Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendall Lawless.
Kendall, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Ever since I can remember, I’ve always had a passion for the beauty industry. I was around 12 years old when I did my very first acrylic French-tip nails on my sister. I remember my late grandmother commenting on them and saying, “Wow, you’re actually really good!” Whether she was joking or not, I ran with it—and from that moment on, my love for the beauty industry was on fire.
Fast forward several years, and I found myself in college pursuing a teaching degree in Early Childhood and Special Education. I was very close to graduating, but I realized my heart was still pulling me toward what I had always truly wanted to do. So, I made the decision to leave UTC and follow my passion by enrolling in cosmetology school.
I went to The Salon Professional Academy (TSPA) in 2020 and graduated at the top of my class. While I originally thought I wanted to become a nail technician, my time at TSPA helped me discover that hair was where I truly belonged.
While I was still in school, I was given the opportunity to work at Artistry, a high-end luxury salon in the West Haven neighborhood. I started at the reception desk while finishing school, and I quickly knew that Artistry was where I wanted to build my career.
After graduating, I had the opportunity to work under my late mentor, Amanda Perry, as her associate. Amanda poured so much wisdom, knowledge, and encouragement into me, and I will forever be grateful for the time I had learning from her. She always told me I was a natural and that I would thrive in this profession, and those words have stayed with me throughout my career.
Now, six years into this profession, I’m incredibly grateful for how far I’ve come and for all of my beautiful clients. My business, Olive Branch Beauty, is my biggest accomplishment so far! What started with a 12 year old girl doing acrylic nails on her sister has turned into a hairstylist who genuinely loves her career. I’m excited to continue growing, learning, and seeing where this industry takes me next.
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?
Unfortunately, no—it has not been a smooth road, to say the least. However, I honestly wouldn’t change the obstacles and roadblocks that have popped up along the way because they have shaped me into the business owner and stylist I am today.
In January of 2024, Tennessee experienced a devastating ice storm that resulted in Artistry having to shut down permanently. The pipes froze and eventually burst, leaving the salon flooded and severely damaged. I had lost my job overnight and I was absolutely terrified. I had no idea what I was going to do next.
That’s when I took a gigantic leap of faith and decided to open my very own salon suite and become a business owner! I was once just a creative girly, and suddenly, I had to learn how to become a creative BUSINESS girly!
I had to learn many things I had never been taught. How to market myself, manage the financial side of my business, attract and retain my clients, and make decisions as a business owner. There were definitely moments when I questioned whether I was capable of doing it all myself.
Through all of the trials and tribulations, I learned how to turn on my business-owner brain and make my business, Olive Branch Beauty, thrive. Looking back, losing my job was one of the scariest things I’ve ever experienced, but it ultimately led me into a new chapter that I would not have had the courage to choose on my own.
It taught me that sometimes the biggest roadblocks can lead you directly to where you’re meant to be!
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’m a hairstylist in Franklin, TN, specializing in blonding and short, sassy haircuts. While those are some of my specialties, I also have a huge love for extensions and dimensional color. I really enjoy creating lived-in, low-maintenance, dimensional looks that feel customized to each individual client.
What I’m most proud of is being a stylist who truly listens to her clients. I take a lot of pride in doing thorough consultations every time someone sits in my chair, whether they’re a brand new client or someone who has been with me for years.
I believe the best hair appointments are a collaboration between the stylist and the client. I want my clients to feel comfortable expressing what they want. However, I will always give my professional feedback when I feel there’s a better approach for their hair, lifestyle, or goals. I never want someone to feel dismissed or shot down when they sit in my chair.
At the end of the day, it’s just hair and hair can always be changed. I would much rather create a space where my clients feel comfortable taking risks, trying something new, and trusting me to help them find what makes them feel their best.
I think the combination of technical skill, creativity, and genuinely listening to my clients is what sets me apart. I want every person who leaves my chair to feel like they were heard, understood, and given a look that feels completely like them. My number one priority is making my clients feel beautiful every time they leave my chair.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is making my clients feel comfortable, beautiful, and confident. I want every person who sits in my chair to feel like they can truly be themselves and know that they are in a safe, judgment free zone.
Hair can have such a huge impact on how we see and feel about ourselves. For some people, like myself, hair can be a security blanket- I love being able to give someone a little boost of confidence and watch their entire energy change when they finally see the finished results in the mirror.
At the end of every appointment, I want my clients to leave my chair feeling like the best version of themselves. Not just because they love their hair, but because they feel heard, cared for, and confident.
Pricing:
- Partial blonding- starting at- $135
- Full blonding- starting at- $165
- Premium blonding- starting at- $205
- Zone 1- starting at- $80
- Haircut- starting at- $65
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vagaro.com/olivebranchbeautyllc
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olive_branch_beauty_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1E5w7CHckC/
