Meet Sophie Davies | Salon Owner, Stylist & Colorist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sophie Davies and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sophie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I set out to create a boutique environment that felt welcoming and approachable for guests, while also building a small, collaborative team that values creativity, professionalism, and the craft of hairstyling.

I wanted to build a beautiful space where guests feel genuinely cared for, while fostering a culture of support and professionalism among stylists.

I found a boutique setting allows for more intentional work, a stronger connection with guests, and a team culture centered on creative excellence.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
If you wait for perfect conditions, you’ll never get anything done.

Starting a business is something no one is ever truly prepared for—and if you knew the amount of work it took, you might never do it.

No one’s ever totally ready to start a business. If you saw all the hurdles ahead of time, you might talk yourself out of it. I didn’t have the credentials or the experience, but I started anyway—learning as I went and constantly working to make it better.

Fifteen years in the industry and ten as a salon owner—this is as real as it gets for me. From day one, it was tough. The salon build-out and permits alone felt like a mountain not worth climbing. And there were so many moments like that along the way.

From building a team to maintaining a balance in that team and rebuilding continuously, while maintaining my own clientele and business operations and raising two young boys every day, you grow and you learn.

I couldn’t have done it without my husband and his complete support, time and time again. Not only in the construction, build outs and permitting of the salon, not once but twice (for our expansion), and help in raising our boys but in the moral support and back-end accounting, he is really the star.

I wish I could say I’ve never made a mistake, but I’ve made plenty—and I’ve learned from every one. I’m still growing, even 15+ years in.

There have been many wonderful wins—like when a guest returns and you make their day, or when you help another stylist in a meaningful way. That, along with continuing education in our craft, is what keeps me going.

I’m so proud of the environment and the salon we’ve built. And I’m glad we went for it and continue to do so every day.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
For sure the most original parts of Los Angeles, the local food scene in our own mid city neighborhoods such as Met Her at A Bar, Her Thai, sake House and Roji Bakery. The Petersen museum and road trips to Ojai and Santa Barbra.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband.

Website: https://www.thehairparloron8th.com

Instagram: @thehairparloron8th

Image Credits
Jessica Sterling photography