Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Mason.
Hi Kelly, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
The story of Green Pea Salon story starts when I was in college. I was in school studying to be a landscape architect in Knoxville, Tennessee. My best friend at the time was a hairdresser. I would spend hours talking to him about his craft. Asking questions, watching him give people confidence, and observing the hustle and bustle of the salon he worked in. I immediately fell in love with the industry. So, I decided to part ways with the career I thought I was set on, and made the bold decision to start over and enroll into beauty school. I assisted for a remarkable German woman from East Berlin, Brigette, who taught me things I still carry with me to this day. I became a stylist at her shop, until I was eventually recruited by a bigger salon where I built a steady clientele. I went on to open my own salon in Knoxville, called Stephen Kelly Salon. As all great stories go, I met my best friend and true love (now husband), Mike. After a few years, we decided to sell our business, and move to Nashville to start a new life together.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Relocating to Nashville was very hard. I came to the city not really knowing anyone. It was a lot different from the small town I had lived and worked in my whole life. I worked HARD in Nashville for 5 years, and then went on to open the first Green Pea in 2007. It was located in 12s, in an old gas station. I had to rebuild clientele, but, my loyal Knoxville clientele followed and supported me for a couple of years as I built my business, and for that, I’m forever grateful.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I love all things blonde. I specialize in blonding, and grey coverage. I’m known for brining laughter to every appointment. I am very proud of getting through the devastating pandemic, while (safely) balancing two salons. What sets me and my team apart from others, is the experience you get from the second you walk through our doors. We strive to make every client feel taken care of and pampered. Life has enough struggles and coldness, so we try to cultivate a warm energy in both of our spaces.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Even with the size of our city, Nashville still has that small town feel. People smile when you walk by, open doors for you, talk to each other. This city has a lot of community, and that’s a beautiful thing. At the same time, the rapid growth is eating away and pushing out all of the small businesses that made Nashville, Nashville. It’s so important to shop local, eat local, support our local artists and entrepreneurs.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.greenpeasalon.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greenpeasalon
