Housh celebrates 20 years behind the chair

By Scott Bidroski

For the past 20 years, many a residents of Hay Springs and beyond have had a seat in the chair with Heather Housh ready to accommodate all their beauty needs.

The 2001 Hay Springs High School graduate was born and raised in the Northwest Nebraska town and is living her dream of owning her own business on Main Street.

Housh, whose maiden name is Persons, attended Western Nebraska Community College for Cosmetology following her graduation. She passed her board in March of 2003.

But cosmetology was not always the clear cut path for Housh who admits she was unsure about her calling once she finished high school.

“Honestly, I was one of those kids that had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up,” said Housh.

“My husband had graduated from Lineman School and got his first position a lineman in Sidney, Neb. WNCC had a tech program there at the time and they offered Nursing, Cosmetology, or Airplane Mechanic. Cosmetology was the best fit,” she added.

Heather and her husband, Craig, then made the move back to Hay Springs in 2005 and began working in her field. Craig Housh is a lineman with Northwest Rural Public Power District.

There were a few pit stops along the way but Housh ended up in the current location in March of 2006. She has been right there ever since and proud to own a business in her hometown.

“This is my community. And it’s super important to give back to the community that has supported me and my business,” said Housh.

Owning a business has it’s family roots for Housh as her parents, Dennis and Sharon Persons, own D&S Auto Center on the west side of Hay Springs. So when it came down to figuring out how to put her degree to work, owning a business was an easy decision.

“I grew up around my parents owning their own business,” said Housh. 

“Taking the plunge into my own business/career never felt scary or awkward. It felt natural and completely doable,” she added.

When it comes to the best part of the job, Housh delivers a two-part answer.

“I love to do color,” she states without hesitation.

Her second favorite part? That’s an even easier answer.

“My clients. Some of them have been with me since I moved home. It’s not just another head of hair. They are my friends,” said Housh.

“I am very blessed to have such a loyal clientele and I appreciate each of them. Without them, my business would not be a success. I think that is my greatest accomplishment.”

Shear Style is located at 126 N. Main St. in Hay Springs. The phone number is 308-638-4402. You can also find the business on Facebook under Shear Style.