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

Hi Preston, what do you attribute your success to?
I am not sure there is only one important factor that has contributed to the success of my brand. I believe the two most important factors are my innate ability to always focus on the positive and the determination to succeed. My parents kicked me out when I was 16 for being gay and I was homeless for quite some time. Instead of allowing it to consume me and take control of me, I used it to ignite a fire inside of me that I would never be put into that kind of a situation again. I worked 2 jobs to put myself through college, then through cosmetology school and I now own a private studio. I have a fire to make people feel beautiful and when they look beautiful, they feel beautiful! I’m truly thankful to have the passion I do for my brand. I believe that in lifting others up, we elevate the community and promote more kindness. I am determined to make the world a more positive, beautiful place… Even if it’s one person at a time!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When it comes to hairstylists, we are our own artists which is why I describe myself as a Hair Artist. For starters, it gets people to ask more questions because it’s not a widely used term for my profession. Additionally, all ‘hairstylists’ are different… We use different techniques, different products and have all had different training to grow and expand. To answer more of the question, nothing in life worth having is ever easy. I have trained under people globally and being someone’s assistant is never fun! Lol. I kept telling myself ‘this will make me better, this will help me grow’. Eventually I opened up my own space with truly $100 in my bank account. I signed an additional lease for my professional space and still had to find a way to pay my everyday bills. I worked long hours and 7 days a week for the first couple of years. I still work a lot but not by obligation but by pure enjoyment. There are always ups and downs but I have found that my success rate at making it through the hard times has always been 100% and that’s what I give my clients every single day

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have to start with my favorite restaurant Parigi. My incredible client Janice Provost owns it and not only is the food spectacular, seeing her treat her employees like family is incredible. I would then take them to my salon for a new hair makeover (that’s usually a requirement if they are visiting anyways ha ha) then follow up with a facial at Spa In The City where my good friend Josanne Stephens would have a member of her staff give the best facial you have ever had. I would also take them to walk White Rock Lake. I love being outdoors and physically active and think there is a beauty there that many look over. The restaurant 560 at the top of Reunion Tower offers breathtaking views and is the best for a sunset dinner. I would take them for cocktails at my FAVORITE outdoor bar The Ivy Tavern where my good friends Tom and Lisa Georgalis have created a truly friendly and inclusive atmosphere. While I enjoy my usuals, I try my best to branch out when company is in town and look for things I have not yet experienced

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
When I was in cosmetology school, I knew it was for me. I was hungry for more knowledge but the curriculum didn’t allow for it. One of my instructors who shared the same passion for it as myself was Kim Duckworth. She has the most gentle soul and a true passion that helps ignite fires in others.

Website: www.prestonmwatson.com
Instagram: @PMStyling
Facebook: PMStyling