Today we’d like to introduce you to David Fueglein.
Hi David, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
From Skater to Stylist: The david A. Hair Journey
My story starts in the summer of ’95, back when I was just a free-spirited skater kid cruising through life with no real plan—until I met a girl who was way out of my league. She saw something in me I hadn’t even considered yet. One night, after watching me cut her friends’ hair in her Kent State dorm, she said, “Why don’t you do hair? You seem to have a knack for it.”
It clicked. The next day I enrolled in Skelly Beauty Academy—and I haven’t looked back since. I didn’t stay with the girl, but I’ve always thanked her for the push that changed everything.
After beauty school, I started as a “shampoo girl” at Dino Palmeiri, working under the fierce and fabulous Donna-Marie Kaminsky, a legendary colorist in Cleveland who drilled excellence into me. I learned precision cutting, built my skill set, and took every class I could—nights, weekends, whenever possible. I wasn’t just learning a trade; I was learning who I was.
Over the years, I worked at some of the most recognized salons in the region—Funke & Co., Wyred About Hair, Hair Loft at the Hamptons, JO Hair—and made lasting connections. But I always knew I wanted more. I wanted freedom. To create, to lead, to build a space that reflected my values, my passion, and my love for people.
Eventually, that dream came true. Today, I’m proud to say I own david A. hair in Solon, Ohio—a space where I set the tone, the vibe, and the standard. A place where clients become friends, and hair becomes art. I work on my own terms, with creativity, integrity, and a whole lot of heart.
Because in the end, I didn’t just build a business—I built a life I love. And really, I’m just getting started.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Building a clientele is one of the hardest parts of this industry—for most people. I was lucky to have an incredible marketing person early on who helped me establish my name, and I got a huge break being brought into Nordstrom as a cosmetics hair stylist. That opened doors to do shows and meet high-end clientele, which gave me early momentum.
But even with opportunities, the grind was real. For a long time, I worked hourly or on 30% commission, and let me tell you—it’s tough to build a life on that. You put in your heart, soul, and time, and sometimes you still go home wondering if it’s enough.
Everything changed when booth rental became an option around 2007. That shift allowed stylists like me to finally earn a solid, sustainable income, and it truly changed the game. It gave us freedom, autonomy, and the chance to grow something of our own.
That’s how I run david A. hair now—I want everyone under my roof to succeed. My goal isn’t just to have a thriving salon, but to create an environment where stylists feel empowered, respected, and able to live their best lives doing what they love.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a colorist and stylist who lives to create. While I’m often called “the blondes’ blonde” because of how many platinum and icy tones I do, no color is out of my realm. I love working with dimension, depth, vibrancy, subtlety—whatever the client’s vision is, I’m here to bring it to life. I don’t just do hair—I sculpt confidence and connection.
What I’m most proud of, honestly, is the world I’ve built through david A. hair. My clients are like family to me. I’ve created a space where people come not just to get their hair done, but to feel heard, appreciated, and uplifted. There’s a kind of magic in that—trust, laughter, transformation—and I never take it for granted.
What sets me apart? Definitely my pricing. I like to keep things reasonable because I believe everyone deserves to experience great hair, great energy, and a little self-love. A visit to my chair isn’t about exclusivity—it’s about authenticity and access. Everyone’s welcome, and everyone leaves feeling like their best self.
What are your plans for the future?
Right now, I’m in a place where I truly love what I do—and I want to keep that momentum going. One thing I’m really excited about is expanding into product development. I’ve been creating a line of skin care and hair products under the brand Parker Apothecary, inspired by my late dog Parker, who was my heart. It’s all about clean, effective ingredients with a touch of magic and intention behind every bottle.
I’m also playing with a dry shampoo line that brings salon-level freshness into people’s everyday routines. It’s fun to create outside the chair and see how I can reach people in a whole new way.
Beyond that? I’m focused on longevity—physically and creatively. I’ve fallen in love with yoga, clean living, and wellness, and I want to stay strong and inspired so I can keep doing this work for years to come. No big flashy changes—just staying aligned with what I love and sharing it with the world.
Pricing:
- haircut $45
- full highlight $95
- partial highlight $72
- single process color $46
- balayage starting at $100
Contact Info:
- Website: https://davidahair.com
- Instagram: @david_a_hair
- Facebook: david A. hair
