We had the good fortune of connecting with I Go By My Middle Name David Baker and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi I go by my middle name David, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
In my early 20s, I was presented with an incredible opportunity to become a partner in my friend’s new hair salon. I was thrilled to contribute to the journey from the ground up—everything from designing the space and selecting the perfect name, to mastering the art of cutting and coloring hair, not to mention tackling the daily operations. It was an exciting and transformative experience that fueled my passion for the beauty industry!
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have been in the industry for 40 years. I have owned 2 salons on my own and 2 with partners. I have worked with as little as 3 stylist to 16. It was very exciting to train new stylist and watch them grow. After 30 years of the salon atmosphere I decided to go solo and have a personal relationship with my dear clients. All the hard work and hours helped me and others to survive the covid shutdown. It wasn’t easy but we did it. I have learned that everyone has a story and if you listen to the details you come to know their heart. I love coming to work to see my clients and I love coming home to my wife and two schnauzers.
On August 1st, 2024, I took the exciting leap of renting the studio next door to my Hair Studio and diving into the incredible world of Japanese Head Spa. It’s been an absolutely rewarding decision, opening up new avenues for relaxation and rejuvenation for my clients! I can’t wait to share this experience with everyone and elevate their self-care routines to new heights!
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
As a proud Colorado native, I love showcasing the beauty and excitement of my home state to visitors throughout the year. In the summer, I take guests to explore the breathtaking Southwest mountains, enjoy live music at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and discover the stunning Pikes Peak area. When winter arrives, we dive into thrilling activities like skiing, snowmobiling, and sledding against a picturesque snowy backdrop.
In the fall, I can’t resist taking scenic drives to soak in the vibrant autumn colors along our stunning mountain passes. And for a cultural experience, I recommend a night out at our vibrant arts complex, where you can catch a captivating play or concert. Plus, there’s never a shortage of excitement with baseball, basketball, hockey, or football games happening throughout the year. Colorado truly has something special for everyone, no matter the season!
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a heartfelt shout-out to a few incredible people who have played significant roles in my journey. First and foremost, I thank Jesus for His guidance, direction, and protection from day one. A huge thank you goes to my dear friend Kim, whose support opened the door for me to become a hairstylist and salon owner. I also want to express my gratitude to the remarkable educators whose classes and friendships have empowered me to grow into the confident stylist I am today. Special recognition goes to Sam Villa, Chris Baron, Howard McLaren, Candy Shaw, and Vivian Mackinder—your impact on my career is immeasurable!
Website: https://davidbakerhairdesign.com
Instagram: davidbakerhairdesign1
Facebook: David Baker Hair Design