Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Hutcheson.
Hi Sarah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story began as a child. Growing up, my great-aunt and my parents’ best friend worked in a salon for as long as I could remember. I found a fascination with the craft and with owning a business. I watched how these women made other people feel beautiful and valued and how they could change someone’s perspective with a new look.
As I grew up, I wasn’t sure what my career path was going to be. When I began high school, we were offered vocational school, where I decided to take cosmetology classes. I excelled and picked it up quickly. I became very comfortable in this element. It was such a blessing that, through this program, all 1,500 hours were given, and I passed all of my state board tests before I graduated. My two teachers there were incredible!
I still wasn’t sure what my future looked like, but through a longtime family friend, I landed my first stylist job in May 2012. This job taught me there was a whole lot more to learn. It wasn’t just about hair anymore. It was about learning how to be a good coworker, a good follower, and how to take in all the training I was given. Visions hair salon was the salon that molded me into someone who respected others, how to be responsible and she molded me in a way I am forever grateful.
Two and a half years went by, and I reached a point where my new lifestyle needed stability. Between the ages of 17–19, I was just trying to make it out here. I had two and sometimes three jobs to ensure I could support myself and create that stability on my own. I actually loved working and being around all kinds of people. My stylist career faded during this time because my other jobs were easier and more practical for me at that point in my life. I worked in retail and as a waitress—both jobs that I absolutely loved. Looking back, I fully believe those experiences helped prepare me for my future as a business owner. They taught me so much about people, communication, customer service, and the kind of work ethic I would eventually carry into my own business.
In 2017, a salon in Troy, TN, posted a job opening. Everyone around me told me to take it. I was scared to go back to a job that solely depended on me to build, but through God’s guidance, I began working at Cut-N-Curl.
This is where the fire was lit.
The determination that God gifted me with sent me into a deep dive into more hair education, more understanding, more people skills, and learning how to make this field a career. I knew I wanted my own salon. I also knew I needed to be ready.
This is where patience and trusting in the path God had for me came into play. It wasn’t my will anymore; it was His.
A few years went by, and now I was 28. Business was amazing, and my skill set and growth were abundant. It was time to shift.
One thing about our minds and God’s plan is that sometimes, in our minds, we set a goal early on, and it’s not so easy to leave it behind. I wanted a huge salon! Lots of stylists and room to become who I wanted to be as a stylist.
That’s where I went.
It was a blessing to see all three salons. All three were run differently, I learned different lessons, and although I’m not there anymore, it was all part of my training. Training has to happen to mold us and teach us to trust in His vision, not our own.
One year later, it was time.
A client of mine mentioned that a small shop was available. My mind said it was too small for my dreams, but God said it was just what I needed.
He was absolutely right.
With my family behind me, we began to transform this vision into my vision. To my surprise, people were already willing to join my team, as if they were just waiting on me to unlock the door!
Don’t we know that when it’s the right timing, God already has it all worked out?
Highlands Hair Lounge has now been open for two years. This space has been filled with more than I could have ever imagined. My coworkers have blessed me, and every person who walks through our doors has a chance to feel a presence that invites peace and relaxation while being filled with joy.
My dreams have come true.
My husband, my family, and my friends have all put in the work it takes to create a business that I pray changes people in a way only God can.
Through it all, His will be done.
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?
My story definitely had it bumps and bruises but when I zoom out it was smoother than it seemed. I have a great family behind me praying for my journey, and God steering my path. I knew from the beginning his plan involved my own salon. Not for reason of being my own leader, more for his Glory. You have your people that tell you it’s not worth it, you shouldn’t, you can’t, you’ll never be successful and knowing that the drive I had was from Him and not people is what kept me on the path to this story. The struggle was patience and humility. Learning what I needed to learn even when I felt like I knew. Patience that no matter what I was going through it would still work out because I wasn’t operating on my own drive. God placed this dream in my heart, I couldn’t shake it. It was going be to done
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Highlands Hair Lounge is the result of my journey from stylist to business owner, and it’s built around creating an environment where beauty, education, excellence, and faith can coexist.
We are a full-service salon, and my specialty is hair color and hair extensions, paired with the Iuveni Lipid Layer Quencher treatment for the healthiest hair yet!
I am known for always digging deeper, keeping up with education, and bringing the best to my clients. Education is a huge part of our identity. I’m constantly asking why, researching, training, and looking for ways to understand the science behind what we do—not simply follow what’s popular.
I wanted to create a salon where people could receive beautiful, intentional hair services without feeling rushed, overwhelmed, or like just another appointment on the books. Our positive atmosphere creates a space where clients can genuinely relax while knowing they are in great hands, and leave with a peace they didn’t come in with.
Our brand stands with our slogan, “Beauty with a Higher Calling.” It’s more than a slogan; it’s the standard we want to live by. Beauty is what brings people through our doors, but how we make them feel is what matters most. This salon is more than great hair. We are called to lift people up, see beauty in other ways, and spread peace and joy.
I’m most proud of my team. They are the brand. Without a team who sees the vision, the brand wouldn’t be as focused as it is. They bring the spark. We support each other, educate each other, and we don’t leave anyone behind.
At Highlands, we want people to leave with more than great hair. We want them to feel seen, cared for, confident, peaceful, and maybe carrying a little more joy than when they walked through our doors.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My great aunt, Janice bookout watched me in her salon, That’s where it started
My teachers, Danna Vancleave and Sissy Nicks were fantastic cosmetology teachers. They made sure we knew everything we needed to know with full support
Jill Edwards was my first Boss in the hair world. She created a safe place for me to begin my journey and helped shape me
My immediate family, Bill, Robin and Abby long were always my prayer warriors and support.
My husband, Brandon Hutcheson. He would build the world for me if I asked. He’s my rock
Camie Parsons, she’s given me my first opportunity to be an educator for an amazing team with the product Iuveni.
My clients. All of them. Everyone who sat in my chair and maybe didn’t know it, but they each helped me grow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Sarahhutcheson.glossgenius.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahhutcheson94
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19Zs1ddptv/ and https://www.facebook.com/share/19PjkkQDc1/
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sarahhutcheson94
