Page 15 - MidWeek - March 23, 2022

MARCH 23, 2022 MIDWEEK 15
When you’ve been cutting hair as long as Sheri Yo- namine and Myra Conant have, there comes a time when the grandchildren of longtime clients are the ones sitting in the chair. In fact, it happens quite often.
by Ginger Keller
Co-owners Prove That Caring Is Pure ‘Genius’
“They’ve become our fam- ily — our salon family,” says Conant, who co-owns Shear Genius with Yonamine. “It’s beyond doing a service, we really care.”
The duo took over the sa- lon close to 30 years ago after the original owner was look- ing to sell.
While both had the chops for hairstyling, neither had business experience — but that didn’t stop them from diving headfirst into becom- ing the salon’s new owners.
Shear Genius co-owners Myra Conant and Sheri Yonamine have been at the helm of the biz for nearly three decades. LAWRENCE TABUDLO PHOTO
“We took a crash course at UH; they had a night course,” recalls Conant. “We put our money together and took off from there. I think both of us have the same work ethic, where we work many hours and have a huge (range of) clientele.”
Ka‘ahumanu St. No. 102) — ensuring that it keeps its ‘Aiea roots.
my chair happy,” she adds with a smile. “During the pandemic, we were consid- ered nonessential and peo- ple were telling us ‘You are essential! You make us feel good!’ Especially at a time when things are so sad.”
Other than having the same drive and dedicated spirit, something else made Yonamine and Conant’s de- cadeslong partnership work: They’re both moms.
“I feel super fortunate that we moved during a pandem- ic,” says Conant. “The lease was up, and we felt like we needed to update our salon as we refresh our business.”
When asked what advice they’ d give to hairstylists who are just starting out, Conant says it’s simple: re- spect the person and their time and make them feel like the most important thing in the world when their hair is in your care.
“It’s very hard to be a good businessperson and a good parent, so the one thing that we both have in common is that we’ re both really hard workers, but first and fore- most, our families came first,” says Conant.
The two ladies, along with three other independent hair- stylists who rent chairs in the salon, do all things hair from cuts to color and everything in between. And, as their regulars nervously inquire if they’ re going to retire soon, Conant is quick to put those worries to ease.
“We try to treat our clients not just like we’re doing your hair,” she says. “That’s what makes us successful — we give that extra caring touch.”
Just recently, Shear Genius moved from Pearl Kai Shop- ping Center to Mary Savio Medical Plaza (98-1247
“We love our business so much and love our clients and what we do, so we’re not really looking at that,” she assures.
“My favorite part (about my job) is that people leave
To book an appointment, call 808-486-7000.
30% OFF any service
MUST MENTION AD. OFFER EXPIRES 3/31/22.
High Quality Aluminum Products
Maintenance Free Lifetime Product
Fluorocarbon Finish for Ultimate UV Protection, Gates, Fences, Motorized Driveway Gates, Multiple Colors, Sizes and Styles Available
GATES & FENCES
Motorized Driveway Gate Motorized Driveway Gate
SHADING
SUPERIOR QUALITY
See-through poly carbon panels Block 100% of UV rays
and 75% of heat Corrosion resistant Aluminum frames Maintenance free Custom sizes available Factory Direct
CALL NOW FOR A FREE ESTIMATE
808-321-2862
ohanaexteriors.com