U R Welcome: Deborah Herder

“U R Welcome” is the brainchild of Reuben “Big Rube” Harley. It’s a series of interviews with black influencers and tastemakers in Philadelphia discussing race, community and how Philly can be a place where everyone is welcome. When Rube came to Saxbys with the idea, we jumped at the chance to work with him to tell these stories.

Deborah Herder seemed destined to be an entrepreneur and salon owner. As a child, she braided everybody’s hair. As a young hair stylist, she learned that salon owners didn’t always treat their team with respect and weren’t as welcoming as they could be to potential clients.

Now Deborah is the owner of Admirations Hair It Iz Salon now located at 1733 South Street after 31 years at 20th and Chestnut Streets. Over the years, Deborah has created an incredibly welcoming, inclusive environment at the salon. She sat down with Big Rube to chat about Philly, salon culture and inclusivity.

How do you coach the stylists that work in your salon?

I try to make them feel like this is their home. This is their business too. I tell them: This is your destiny. You can make it whatever you want. You’re not living my dream, you’re living your own dream. If you apply yourself, work hard and make your clients feel like they’re important, you’ll do a great job.


Why is it so important for you to create a welcoming feeling in your salon?

It’s very important to me that everyone who walks in the door feels like they’re at a place where they can be themselves. When they feel welcome, they tend to be more relaxed and become a part of the family.

Do you think Philly business owners have a welcoming culture?

I think Philly aims to please everyone — no matter what race, color, background you’re from. Without making everyone feel welcome, you’ll put yourself at a standstill. You won’t have longevity. Being in Center City, I feel like every business I walk into, people are welcoming to me — even remembering your name or what you’ve bought before.

What does inclusivity mean to you?

From the time you open the door and walk into Admirations, we aim to make our clients feel welcome — no matter what color they are, what texture of hair they have, young, elderly, male, or female. As soon as you come in, we give you a nice warm welcome and tend to whatever your needs are.

How does Saxbys fit into your lifestyle?

I have a couple clients that also work for Saxbys. One time, they brought pastries from Saxbys into the salon. That caused me to start going to Saxbys for coffee or a quick bite to eat. I like to try a little bit of everything but the danishes and pastries are my favorites.