Hi, my name is David Vadim Mary, and I am a hairstylist originating from Nantes, France. Daily, I blend science, creativity, and passion in my work, transforming clients’ appearances and confidence in the salon. Occasionally, my creative work extends into photo shoots and the glamorous world of fashion, including features in top magazines and prestigious fashion shows. Allow me to share the detailed journey behind my story.

My story begins in the vibrant era of the 1960s, a dynamic time when televised presidential debates captured attention, the Beatles revolutionized the music scene in the USA, and Betty Friedan published her groundbreaking book, “The Feminine Mystique.” It was during this exciting time that my parents, René and Gin, united through their shared dream of hairstyling.

Between 1966 and 1968, René and Gin pursued hairstyling apprenticeships despite their families’ disapproval. At that time, hairstyling was not widely recognized as an esteemed career. My father René, however, possessed an avant-garde vision, accurately predicting the future growth of the salon industry—a sector now valued at over $50 billion in the USA alone.

Starting humbly in a tiny village of just 120 inhabitants, my parents’ determination was unwavering. Initially planning to relocate to London in 1973, they unexpectedly seized an opportunity to establish their first salon in Nantes—a city that was rapidly becoming one of France’s most dynamic urban centers.

Their salon flourished quickly, driven by René and Gin’s exceptional skills and their commitment to offering superior service at accessible prices. Their salon became a local hotspot, with clients patiently waiting hours, some even playing guitars to pass the time, just for the chance to experience their transformative hairstyling. Although officially open from 8 AM to 8 PM, the demand frequently kept them working until 11 PM.

Their talent did not go unnoticed. In 1982 and 1983, René and Gin entered prestigious competitions, earning France’s highest honor for craftsmen—the title of “Meilleur Ouvrier de France.” Notably, they were the first couple to win this esteemed award simultaneously. Their achievement was celebrated at a ceremony attended by French President François Mitterrand and Jacques Chirac, then the Mayor of Paris and future President of France.

Building upon their success, René and Gin expanded to manage two thriving salons in Nantes, each staffed by ten dedicated hairstylists.

Inspired by my parents, my older sister Vanessa developed her own ambitions in hairstyling. Trained personally by our parents, she honed her skills further in Paris, alongside leading industry experts.

Vanessa’s talent propelled her to national and international acclaim. In 1999, she competed in the prestigious World Skills Competition held in Montréal, Canada, excelling in the up-do category and ultimately earning a coveted silver medal. This success marked a joyous pinnacle for our family, especially for my parents, who saw it as the culmination of their hard work and dedication.

Vanessa, recognized early on by local media for her exceptional talents, now successfully manages the family salon, carrying on our parents’ legacy alongside her husband Fred, a talented chef and restaurateur, and their daughter Lola.

My personal journey into hairstyling began early. From childhood, when asked about my future, I always responded, “I want to do like daddy.” My evenings were frequently spent at my parents’ salon, patiently waiting for them to finish work. At around seven years old, I discovered my second passion—computers. Fascinated by our first home computer running Windows 3.1, I balanced this interest alongside my love for hairstyling.

By age sixteen, I was at a crossroads between my passion for hairstyling and my talent in computer science. Though I excelled in sciences, my heart leaned towards hairstyling. With support from my parents, I successfully earned my first French Cosmetology license without formal cosmetology school training—a testament to the invaluable mentorship from my parents.

Following this, I attended formal cosmetology school for two years, earning my advanced diploma (BP), which qualified me to work officially in my father’s salon.

In addition to these official diplomas, my mother encouraged me to further enhance my skills through prestigious and intensive private master classes from leading academies such as L’Oréal and Toni & Guy, completed in 2007.

My commitment to ongoing education continued, culminating most recently in 2024 with another Master’s degree specializing in color from Wella.

At twenty, I felt the urge to explore beyond Nantes and experience hairstyling internationally. Despite doubts about language barriers and financial stability, I decided to move to London.

My initial time in London was challenging. Hired at a modest salon on Kings Road in a Polish neighborhood, I earned significantly less than in France and struggled with the language barrier. Nevertheless, my determination was unwavering. I spent months self-studying English through American television shows and rigorous practice. After a year, my talent attracted attention from a prominent French franchise offering managerial roles in Dubai, Mumbai. However, it was an offer from New York City’s Times Square that ultimately captured my interest.

In 2009, I arrived in Manhattan, excited by the opportunities and the energy of New York City. During a salon Christmas party that winter, I met Erika, the love of my life, sharing our first dance and beginning a partnership that led to marriage two years later.

In 2012, I was fortunate enough to participate as a hairstylist in several prestigious fashion shows, including renowned designers such as Grant and Ralph Lauren, during the main events at New York Fashion Week (NYFW).

I had the opportunity to contribute to numerous photo shoots, with my work featured in various fashion magazines. Over the years, I have also had the privilege of working with a diverse clientele, including CEOs, renowned writers, artists, and celebrities, helping them achieve signature looks that complement their personal and professional identities.

Today, Erika and I reside in Sacramento, California, where I continue to passionately create hairstyles that celebrate beauty and self-expression. My journey, from my hometown salon in France to prestigious fashion runways, reflects my lifelong dedication to creativity, craftsmanship, and personal connection—always driven by the profound belief that hairstyling is an art form that transforms lives.