Today we’d like to introduce you to Kammi Long.
Kammi, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have been a part of the beauty industry in some capacity since I was a teenager. I have always felt drawn to beauty and helping women feel their best. I started out doing hair and makeup on sets of indie photoshoots and for events like prom, it led into my eventual path of attending a prestigious beauty school in San Diego, California. I fell in love even more so with my craft through the experiences in school. After graduation, I spent some time in my home state of Oregon working under stylists specializing in blonde services, I then moved to Los Angeles to conquer my dream of living in the city and doing high-end hair. I spent almost a year in LA. I managed to do celebrity clients for red carpet and televised events, as well as work with high-end designers for fashion week.
It all eventually led me to Nashville, where I chose to move closer to a former boyfriend, after the heartbreak of the loss of that relationship, I threw myself into my work and within two years, I had hustled enough behind the chair, often working seven days a week, that I was able to open Honey Magnolia and fully bring my vision of female empowerment and beautiful hair to life!
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?
It’s never been smooth for me but I’m a fighter and a hustler. As a single mom raising a rad kiddo, it’s never been an option to fail because she’s watching. I have been told no, I’ve been told I will fail, and frankly I’ve had to have some mishaps behind the chair to gain the confidence and education I have as a stylist today.
I went into the industry starry eyed and overly confident. I’ve had moments of bosses and mentors reminding me of my need for patience, being humble, and authentic. I still always consider myself a work in progress.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I love all things hair and beauty. Healthy hair and skin is paramount to anything I’m doing in my studio. Giving my guests the experiences worth paying for and coming back to has kept my business alive and growing for years.
I am predominantly a colorist and stylist. I am known for my blonde expertise and killer blowouts at an efficient speed. I have guests who message me years down the line after moving away, saying they miss how fast and thorough my blowout services were and how they lasted!
I also freelance educate for a hair product company based out of Australia that has an amazing message of inclusivity and having fun.
Above all else, I am proud of the loyalty and the compassion I’ve created in my space. I am dedicated to continuing my education as a stylist and always improving the business. My guests see that and it keeps them coming back happily! I am most thankful of that and the atmosphere that understanding brings!
How do you define success?
I think success can look so different based on your upbringing and your environment. Kammi in her early to mid 20’s believed success was making millions doing celebrity hair and being able to jet set wherever I wanted. Kammi in her 30’s views things much differently. I believe success is earned and I believe my version of success is much different than others. I see success as stability and an ever-changing and elevating thing. I will truly achieve success when my business fully intersects with my volunteer efforts and activism. I grew up poor, with a single mother, I built myself and my business and it has allowed me to put more back into my community. Success means nothing if it’s not used for good.
Contact Info:
- Email: Kammi.long0@gmail.com
- Website: Honeymagnoliahair.glossgenius.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honeymagnoliahair/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/honeymagnoliahair/
- Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/honey-magnolia-hair-nashville-2
