We may receive commissions for affiliate links included in this article. This is a sponsored post. Future Sharks makes no warranties about the statements, facts and/or claims made on this article. These are the opinions of the author. Read our advertising and contributor disclosure here.
Women are known for taking care of their hair. Men not so much. This is a misconception that results from societal norms that are repeated and enhanced through multiple generations. However, men care about their hair too, and men’s grooming can be as varied as women’s.
Daniella Djekovic was interested in men’s grooming since she was very young. After years of dreaming about owning a shop, she is now changing the way men stylize their hair through her full service men’s salon and barbershop in Birmingham, Michigan, called BAUS.
“Since I was young, I had no idea how, but I knew I wanted my own shop so that people could have a salon to go to that was unique from any other salon they had ever been to. I started saving in a shoe box, but by the time I was 21 I was suffering tremendously.” Daniella recalls.
Daniella had severe back pain and decided to not invest in her dream for a while. However, she opened a semi-hair salon in her parents’ basement, and when she noticed multiple people would sign up for her haircuts, she decided to move forward with her dream, despite the extreme back pain. Her partner Mike, who always supported her found a place in Birmingham that could work for the dreamed shop. By April 2015, Daniella was already signing the venue lease.
BAUS opened on June 1st, 2015. A little over four years later, Daniella and her husband have built an actual business, and they even have a second location on their way. This new location will be different from the first in concept, evidencing the growth of Daniella as a unique entrepreneur.
“I think what makes me unique is that I never looked at this as a challenge or gave up because something was too hard or someone said I could not do it. Furthermore, I also think that being a female in a male dominated industry makes me stand out a little bit more.” Daniella shares.
Daniella was motivated to open her business because it would give her creative freedom. It was not just an idea of owning a salon, but also being able to create something out of the ordinary. To achieve this Daniella encountered multiple challenges.
“The biggest challenges when starting a business is figuring out where to start and what you are willing to sacrifice for the business. Another obstacle is learning your limits and being able to trust others.” Daniella points out.
An instrumental quality in overcoming these challenges is mindset. Daniella believes that the energy you put out is the energy you receive. In addition, she also thinks that it is important to surround yourself with people who have the same drive and ambition as you.
“Things will get rough, but you have to go through them. You have to remind yourself everyday that you started your business because of some sort of fire within yourself.” Daniella advises.
Her mindset and motivation is what helps her overcome fear of the unknown in order to achieve success, which for her means obtaining happiness, and financial freedom. It is not about money or possessions, but rather about being happy with yourself.
Daniella’s next project is the second location of BAUS. They anticipate that this second location will be as successful as the first, if not more, because it represents innovation in the industry and will captivate the minds of many.
“We are doing a cool spin off of our current location, adding a bar, giving it a cool cocktail lounge setting. BAUS has definitely become more than just a place to get your haircut. It’s become an escape to many, from the variety of services to choose from to the atmosphere we provide.” Daniella adds.
To find out more about BAUS, the grooming and barbershop revolutionizing the male hair care industry, as well as follow Daniella’s work and next projects, go here.
➡ Looking to get featured on Future Sharks?
