About The Finer Things ATX
It’s not just a haircut — The Finer Things ATX is a way of being. No matter how you walk into the studio, you’ll walk out feeling fresh and fine as hell.
Much like a diamond is made from heat and pressure, the Finer Things ATX was born out of the COVID-19 pandemic. But that’s only the beginning of the story. We don’t just believe in a good haircut and leave it at that — we believe in an entire experience. From the time you’re greeted until the moment you leave, it’s an honor to make you feel terrific from the inside, out.
Meet Our Owner, Donovan Shaw
If you don’t already know who Donovan Shaw is, you’re in for a treat. Donovan is our owner, founder, fearless leader, and unparalleled stylist at The Finer Things ATX.
Born and raised in Charleston, SC, and attending church regularly Donovan has always had an observant eye for beauty especially when it comes to hair. Before attending University, Donovan enrolled at the Charleston Cosmetology Institute. It was here that he discovered his love for all things hair and cosmetology.
Donovan worked at a few privately-owned salons in the Charleston area before he decided to attend college in Greensboro, North Carolina. Although Donovan graduated with an Engineering degree, he missed cosmetology too much and went back into salon work. This is where Donovan began perfecting his skills in speed, precision, different cuts, different styles, and most of all learning the different personality styles of all types of clientele. After three and a half years of doing that he grew to be the second top stylist at his location.
Then, on a whim, he moved to Austin. With no contacts, no friends, and no job lined up, this was by far the hardest decision he ever made. But after a few months, he gained employment at a popular and busy downtown barbershop and within a year went from being the new stylist to the top stylist at that location.
Then, the pandemic hit. Donovan (along with all of his other coworkers) was laid off. But he wasn’t one for wasting time. Donovan decided there was no time like a pandemic to finally launch his dream job — his first, self-owned studio.
From this, The Finer Things ATX was created and is already growing fast. Donovan attributes this quick success to his desire to stay humble, to always staying eager to learn and to create an environment that makes you feel totally at home.