Life & Work with Clara O’Donnell of Franklin, TN

Today we’d like to introduce you to Clara O’Donnell

Hi Clara, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Since i was old enough to put a barrette in my hair i was doing just that and my mom lovingly reminded me of the bald spots i would cause myself from ripping the barrettes out. When i got a little older i spent most of my time pampering myself in my bedroom by styling my hair and playing with make up and shoes. I would enjoy a trip to the salon when it was feasible and it was absolutely my favorite place to be. I fell in love with the way I felt while getting my hair done and leaving feeling like I was a mirror for all the beauty in life.
When i was 15 I was diagnosed with a rare brain condition that eventually required brain surgery where i had to shave all of my hair off. I remember as soon as my hair was long enough i couldnt wait for a salon appt. to get my ‘salon feelings’ fix. It was at this point that i decided i wanted to bring that feeling of beauty, inside and out, to others bye servicing them from behind my chair.
I have been a licensed cosmetologist for 18 years now and I still love everything about bringing joy to others peoples lives. After working behind the chair for about 6 years i went back to school to get my instructors license and started teaching future salon professionals. I absolutely love spreading knowledge of hair to all that want to learn.
I am currently working as an independent stylist at my studio, Studio Aura, in Franklin, TN. I love having the opportunity to make someone else feel fantastic about themselves while also being able to let my creative juices flow.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Oh my, no! One of the biggest struggles ive personally run into is avoiding falling into the mind trap of having imposter syndrome and struggles with having the confidence in myself and my work.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Im a hairstylist specializing in color, brounettes, blondes and coppers, as well as an extension specialist. Im known for educating my guests probably a little too extensively about what happens to the hair during chemical services and ingredients in products and what they do.
Im most proud of the relationships i get to form with my clients.

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Yes! Ive learned a lot about budgeting for the unexpected

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.studioauratn.com
• Instagram: studioaura116
• Facebook: studio aura