For many, a salon chair is simply a place to get a hair transformation. But for hair stylists and guests within the LGBTQ+ community, that chair represents something much deeper: a space of self-discovery, acceptance, and uncompromised identity.
To kick off our Pride Month features, we sat down with Vomor Educator Shawn Bernie to discuss what it truly means to show up authentically in the beauty industry, how his own identity journey shapes his work, and why finding a true professional family changes everything.
1. Showing Up 100% Authentically Behind the Chair
"In an industry that’s all about transformation, what does it mean to you to show up as your 100% authentic self behind the chair?"
Shawn's raw response cuts straight to the heart of why he chose this career path:
"I got into this industry in the first place because I felt like I could be the most true version of myself and didn’t have to hide behind anything—specifically at the time when I first started. Also, it feels really important that I show up for that guest who might need that support from someone who knows what it's like to maybe not feel 100% comfortable in your own skin or in your environment."
For Shawn, authenticity isn't a marketing buzzword; it’s the foundation of his career. Entering the beauty world offered an immediate sense of liberation—a rare space where hiding wasn't required. By staying grounded in exactly who he is, Shawn creates an immediate, unspoken permission slip for his guests to do the same. When a stylist shows up fully as themselves, the chair transforms from a service station into a sanctuary.
2. How an Identity Journey Shapes Client Connections
"Hair is so tied to identity. How has your own journey with your identity shaped the way you connect with your guests?"
Shawn reflects on how his 25+ years in the industry have shaped his perspective on personal evolution:
"We all start our journeys really young, obviously, and I came to my own personal identity at a pretty young age. I think some of that has helped me to connect with human beings differently because I was fairly self-aware. Also, just seeing a different person every hour on the hour for 25+ years has given me a little bit of insight into my own journey... how I got from point A to point B, and how I'm still getting from point A to point B. Hopefully, I'm helping other people with that along the way."
With over two decades behind the chair, Shawn has witnessed thousands of individual stories. Connecting with his own identity early on cultivated a deep sense of empathy, allowing him to understand the nuances of his guests' personal growth.
You can see examples of these real-life transformations and client connections directly on Shawn Bernie’s Instagram page.
3. The Beauty Community as a Safe Space for Self-Expression
"What makes the beauty community feel like a safe space for you to express who you are?"
Shawn’s response highlights the unique culture that makes the salon industry a haven for individuality:
"For me, it’s always been a wonderful group of weirdos, if that doesn't sound negative. I have found that it’s obviously full of creatives, and creatives tend to be a little more welcoming, open, and interested in you not being exactly like everyone else—or even like them. It’s something I latched onto pretty young and can't seem to let go. I hope that I feel welcoming to other, younger people in the beauty industry as a safe place."
Shawn lovingly credits the "wonderful group of weirdos" and creatives who populate the hair styling world for making the industry safe.
This open-minded culture encourages professionals to celebrate differences rather than suppress them. Now, as a mentor, Shawn intentionally passes that safety down, ensuring the next generation of stylists find the same comfort he did when discovering their craft through Vomor's advanced hair extension education.
4. Supported Flaws and All: The Vomor Family
"I feel most supported by my Vomor family when..."
Shawn speaks on the profound bond shared among the educators within the brand:
"...when we all get to be together. It only happens a couple of times a year because we are all over the United States. Generally, one of the times we get together is to learn how to teach, which is wonderful. We do a lot of education, but then we also do a lot of 'feels.' When we get in our feels, we really are very honest with each other. It’s a wonderful group of humans that has done nothing but ever accepted me for the person that I am, flaws and all."
True support means being seen in your entirety. For Shawn, the real magic happens when the VoMor community gathers to collaborate. Beyond technical training and mastering the art of high-impact hair transformations, these gatherings create space for deep emotional honesty.
In an industry that demands constant energy, finding a professional circle that embraces you "flaws and all" is what turns a corporate network into a lifelong family.
Ready to experience this community and elevate your salon services? Learn more about how to join the Vomor partner salon network and bring these authentic transformations to your guests.
