Working Class Profile of: Cosmetologist, Sherri J. Manna-Duby
By: Melissa Mary Smith
It was 27 years ago when Sherri J. Manna-Duby, 45, realized that pursuing a degree in telecommunications at YSU wasn’t quite the path for her.
So what did she do? She decided that as she always had a knack for fashion, hair and make-up, enrolling in the former
Upon graduation and newly licensed, she first became employed at the JCPenney hair solon in the Southern Park Mall. While there, she built some of her long-time clientele (some of whom have been with her for at least 20 years). After leaving JCPenney, she then went on to Robert’s Hair Salon (formerly the Hair Hut), in
As hairstylists are often seen as big talkers, Manna-Duby feels that in addition to being a great conversationalist, one must also understand human psychology as she has
often taken on the role of psychologist or counselor. She believes that this comprises around 55-65 percent of the profession.
While doubling as a hairstylist and psychologist, clients will often candidly share personal problems with Manna-Duby (some problems they don’t even discuss with their families). This means that she must not only be objective, but confidential as well.
This counselor role has sometimes been a burden for Manna-Duby as she says she is the kind of person who takes other people’s problems home with her. As a young hairstylist, though, she soon learned that it was important to remove herself from her client’s lives and leave work at work. Sometimes, former clients of hers have made her life miserable, so it has helped her to learn which clientele to stick with, and whom to distance herself from.
In light of constantly changing hair trends and the large number of hair salons in the valley, Manna-Duby believes that as a hairstylist, you must always be on top of your game – this means attending eight hours of continuing education every year and renewing your cosmetology license ever two years (as per Ohio law).
In some other service professions, a tip is usually a part of the picture. Manna-Duby, despite one time being issued a $50 tip, does not view tipping in a monetary sense but rather in a complimentary sense; if a client loves their haircut, highlights, coloring job, etc, or if she is referred to new clientele.
Manna-Duby’s modesty is only one facet of her personality. She is also very honest with customers (she thinks she is sometimes too honest), when regarding which hairstyles will work for them and which ones will not.
As with any job, Manna-Duby sometimes comes into contact with her share of difficulties. Being a hairstylist means being on your feet anywhere from 8-10 hours a day, so she takes the necessary precautions. “I actually wear tennis-shoes, I really try not to wear anything that is not supportive to my feet. I have rheumatoid arthritis, I found out about 10 years ago, so I really try to protect my joints as much as I can,” Manna-Duby said.
As for her tennis-shoes of choice? She swears by her Sketchers.
No two hairstyles are alike, so some hair types can be easy to work with, others, not as much. Manna-Duby cites very extra-fine hair as the most difficult to work with as it doesn’t have much of a cuticle and is just generally uncooperative.
The reality of using harsh chemicals in her job is something she faces regularly.
“I worry about it on a daily basis,” Manna-Duby said.
She also said that she specifically worries about hairspray even though they have removed certain polyurethanes from it in recent years.
Although hairdressing leaves a large room for error relating to injuring a client or ruining their hair, Manna-Duby says that she has had a good career thus far and recalls no real horror stories as she is friends with her clientele and has been through a lot with them over the years.
Even though she has no horror stories to speak of, Manna-Duby once did shock a customer when she was finished cutting her hair. The customer had extremely long hair and requested that it be cut short. When she was done and turned the chair around to face the mirror, the customer seemed the panic as it was such a drastic change. Later on, she
was contacted by the customer who, in the end, loved her new haircut
Despite having clientele with mostly conservative hairstyles, one customer felt slightly different about their hair. “I had a 10-year-old kid come in one time and wanted a complete Mohawk.” As ridiculous as was the request, she did a fairly good job. In her youth, she herself even sported some rather wacky hairstyles; uneven hair lengths, bright red highlights, etc.
Establishing such a deep-rooted relationship with her clients, Manna-Duby has occasionally been asked to do the hair and make-up for some of her deceased clients. She said that she only attempted it once, but found it too difficult as she was too close to the person.
Aside from her job, Manna-Duby’s other passions lay in her daughter, Kiley, 5, and singing. As a means of spending time with Kiley, they will garden and sing together.
As far as her vocal talent is concerned, Manna-Duby has been singing ever since she was 5 years old and got her starts at church. By the time she was 16, she began performing in area bands at bars, restaurants and weddings.
Having accomplished so much in her life and job, Manna-Duby feels that her family, especially Kiley, are proud of her achievements. Just as she chose her passion 27 years ago, she also wishes the same for Kiley; for her to look up to as an inspiration for choosing to do the things in life that she loves and wishes to pursue.
