Meet Lauren DuCharme of IMAGE Studios-Breton Village area

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren DuCharme.

Lauren, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve been a hairstylist for 18 years, and creating Sense of Self was about building a space that feels grounded, intentional, and welcoming. I’ve always loved the connection that happens through hair—the conversations, the trust, the transformation—but I also wanted to offer something deeper.

While I was going through some major health and life changes, Reiki came into my life. I became certified so that I could help heal myself after a hysterectomy, but I knew immediately that this was something I had to share with my clients. Adding Reiki brought a new layer to my work. It’s about more than how you look when you leave—it’s about how you feel.

This is a new chapter for me, and I hope it’s also a space where others can slow down, reconnect, and return to their own sense of self.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think every business owner runs into challenges — especially in the early stages when you’re wearing every hat and learning as you go. For me, one of the biggest challenges has been trusting the timing of things. It’s easy to want everything to happen overnight — fully booked schedules, perfect branding, all the systems in place — but I’ve learned that sustainable growth takes time. The slower seasons have actually been really valuable because they gave me space to fine-tune the client experience, deepen my education, and build stronger connections. It’s a lesson in patience, trust, and staying connected to why I started in the first place.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in dry cutting, lived-in color, and Reiki-infused services that support how you feel—inside and out. Reiki is a gentle energy practice that helps calm the nervous system and bring the body back into balance—perfect for those moments when you just need to feel grounded again.

Dry cutting lets me work with your hair in its natural state, so the end result feels effortless, lived-in, and totally you.

Sense of Self was created to feel good the second you walk in. Every detail—from the way I cut and color to the energy of the space—is designed to help you slow down, breathe a little deeper, and reconnect with yourself. These services are always evolving, and I love finding new ways to support that inner shift.

There’s dark chocolate, adaptogen drinks, and a laid-back vibe that makes your appointment feel like a little reset—part hair, part energy, part ritual.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Before I became a hairstylist, I studied dance pretty seriously throughout my younger years. While my career path eventually shifted, I’m forever grateful for the freedom of creative expression that being involved in the arts gave me. It’s something I still tap into often- whether I’m creating a lived in haircut or giving a Reiki session. I believe creative expression has a beautiful way of connecting us back to ourselves and teaching us to trust our intuition.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://dashboard.boulevard.io/booking/businesses/e9506bb8-999f-4272-9393-883b8d15651f/widget#/visit-type
• Instagram: @senseofselfgr