Clara O’Donnell of Franklin on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Clara O’Donnell and have shared our conversation below.

Good morning Clara, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
A recent moment that made me feel both proud and full of joy was when my older brother came to visit so we could celebrate our sobriety milestones together—6 years for me, and 5 years for him. We’re just one day apart in our sobriety dates, which makes it feel even more special. While we were catching up, we also learned that our sister-in-law will be hitting 4 years in just a couple of weeks. It made me realize that what started as a personal decision has quietly become a positive family trend, and that’s something I feel really proud of.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m a hairstylist, soap maker, and small business owner based in Franklin, TN. I run Studio Aura, a salon suite where I specialize in hair extensions, color transformations, and helping women feel more like themselves again. What makes my brand unique is the holistic vibe—I blend beauty with wellness by offering handmade soaps, clean ingredients, and a warm, welcoming energy. I’m proud to create a space that’s not only about looking good, but feeling safe, supported, and empowered.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
What breaks bonds between people is usually a breakdown in communication—whether it’s avoiding the hard conversations, withholding the truth, or not feeling safe enough to be real. On the flip side, what restores those bonds is honest, authentic communication. When people speak from the heart, with compassion and clarity, it creates a space where connection can deepen and trust can be rebuilt. I believe the right bonds will last when we show up as our full selves and communicate in a way that honors both our needs and the other person’s humanity.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
I see suffering as a form of learning—every setback, every painful moment has been a lesson in resilience, humility, and growth. Each time I’ve fallen, I’ve had to face myself honestly and figure out how to rise stronger. It’s helped me build compassion, patience, and an appreciation for the progress I’ve made, even if I’m not perfect yet. I’m better in every area I’ve struggled in, and still getting better. That’s something success alone could never have taught me.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would tell you that what truly matters to me is genuine connection—showing up with honesty, empathy, and zero judgment so everyone in the room feels safe to be themselves. They’d also say I’m driven by growth, both mine and yours: I’m happiest when I’m learning something new (whether it’s a hair-color technique, an aerial trick, or a bit of holistic wellness wisdom) and then passing that spark along to elevate others. Finally, they’d point out my passion for creative self-expression—using art, hair, handcrafted soaps, or movement—to remind people that feeling good on the inside and outside is not a luxury but a birthright.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days. 
Absolutely—I tap dance to work every time my books are full! There’s something magical about knowing not only are my bills covered, but I also get to spend the day doing what I love. Helping people feel beautiful, expressing myself creatively, and connecting with clients on a deeper level—it all fuels me. When you’ve built a career around your passion and purpose, how could you not show up excited? I don’t take it for granted for a second.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://StudioauraTN.com
• Instagram: @studioauratn
• Facebook: Studio aura

Image Credits
Abby Drumwright