Finding Your Hair Home: The Story Behind Daniel Marie Hair Co. in Sweetwater Town Center
- Alli Pepperling
- Oct 6
- 9 min read
When Meghan stood in a construction zone wearing a hard hat and work boots, she saw something most people couldn't. Where others saw gravel and blocked-off roads, she envisioned a thriving community salon where education meets artistry, where clients become friends, and where hair care goes beyond the chair. That vision became Daniel Marie Hair Co., now welcoming clients in Sweetwater Town Center.
Alli Pepperling visits Danielle Marie Hair Co. founders, Meghan & Cristina
A Friendship That Became a Foundation
Sixteen years ago, Meghan spotted Cristina across a cosmetology classroom and thought, "She's going to be my friend." That intuition proved right. The two women built their careers side by side, learned from mentors who held them accountable through rigorous apprenticeships, and eventually opened their first salon together. Their middle names—Danielle and Marie—gave the salon its name, a personal touch that reflects how they approach every aspect of their business.
Cristina lives in Morrisville, Meghan in Raleigh, and they chose Sweetwater as their midpoint for reasons that go beyond geography. After finding Apex oversaturated with salons, they took a different path. Now open and welcoming clients, they're thrilled to serve a community that's been waiting for exactly what they offer. The delays during construction gave them time to refine every detail, and they're ready to become part of the fabric of Sweetwater life. Walk in and feel the energy of two entrepreneurs who built something from the ground up, literally from gravel and construction barriers to a warm space where hair care meets genuine connection.
Education as the Core Practice
Many salons talk about technique. Daniel Marie Hair Co. talks about foundation.
Both owners spent two years apprenticing under mentors who taught them that taking shortcuts undermines the craft. They bring that same philosophy to their team, where every stylist begins at level one, regardless of experience, and then advances based on client retention and skill development, rather than years in the industry. Their staff members, currently five stylists plus the two owners, attend specialized classes in New York and participate in ongoing training. An upcoming workshop will address how to interpret AI-generated hair images that clients bring in, acknowledging the tension between digitally enhanced perfection and authentic beauty. This commitment to continuous learning creates a culture where stylists teach each other, where a color specialist shares techniques with someone developing that skill, and where collaboration matters more than competition.
Services That Honor the Whole Person
The salon offers color, highlighting, balayage, styling, and keratin treatments for women, men, and children. While they don't currently provide extensions or barbering services, they focus on doing their core offerings exceptionally well. What sets them apart isn't just technical skill. Megan and Christina have maintained client relationships for years because they invest in knowing people's lives, not just their hair preferences. When a client faces a personal loss, they check in. When schedules shift unexpectedly, they find solutions. Their commission-based business model supports this approach. Rather than renting chairs, stylists work as team members, which allows the salon to offer more education and creates flexibility for clients. You can see your regular stylist or book with whoever has availability, eliminating the guilt some people feel about "cheating" on their preferred person.
Moving Toward Eco-Conscious Practices
Christina has been researching what's actually in hair products, working to source options with fewer chemicals. Perfection remains elusive—this is still professional hair color and styling—but intentionality guides every decision. From the products they stock to the team culture they cultivate, nothing happens without thoughtful consideration. When you've dreamed of something for years, you don't rush the details.
Practical Information for Your First Visit
Location: Sweetwater Town Center, positioned to serve Morrisville, Apex, Cary, and southwestern Raleigh
Parking: Available on-site, including electric vehicle charging stations
Appointment Flexibility: Welcome to book with any available stylist
Family-Friendly: Services for all ages when children can sit comfortably in the chair
Community Events: Participating in Sweetwater gatherings (check their schedule for consultations and special events)
Questions to Ask Yourself When Choosing a Salon
Before booking anywhere, consider what matters beyond the haircut itself:
Do you want a salon that invests in ongoing stylist education?
Does scheduling flexibility matter when life gets unpredictable?
Are you seeking a place where you can actually walk in without an appointment if someone has availability?
Do eco-conscious product choices align with your values?
Would you benefit from stylists who can teach you how to recreate looks at home?
Your answers will guide you toward the right fit.
The Bigger Picture of Community Building
Sweetwater Town Center continues evolving as businesses open and the neighborhood grows. For residents west of Highway 55, particularly in Chatham County, Daniel Marie Hair Co. offers a first stop into Wake County rather than a reason to drive further. As more families discover the mixed-use development, the salon's early presence positions them to become an anchor point where newcomers find both services and connections. The owners understand something essential: when you move to a new place, finding your hair person often means finding your entry point into the community. That first conversation in the chair, the casual greeting when you run into your stylist at the coffee shop next door, the recommendation for a pediatrician or a plumber—these small exchanges weave the fabric of belonging
Frequently Asked Questions
What services does Daniel Marie Hair Co. offer?
Daniel Marie Hair Co. provides color services, highlighting, balayage, hair styling, keratin treatments, and conditioning treatments for women, men, and children. The salon focuses on education-driven techniques and uses products selected for reduced chemical content when possible. Currently, they do not offer hair extension services or barbering, but welcome clients of all ages who can sit comfortably during their appointment.
Do I need an appointment or do you take walk-ins?
While appointments help stylists manage their schedules, Daniel Marie operates with flexibility that many larger salons cannot offer. Their team-based approach means you can book with any available stylist rather than waiting weeks for one specific person. Contact them directly to learn about current availability and whether they can accommodate same-day requests.
Can I see a different stylist each time or do I need to stick with one person?
You're welcome to see any stylist on the team. The salon culture encourages this flexibility, recognizing that schedules shift and sometimes you need an appointment quickly. Many clients appreciate rotating between stylists who each bring different strengths, while others prefer consistency. Both approaches work well at Daniel Marie.
What does a commission-based salon mean for me as a client?
Commission-based salons employ their stylists rather than renting chairs to independent contractors. This model allows Daniel Marie to invest more in ongoing education and training for their team. For clients, this often translates to more consistent service standards, better team collaboration, and stylists who share techniques with each other rather than competing. The salon can also offer more scheduling flexibility since they manage the team centrally.
Do you offer eco-friendly or low-chemical hair products?
The salon works toward eco-conscious practices by researching and sourcing products with reduced chemical content. Perfect chemical-free hair color doesn't exist in professional settings, but Daniel Marie makes intentional choices about what they use. If you have specific sensitivities or concerns, discuss them during your consultation so your stylist can select the most appropriate products for your needs.
How much does a typical hair appointment cost?
Pricing varies based on the service, the amount of product needed, and your stylist's level within the salon's tier system. Stylists advance through levels one through four based on client retention and skill development rather than years of experience alone. [unverified: specific pricing] Contact the salon directly for current pricing, as rates may have adjusted since their opening.
Do you provide services for children?
Yes, Daniel Marie welcomes families and provides services for children who can sit still during their appointment. The owners both have young children and understand the importance of finding a salon that serves the whole family. This eliminates the need to visit multiple locations for different family members.
Can you teach me how to style my hair at home?
The salon values education for both stylists and clients. Your stylist can demonstrate techniques during your appointment and help troubleshoot why you might struggle to recreate salon results. They focus on building strong foundations rather than assuming you already know the basics of sectioning, curling, or using tools properly. Future plans include video content showing common styling techniques.
What if I bring in a photo from Pinterest or an AI-generated image?
Daniel Marie stylists attend ongoing education, including workshops on interpreting AI-generated hair images. They can help you understand what's achievable based on your hair texture, condition, and the time you're willing to invest in maintenance. Expect an honest conversation about the gap between digital perfection and real-world results.
Location & Accessibility
Where exactly is Daniel Marie Hair Co. located in Sweetwater?
Daniel Marie Hair Co. operates in Sweetwater Town Center, a mixed-use development in Morrisville near the Apex border. The salon sits within a walkable complex that includes Sobol, Club Pilates, and other local businesses. For those navigating from surrounding areas, Sweetwater is positioned west of Highway 55, making it accessible from Morrisville, southwest Raleigh, Cary, and Chatham County.
Is there parking available?
Yes, Sweetwater Town Center provides on-site parking for all businesses. The complex also features electric vehicle charging stations, allowing you to charge your car during your appointment if needed.
Can you walk to Daniel Marie from Sweetwater neighborhoods?
Absolutely. Sweetwater was designed as a walkable community where residents can access services without driving. Many clients who live in the surrounding neighborhoods walk to their appointments, combining hair services with coffee or other errands in a single trip. This walkability creates the kind of organic community connection that's increasingly rare.
How far is Daniel Marie from downtown Apex?
The salon sits approximately 10-15 minutes from downtown Apex, depending on traffic and your specific starting point. Sweetwater's location serves as a convenient first stop for those traveling from Chatham County into Wake County, eliminating the need to drive further into more congested areas.
I'm relocating to the Apex area. How do I find a good hair salon?
Moving to a new area means rebuilding your network of trusted service providers. When evaluating salons, consider factors beyond technical skill: Do they invest in ongoing education? Can you book appointments flexibly when your schedule changes? Do they welcome new clients warmly or make you feel like an outsider? Sweetwater Town Center offers the advantage of walkability, which creates more opportunities for organic connection. You might run into your stylist at the coffee shop or recognize them at community events, building relationships that extend beyond the salon chair.
What should I know about the Apex/Morrisville/Sweetwater area before moving here?
The Apex and Morrisville area attracts many families relocating from out of state due to strong schools, growing job markets, and relatively affordable housing compared to other major metros. Sweetwater Town Center represents newer development focused on mixed-use, walkable design rather than traditional strip malls. The area west of Highway 55 is still developing, which means you're joining a community that's actively being shaped rather than one that's already fully established.
Are there family-friendly services in Sweetwater Town Center?
Sweetwater was designed to serve families with diverse needs in one location. Beyond hair services at Daniel Marie, you'll find fitness options, coffee shops, and various businesses opening as the development continues to grow. The mixed-use design means you can accomplish multiple errands in one trip rather than driving to separate locations across town.
How does Sweetwater compare to downtown Apex for services?
Downtown Apex offers historic charm and established businesses, while Sweetwater provides newer construction, modern amenities, and walkable design. Neither is better or worse—they serve different needs. Some people prefer the character of older downtown areas, while others appreciate the convenience of everything in one complex with ample parking. Living in Sweetwater or nearby gives you access to both options.
What's the community like in Sweetwater?
Sweetwater attracts residents who value walkability and mixed-use design. Many newcomers to the Triangle choose the area specifically because of the development's vision for community connection. The business owners, like Meghan and Cristina at Daniel Marie, often share this value and intentionally create spaces where neighbors can meet organically. For people who've moved from out of state and struggle to find their people, walkable town centers provide more opportunities for casual connection than traditional suburban layouts.
Is Apex a good place for families relocating from out of state?
The Apex and Morrisville area consistently ranks well for families due to schools, safety, and proximity to Research Triangle Park employers. However, any location's suitability depends on what matters to your specific family. If you value walkability, outdoor spaces, and a growing community, Sweetwater offers these elements. If you prefer established neighborhoods with mature trees and historic character, look at other parts of Apex. Visit before committing if possible, and talk to people who've recently made similar moves.
Exploring Apex NC? Visit https://www.apexnc.org/ to experience the community connections and quality businesses that make this one of the best places to live in North Carolina. From healthy dining at Sobol to diverse retail and services, our local business community creates the amenities that make Apex home.
For more information about living in Apex NC, Sweetwater Town Center, or available properties in this thriving community, contact me to discover everything this exceptional town has to offer.
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