119. What I Wish Every Beauty Professional Knew
Oct 20, 2025
What I Wish Every Beauty Professional Knew
Guest Blog written by Suzanne Shepherd Post
When I was in an abusive relationship, I was in survival mode. I had recently opened a salon and had a young child. I was trying to keep all the balls in the air - telling myself I just had a “difficult relationship.” My turning point came when someone close to me, without judgment, helped me understand that what I was experiencing wasn’t just unhealthy - it was abuse. It was education about domestic violence that ultimately led me and my son to safety.
That experience shaped everything that came next. As beauty professionals, we naturally build deep relationships and create spaces where people open up about their lives. Every day, we are witness to joy, loss, transitions, and pain. What I eventually understood is that those everyday conversations can be life-saving if we use them with intention. That understanding became the foundation for Shear Haven, a free 20-minute online training I co-founded with YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee.
Since 2017, more than 158,000 professionals in over 100 countries have taken the training to learn how to recognize the signs of abuse and connect clients to help.
But this isn’t just for beauty professionals - it’s for everyone. Whether you’re a teacher, coworker, or friend, you have the power to notice, listen, and respond.
A few ways to start:
- Pause before responding. Silence can be the space someone needs to open up.
- Notice what isn’t said. Withdrawal, fearfulness, or excuses may point to something deeper.
- Respond with compassion. Saying “You don’t deserve that” or “I believe you” can make all the difference.
- Share resources. You don’t need to have all the answers - just know where to guide someone for help.
This October, during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I invite you to take the Shear Haven training at shearhaventraining.org.
It only takes 20 minutes, but it can equip you to recognize the signs of abuse - and maybe even save a life.
Thank you Susanne Shepherd Post for your insight and this global initiative.
Thank you for reading, if this was useful and if it could help someone in your network, please share. Thank you!
Wishing you continued success & prosperity ~ Diana x
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