Meet Mercy Herradon | Hair Stylist

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

Hi Mercy, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve always been drawn to anything having to do with beauty. Since a young age I was a little fashionista and the older I got, the more I was inclined to do my hair and makeup as opposed to going and getting my hair done at a salon. Not that someone else couldn’t do a good job at all, I just always had the mindset of ‘I would love to do this myself’ and I love the process of enhancing myself and others.

It’s very rewarding and eventually after going to beauty school and working at a dry bar salon, I took matters into my own hands and opened Mercy’s Hair Designs in Wilmington, NC, which was a blow dry bar and full service hair salon. I loved the environment, especially sharing a space with other stylists and learning from each other, as well as connecting with new people through hair.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Weddings are where my passion lies. The big day is such an emotional experience and to be a part of that for so many brides, bridesmaids, families… is an honor.

Another part I love outside of weddings is, honestly, the day to day services. I have the best clients who I can have so many laughs with, but also so many real & raw conversations. I don’t know who plays therapist more during our appointments!

One of the biggest challenges along the way is the language barrier. Spanish is my first language, so having to acclimate to mainly an English speaking clientele was not easy but I’d say I’ve made it pretty well! Especially while having two kids to raise. Being able to get this far in my career is, surreal to say the least.

I would like anybody reading this to know that there is always a way to get it done. Don’t ever let a hump in the road stop you from what you truly want to spend your days working on. Mercy’s Hair Designs is living proof of it, 10 years later.

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.
The post oak area is lovely! My favorite brunch place is Boheme. They put on such a lively drag brunch on Sunday’s and their drinks are super yummy. I also love a fine dining night, like going to Mastro’s Steakhouse.

Another place to go, being Latina and loving to dance, Whiskey River is where it’s at! They have range from playing country to all sorts of Latin music.

Outside of Houston, I really enjoy the river walk in San Antonio. They have plenty of restaurants and shopping to spend a whole day or two walking around in with your besties.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mother was a pillar in my story. Growing up, she designed dresses for any special occasion at her storefront in Honduras. This is where the world of beauty & fashion opened up to me. It’s always been an extension of who I am.

Having two beautiful daughters allowed me to express this side of me a lot. Kids are a blessing, and even more when you can experiment and learn about your calling alongside them, being that they are also creative and are into expressing their own personal style through art, makeup, clothes. You name it, we’ve done it. It was meant to be.

After opening up the salon, I met Erica Eisel, who worked next to me for many years up until I moved to Houston. She was always extra supportive and I learned so much from her. She was essential in the success of Mercy’s Hair Designs and I will always be grateful for having her in my life.

Website: https://Mercyshairdesigns.com

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