Beth Doyle of The Collective: FACES of Birmingham

Beth Doyle is the ultimate artist. Sitting cooly in faded black denim and a pop of lip color, she radiates confidence through her effortlessly polished style and easygoing demeanor. After teaching for five years, traveling the world and working with industry leaders, including L’Oreal Professional, Beth is now the incredibly talented owner of The Collective, the uber-hip boutique salon at Pepper Place. We are delighted to introduce today’s FACE of Birmingham, Beth Doyle! 

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Tell us about your professional journey.

I always knew I wanted to be a hairdresser. I would cut and color my sorority sisters’ and friends’ hair in our college dorm rooms. It was so much fun! When I graduated from The University of Montevallo, I was a teacher for five years, but decided to leave teaching and pursue my dream of becoming a hairdresser. I’ve never looked back, and it has been an amazing journey. I’ve traveled to Europe, Australia and across the U.S. to train with top industry leaders. This, along with my years as a teacher and time educating in the salon and with No. 1 beauty brand L’Oreal Professional, gave me the confidence and foundation to take my career to the next level and open The Collective.

Have you always had a passion for hair?

Yes, ask my Barbie dolls.

How did The Collective come about? What is the significance of the name?

I wanted a more laid-back and creatively driven workplace. The Collective is a group of creatives dedicated to focusing on the “who.” Getting a great cut and color is just the cherry on top of the sundae. We love people and celebrating our community, and The Collective allows us to do that on a daily basis.

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What makes The Collective stand out among other salons?

In a time when “mega-salons” are popping up, we have a more boutique feel. The Collective is located in the heart of the design district at Pepper Place, meaning it is surrounded by other creative and artistic companies that help to establish the “boutique” feel, rather than your everyday hair salon. We want each client to know we are doing our best work for them while providing them with a comfortable and cool space to come get pampered.

What are your favorite cuts and styles to do?

Short cuts, curly hair and hair painting. We specialize in balayage, which is one of our top-requested styles and one of the easiest to keep up outside of the salon. I love how balayage brings out gorgeous dimension in the hair color while allowing me some creative freedom.

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What is the one cut or style you wish more people would try?

The pixie — don’t be afraid to go short!

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What is most challenging about your job?

When clients say, “Do whatever you want!” but don’t really mean that. I never want a client to leave unhappy, so, although I love creating something totally different, it’s nice to know what the client really wants.

Most rewarding?

Helping clients feel good about themselves! Nothing beats a fresh hair makeover, and I love to see how clients’ confidence can change before and after a new ‘do. It’s really cool to be a part of that process.

What inspires you?

Fashion, art and humans.

Does The Collective have any upcoming special events or fundraisers people can attend?

We have teamed up with Planet Fundraiser, an app where clients can scan their receipt from The Collective and a percentage of what they spent will be given to their chosen charity. We love what this tech company has done to help small businesses give to local charities, and it’s an amazing way to give back while doing our job!

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What do you do when you’re not working?

I enjoy Pilates and going to the lake, where my parents live.

Favorite local restaurant?

Old favorite: Highlands Bar and Grill; new favorite, Roots and Revelry.

RELATED: The Atomic Bar & Lounge: A Creative Cocktail of Local Flavor & Fun

If you could go back 10 years, what advice would you give yourself?

Take better care of your skin. We always hear that when we’re young, but ignore the advice. If I could go back, I would force myself to protect my skin from the sun, moisturize and prepare my skin for the years to come.

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Do you have any mentors or role models, and if so, why do you admire them or what have they taught you?

My mom. She is a retired high school principal. Not only is she the best mom, but she is also my sounding board and gives me great advice on running my business and managing my employees.

What are you most proud of?

I am so proud of The Collective and that I was able to create this space. Also, my family. There is nothing more important.

Any guilty pleasures?

Chocolate and Netflix

What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?

That I am currently going through the adoption process. We applied a few months ago and got an answer long before we imagined! We will be picking up our baby (don’t know the gender!) in July, and I cannot wait to add another amazing gift to our family.

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What is your best piece of advice?

You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.

Name three frivolous or lighthearted things you can’t live without.

Fancy coffee, Pilates classes and Post Office Pies

Thank you, Beth! Learn more about The Collective by visiting thecollectivebham.com.

Thank you to Eric and Jamie Gay of Eric & Jamie Photography for the fabulous photos of Beth at The Collective. 

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