MR. DEXTER’S HAIR SALON OFFERS A MULTICULTURAL PERSPECTIVE
Who:
Dexter Williams, Owner
What:
Full service, multicultural hair salon
Where:
5615 W North Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53208, (414) 442-9553
When:
Opened June 3, 1993
The origin of your business
Before opening Mr. Dexter’s on North on 3 June 1993, I was a college teacher, teaching the science and art of cosmetology. And the science and theory of cosmetology. I worked with all types of ethnicities, all textures, all cultures, all densities. You see I’m not just a hair stylist, I’m a multi-cultural cosmetologist. While I was teaching, I was working at salons owned by others. For example, Vitale-PRO, Nexus, Paul Mitchell, etc. All of this based firmly in science and chemistry.
“The motion in the hair is connected to the emotion of the client.”
What do you like about running a business in Uptown Crossing?
When I was looking for my own store, I first saw two really nice venues, one on Center Street and the other on Capitol Drive. But when I came upon this North Avenue location, I realized that I had found a place on the border that intersected a variety of cultures, and that would allow me to pursue the fullest expression of my creativity. In short, it’s the culture that matters most … it’s always about the culture.
Who are your customers?
People from all over Milwaukee and all over the world. Since I opened, I’ve been to six countries and at least 27 states, and many of the folks I’ve reached in other places come to Mr. Dexter’s when they’re anywhere near Chicago or Milwaukee area. I work with male and female customers, the former mainly coming in on the early side and the ladies a little later.
Do many salon owner/operators offer expert style capabilities to a completely multicultural clientele?
Very, very rare. In all of Wisconsin I can name just three that are sincerely practicing in this way, not just pretending in order to make a fast dollar. It requires a different level of knowledge. It takes knowledge. You have to be a voracious reader.
What brings you joy?
My creativity. My ability to create. The freedom of creativity. Being in this salon business you are dealing with culture and art, which always creates an opening for creativity. So, what brings me joy is the ability to freely use my creative skills. I work to release the motion that’s within hair itself. The motion in the hair is connected to the emotion of the client, and my business card reads: “Mr. Dexter: Unleashing Motion.”
What do you think needs to be improved on this part of North Avenue?
I would like to see the business owners in the area actually value their businesses more. When they do that, the clients notice and that raises the quality of the businesses even more. Here’s a tip to owners: Go inside your business and do the things you’re most afraid of — those are the things that will motivate you and will grow your business. There’s so much victory awaiting those who confront their fears and take action. I use fear as a stepping-stone to a higher level. If you’re fearful, you’re going to stay where you are. I believe that fear is an opportunity, that it comes to you to challenge yourself, not to keep you in bondage.
What is your superpower?
The scriptures. One says, “Whosoever will, let him or her come and drink from the fountain of life.” In another, John says, “Now ye are cleansed through the word which I have spoken of to you.” Living from the inside out, not from the outside in. Words change the atmosphere. If you learn how to manage your vocabulary, and add to it, as much knowledge as you possibly can, it creates a higher level of superpower. Here’s a secret: You can speak the type of client you want into existence.
Photos by Rob Gustafson, co-owner, Vennture Brew Co.
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