Mazey had been a hair stylist for 12 years and found herself wanting to provide a cleaner, less toxic alternatives in haircare to her clients and the community. She wanted to create a safe and inclusive space for everyone without hurting the environment.
When Mazey decided to open her own salon, she began researching all the different products she would have to purchase. She soon realized how much waste a typical salon produces. Concerned with her future business’ environmental impact, she made the decision to use more sustainable alternatives to things she would need—from toilet paper to hair dye to cleaning supplies and more.
As Mazey continued down the research rabbit hole, she saw that it would take extra work, time and money to make her salon as sustainable as possible. Even though it was a big commitment, she was determined.
“As a business owner I feel like it is my responsibility to care about what I’m putting in the trash,” Mazey said.
She enrolled in Axis, a Francis Tuttle entrepreneur program, and connected with a mentor there to work through Mazey’s business plan. When it came time to find funding, her mentor suggested REI Oklahoma’s Business Lending program, and even went with Mazey to meet with the Business Lending team. Mazey received a $15,000 loan from REI Business Lending and used that to purchase nearly everything she needed for her salon.
In 2018 Sustain Salon opened its doors in Oklahoma City.
Mazey rents out chairs to stylists and while it can be challenging to find stylists who also care about the environment and want to work with natural products, those who have worked with her in recent years are committed to Sustain Salon’s mission—and for Mazey that is priceless.
Everything used in the salon gets recycled, composted, or properly disposed of. Sustain Salon composts hair, recycles all plastics, glass, PPE, chemical waste and more. It is also important to Mazey that all the products they use are organic and low toxic. She has invested in special attachments for water faucets that conserve water when washing clients’ hair and personally sorts and takes all recycling to their respective facilities.
“You have to care; you can’t just do this because it’s cool,” Mazey said.
Her meticulous attention to detail and dogged pursuit of sustainability has made her a leader in the green beauty community. Community stewardship is something Mazey really values.
“It is personally rewarding because it was very hard at first, but now I have people around me who support me and stylists who really care,” she said.
She has found community and support through REI Oklahoma’s various programs. Not only did she secure that initial $15,000 from Business Lending, but she also received a $5,000 loan shortly after. During 2020 when times were tough with the pandemic, a Business Lending team member applied to a relief program for her that saved her $500 on her loan for five months. She didn’t even know that was available to her. The team member called her to let her know that he had done that, which blew Mazey away.
“It wasn’t his responsibility and he still helped,” Mazey said. “I definitely felt supported through the pandemic by REI Oklahoma and I would recommend that others get loans with them.”
Mazey has also been involved with REI’s Women’s Business Center over the years. She has attended Women’s Business Breakfasts and has taken different workshops and trainings. She values REI Oklahoma’s free resources, mentorship and support. Mazey has even referred her stylists to REI Oklahoma’s online business trainings.
When asked what she would say to other business owners looking for resources, Mazey said, “Partnering with REI Oklahoma can empower your business with the tools and guidance needed to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.”
To those who partner with and invest in REI Oklahoma’s mission, Mazey wants you to know, “Your support has not only helped us navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship but has also empowered us to realize our full potential and achieve our business goals. Mazey continued, “Thank you for making a tangible difference in our lives.”
We are proud to support businesses that make a tangible difference in our communities. Thank you for your hard work, Mazey!