Today we’d like to introduce you to Bethany Bebik.
Hi Bethany, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
If we really start at the beginning, the first time I did someone’s hair was my own, at age five. I cut my hair and hid the evidence in our junk drawer. Of course, my mom found it, and I got in trouble—but I started young!
In high school, I began cutting and dyeing my own hair, which eventually led to doing the same for some friends. That hobby continued into college while I was studying Public Health and Women & Gender Studies. After graduating, I moved to Raleigh to work as a Sexual Assault Case Manager. I loved my job and connecting with clients, but after two years, it was time for something new (burnout is real).
While figuring out my next step, I thought about the things I truly enjoyed about my job: foraging connections, helping people feel good about themselves, and being creative. Hair felt like the perfect intersection of all those things.
With encouragement from friends, I decided to go to cosmetology school. I started in January 2020 and, well… we all know what came next. At first, we thought we’d be out of class for just two weeks, but that wasn’t reality. Classes moved online, and we did what we could from home. After months of virtual learning, we finally returned to the building but we had a lot to catch up on.
As graduation approached, I knew I needed an assistantship to learn everything cosmetology school couldn’t teach (because let’s be real — does school teach you everything?). I assisted for seven months before I hit the floor full-time as a stylist.
Once I started working behind the chair, I quickly gravitated toward larger and more complex color transformations. I love a big project, which led me to specialize in color corrections and vivid colors. I also love lived-in colors and low-maintenance looks — because let’s be honest, who has time to come in every 6–8 weeks?
After three years behind the chair, I found myself ready for the next challenge — starting my own suite at Sola Salons located at Saltbox Village in Cary! In my new private space I curate the feeling of safety, security, and acceptance.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
COVID definitely threw a wrench in things. Doing hair is such a hands-on skill, it’s really hard to learn by just watching videos online.
The pandemic also affected my mental health. Before starting cosmetology school I was diagnosed with Bipolar II, and going from having a routine of seeing people everyday to being locked inside was a struggle. When it came to opening my suite I knew I wanted to create a safe space for everyone, regardless of their mental health, neurodivergence, and gender & sexuality.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Sage Salon?
I specialize in color corrections, vivid colors, lived-in color, and bangs! I focus on providing a safe, inclusive space where people can be themselves and talk about whatever they want without feeling insecure or judged. I like to call myself a Trauma-Informed Hair Stylist given my experience in Social Work and dedication to making everyone feel comfortable and safe.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I could say hard work, but that feels a little cliché. Honestly, compassion has been the most important factor in my success. It’s what’s allowed me to build real, lasting connections with my clients. Once you form that bond, they’re with you for life!
Pricing:
- Haircuts start at $66
- Lived-in colors start at $135
- Vivid colors start at $360
- Color corrections start at $450
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sagesalonnc.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethanybebik
