Inspiring Conversations with Savannah Harmon of Salon Kulture And Suites

Today we’d like to introduce you to Savannah Harmon

Hi Savannah, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story begins in Cleveland, Ohio. The youngest of three girls born to a very resilient woman. Being the youngest and after experiencing some childhood trauma, I matured quicker than most of my peers. Like most little girls, I didn’t play with doll heads. Not only was I the youngest of my siblings I was nearly the youngest of my cousins. By age 6 I learned that I had a love for styling hair. It was a gift that came natural to me. My sister six years above me was my first muse. She had the thickest hair. I would slick her hair down neatly but my hands were too small to grip it all so she would have to put the ponytail holder on it.
It was the age of six, I knew I wanted to be a hairdresser that would travel the world. I was an honor student, an overachiever. Because of my academics, college was an expectation. I graduated seventh in my senior class. National honor Society student, Class President, a cosmetology license plus additional clubs. My high school guidance counselor told me after sharing with him my dream to by a hair stylist, “you’re too smart to just be a hairstylist.” He helped me get a full tuition paid scholarship for four years. After my first year of college, I dropped out in pursuit of being the hair stylist I’ve always desired to become. Growing up as a young teen I was known as the neighborhood braider. At the age of 14, I was earning nearly $25 an hour from my braiding skills which made it difficult for me to be an employee for anyone other than myself.

After dropping out of college, I honed in on my craft, invested in advanced training courses. I learned the entrepreneurial side of the business from trial and error, my greatest teacher has been experience. I’ve trained as an apprentice for several years. I’ve competed in local and national competitions and I’m proud to say I’m an award-winning stylist soon to be a published stylist.

Born a leader, I have always been passionate about informing and educating others to assist in reaching their potential. For years, I was an understudy to my mentor learning precise skills, branding, how to orchestrate advanced training courses, as well as industry shows for Cosmetologist and Barbers. After years of hard work and dedication my career was elevated. I became a six figure stylist and then a season came where I knew it was time for me to spread my wings.

My husband and I felt that we were being called to another city, after visiting Vegas a few times we learned it was a good market for our vision. We prayed on it. 2017 we relocated to Vegas. I have been married to my husband for 16 years. We have 3 children 14, 7 and 4. My husband is my greatest friend, my person, my love, my business partner and my biggest supporter. The journey we’ve been on has not been easy, but it has been worth it!

There wasn’t any money to do a build out from scratch the way I desired but we are believers. My spirit told me to start looking for a salon location, so we did. As we began the process doors began to open, opportunities presented themselves. While on a visit to Cleveland I received a phone call from a friend of mine telling me she was standing in my salon. Someone had began renovating a preexisting salon, sat on it for 2 years without opening and walked away. I couldn’t get home fast enough from that trip. And that’s when Salon Kvltvre was born!

Our business is turning 4 soon. We are a full service salon offering Hair, Nails, Skin, Body, Makeup & Barber Services. Our culture and mentorship is what sets us apart from all other salons. Our culture is warm, welcoming, classy, family oriented and supportive of one another. We invest into your skill set, we teach the business side of the industry that is beneficial to your personal and professional development. We are a safe space, one that’s nostalgic to those who can recall black salons we grew up in. Except we have elevated the experience. Our guests are like family. At Salon Kvltvre its about the experience.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
2. To those around me I think they would say my journey has been easy because everything I’ve set out to do I’ve accomplished. However it has not been smooth. It’s required a lot of hard work, persistence and expensive mistakes. Being one of the first in my family to be self-employed and an entrepreneur was a struggle. It was challenging finding a mentor that had experienced, or possessed the knowledge I needed to guide me toward my vision. Another challenge for me was overcoming my shyness, being concerned of what people thought of me , and if they were interested in what I had to offer or say. I worked diligently to build and invest in the person I’ve become.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
When I envisioned a salon I wanted it to embody every facet that makes up the beauty culture. That open floor plan of a traditional salon where customers familiarize themselves with other technicians customers, you’re welcomed by name from the staff, open dialogue about current events. A learning environment where it’s team driven! And if you work better alone we have a couple suites. We are your one stop shop for all things beauty.

We provide hair, nails, skin, body, makeup and men’s grooming services.

We are known for being an upscale black owned salon with great customer service and our team comradery that is uplifting, positive and fun.

Our culture sets us apart. We value the experience, educating our customers as well as our team mates. Our team is not for one type of people. We cater to all textures and skin types.

I’m most proud of our growth as a team and the growth of our staff individually. I’m proud of their skill set growing, their growth in client retention and being open minded to new things.

Unlike most salons Salon Kvltvre is invested in educating artists on how to build a business and become a six figure artist.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I had a mentor for many years that I can attribute my hair cutting skills too, Kristofer Blu. He taught me a lot about branding, platform artistry, educating and organizing events.

I’ve worked with many great stylists along my journey, my friend Robin Prettyman I learned weaving, styling techniques and creative marketing from working with her in her salon, Beauty Boutique.

My family unit is so strong, they’re my village. Many of them have been apart of my journey and helped me get here. Their prayers, wisdom and friendship has played a vital role. My husband is my pillar, my children are my Why. My mom is my Queen. I admire her, she was my first role model and equipped me with many life skills. Whatever she didn’t know, she pushed me to figure it out!

I’ve been so fortunate to be surrounded by successful women. In this season of life I’m around the most female entrepreneurs than ever before. I’m grateful for my circle and network. They help me to be better, in my faith, balancing family and business and prioritizing myself.

My team at Salon Kvltvre keep me motivated. Their belief in my vision is encouraging. I’m invested in seeing each of their growth in life and business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.Salonkvltvre.com
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/salonkulturelv
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/salonkvltvre?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits
Herb Bias, Jennifer Poser, Thirty3 M3dia