Shannon Moser and Mare Wagar have known each other for nearly two decades. As former co-workers and salon mates in downtown Olympia, the two have re-connected at Shannon’s business, Divinity Organic Hair Salon.
The two hair stylists, who’d worked closely together at Euphorium and then at Mare’s salon, Envy, in downtown Olympia, grew apart for the past five years as Mare opened her own space SNIP, and Shannon worked toward Divinity.
In August, while shopping for tank tops, the two randomly bumped into each other and the reunion was like magic. Mare was ready to pass the torch with SNIP, but wasn’t sure how to move forward. And Shannon was looking to find a good match for the second chair at Divinity Organic Hair Salon.
After a quick catch-up conversation, Mare asked if Shannon was still doing hair downtown, and the conversation turned into a business agreement – Mare would come work at Divinity Organic Hair Salon.
“I literally had that conversation with my mom the day before,” shares Mare, “and she was like ‘you always land on your feet, something’s going to present itself.’”
“It was perfect,” Shannon agrees.
Shannon opened Divinity Organic Hair Salon two years ago, and except for the plumbing, renovated the whole space herself. The salon is located below Blush Day Spa and used to be a chiropractic office. Where once the space was blue carpet and peach walls, it is now stripped and stained floors, with thoughtful details, and smart design.
At the time of the interview, The Cure was playing in the background. With the cute and cozy atmosphere, it felt like I was visiting at a friend’s house, which is essentially the vibe the women want. “We’re basically roommates,” says Mare with a laugh.
There’s even room for Tank, the ridiculously cute toy poodle, who as Mare’s regulars know, is an absolute bonus and necessity when getting your hair done by Mare. Tank is so popular with clients and friends, he even has his own Facebook page.
Both women agree the business is built on relationships and they appreciate being hair stylists. Because they’ve been clipping and coloring in the community for so long, they’ve grown lifelong friendships.
“It is fun, it’s creative, and I like to be my own boss,” says Shannon. “But also, you become close with your clients, you see their kids get married, you know everything about each other.”
Shannon also loves providing quality products for her clients—she’s a big proponent of the Intelligent Nutrients line, which promotes organic, clean, products.
In fact, if it weren’t for those products, Shannon wouldn’t be able to do hair. After a few years in the business, Shannon began getting inflamed and irritated skin on her hands from the products she was using. She tried multiple medications but nothing helped. It wasn’t until a friend introduced her to the Aveda line of products that things changed.
After using Aveda products(Euphorium is known for carrying Aveda), she never had another breakout. When the Aveda creator sold the line to Estee Lauder, he opened the Intelligent Nutrients line, and Shannon followed.
“His philosophy is ‘whatever you put on your body, you should be able to put in it,’” says Shannon. “And I agree. I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without it – that’s a big thing for me.”
“You can actually eat and drink all the products,” she says. At a product training class, they all drank hairspray champagne.
Mare is learning more about Intelligent Nutrients and is happy to segue into the product line, agreeing that organic is a great way to live.
With thoughtful, welcoming woman, and the quiet uptown location, Divinity Organic Hair Salon is thriving. Both Shannon and Mare book by appointment only and are often booked out weeks in advance. They welcome people to stop by and say hi, check out the product line, and of course, see Tank, the ridiculously cute toy poodle.
Divinity Organic Hair Salon
1702 – 4th Ave East in Olympia
360-339-2818