with its own entrance, full kitchen, bathroom, natural light, and even a salon-grade shampoo bowl installed by a licensed plumber.
This space has unique advantages for many clients:
• Parents who can relax knowing their children are welcome and comfortable.
• Clients whose religious practices require privacy.
• People with anxiety, introverted personalities, or those who simply prefer a calm, private setting.
My salon gives every client the chance to fully enjoy their appointment—whether that’s listening to their own music, watching a show, or just enjoying the quiet. It’s an intimate, one-on-one environment where you leave not only looking beautiful but also feeling refreshed and cared for.
And to showcase my work, I always take before-and-after photos which you can see on Instagram and Google.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Sherylynn Strong, and my journey began when I graduated from Paul Mitchell and pursued my passion for beauty by opening my own home salon. What started small has grown into something I’m truly proud of, and I’m now preparing to expand into a bigger salon with a dedicated team.
As a Deaf Hairstylist, I’ve worked hard to build a strong clientele and continuously upgrade my skills and space, which has made my brand valuable and meaningful. I started as a Blonding and Haircolor Specialist, and over time I’ve expanded into Hair Extensions, Bridal Hair, and Makeup.
What makes my brand unique is not only the artistry and attention I bring to each client, but also my story as a Deaf salon owner—a reminder that challenges can become strengths. My vision is to keep growing, creating, and building something bigger and better, while giving every client a personal and empowering experience.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
What breaks bonds:
In life, many things can break the bond between people. Miscommunication often leads to misunderstandings or unclear messages. Betrayal of trust is especially painful, making it difficult to forgive. Different perspectives or values can cause connections to fall apart, especially when they no longer align. Neglect can leave people feeling disrespected and unseen. And perhaps the most harmful of all are assumptions—people often assume without clarity, which creates emotional, mental, and even physical stress.
In the beauty industry, these same dynamics exist but with a unique twist. Clients may feel betrayed if their hair doesn’t turn out as expected. Stylists may feel cheated when clients go to someone else. Clients feel let down when an appointment is canceled. Owners and stylists may also experience tension if respect and communication aren’t maintained. These situations, just like in life, can weaken the relationship.
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What restores bonds:
The things that restore bonds are often simple but not always easy. Open and honest communication without judgment, paired with patience, helps rebuild understanding. Forgiveness and kindness heal wounds. Love, empathy, and consistency rebuild trust. And above all, respecting differences while focusing on connection creates stronger, lasting bonds.
In the beauty industry, these values also apply. Clients are always our priority, and at the same time, we must also value ourselves—our skills, happiness, and positive energy—so we can give our very best to others. Clients rebuild trust after positive services and feel connected when a stylist truly understands them. Owners and stylists thrive as a team when respect and communication are prioritized. Stylists feel loved and supported by loyal clients who return and refer others. Positive energy and mutual respect keep the industry—and relationships—thriving and growing.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Of course, there have been many times when I almost gave up. Growing up as a foster child, being Deaf, and facing life’s challenges as a woman, I’ve had to work extremely hard to build myself and my future. But giving up has never truly been an option—what for? Instead, I’ve learned the value of pausing. When things feel overwhelming, I allow myself to stop, rethink, and take time to gather my strength. Then I get back up, walk forward, and try again. This simple pattern—pause, reflect, recharge, and return—has carried me through every obstacle. It makes me stronger, wiser, and smarter each time.
I’ve carried that same resilience into my business. I started this dream alone, built it alone, and have worked tirelessly on my own. It’s not easy—there are days when it feels incredibly hard—but I trust that one day I’ll find the right team to grow with me and fulfill the bigger vision for my salon. Until then, I continue to rise, fueled by the determination that has always shaped who I am.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
I would say about 90% of the public version of me is my authentic self. The other 10% is where professionalism comes in. When I’m working, I’m all about my clients—their hair, timing, and keeping everything on the go. That version of me is very different from being at home with my family or interacting with friends. There are clear boundaries.
Communication is also very different. In the salon, I focus on clarifying before and after each service to make sure my clients feel understood and confident about what we’re doing. At home or outside of work, conversations flow more naturally and aren’t centered on hair services. For me, taking care of business means knowing when to stay professional: whatever happens in the salon, stays in the salon.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
Yes, I have always gotten what I wanted and later realized it didn’t fully satisfy me. Not because it wasn’t good enough—I was happy with it in the moment—but because I naturally wanted more. I’m the type of person who keeps pushing myself forward, so even when I reach a goal, I’m already looking toward the next one. It’s less about dissatisfaction and more about growth and never settling.
For example, when we first moved into a rental home, I was excited to open a small home salon with just a salon chair and a portable shampoo bowl. At that time, it was everything I wanted. As I grew, I dreamed bigger—moving into a home we owned, installing a professional shampoo bowl, upgrading the salon chair, and eventually adding another one. Now, my vision has expanded even further: I want to grow into a bigger salon with a full team.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sherylynnstyles.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sherylynnstyles
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sherylynnstyles
- Yelp: @sherylynnstyles
- Youtube: @sherylynnstyles
- Other: Google: @sherylynnstyles, Square Appointment: @sherylynnstyles, The Knot: @sherylynnstyles, WeddingWire: @sherylynnstyles
