Check Out Koree L. Thatcher’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Koree L. Thatcher

Hi Koree L., we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am Koree L. Thatcher and I’m a Stylist, Practitioner, Coach and aspiring Author. I am a 4th generation business owner, and in my salon practice I am your first responder to hair loss and my expertise is your first line of defense.

Growing up, I experienced working in the family business that my great-grandparents built, Thatcher’s Fish & Poultry. It was one of the first black-owned businesses in the historical Walnut Hills in 1933 and lasted for nearly 60 years. My earliest memory of exploring entrepreneurship for myself, included telling my daddy that I would one day also own my own business. I started with braiding hair during the summer breaks and, after a few years of working in the store, braiding hair quickly became my summer job during my teenage years.

In honor of the legacy that my great-grandparents built, I named my business THATCHER LYNN Salon & Wellness. Now, with over 27 years of experience in the beauty industry as an Advanced Licensed Cosmetologist, I have been self-employed my entire adult life. My passion for the beauty industry began with my mother, my first and longest standing customer. She would often sew her own clothes every Sunday for church, and I was often inspired by her style and tried to recreate her looks.
I always admired her fashion and beauty.

In the 27 years that I’ve been in the beauty industry, it has changed but, my desire to create a lasting impact has continued to evolve. I’ve always strived to offer a different and unique experience for those that I serve. One of those experiences is what I like to refer to as talk tHAIRapy. There’s something about the Stylist’s Chair that has the tendency to get you to the heart of the matter. The hair salon is known for its therapeutic sessions and in more recent years there has been a growing focus on holistic health. I’ve always incorporated holistic practices into my salon services which includes building the confidence of women. Confidence building is mental health advocacy and what better place to be empowered than in the hair salon.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Building my business hasn’t necessarily been easy because being a business owner has many challenges. I am thankful that I have been able to endure and grow over the years with the constant ebbs and flows of business and industry changes. However, regardless of the obstacles that I’ve faced, helping women to become the best version of themselves is always the most rewarding part.

The hardest part for me along the way was battling my own health challenges, dealing with Pulmonary Endometriosis and navigating early signs of menopause in my early thirties. The prior generation prepared me for business but there was no conversation surrounding menopause. So, this was extremely challenging while trying to build a business at the height of my career. It was literally the most emotionally draining and exhausting time in my life. Unfortunately, the health care system did not always work in my favor and my voice was not heard. I did not have the wisdom, knowledge or language to properly advocate for myself. Now, I use my personal health journey and current expertise to be a resource for women who are in search of menopausal support, relief and patient advocacy.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I coach, support and service menopausal women who desire to be heard, validated and have more confidence while balancing midlife hormonal changes. Understanding that Hair Care is Health Care, THATCHER LYNN Salon & Wellness is the first menopause-friendly hair salon in the Cincinnati area. I specialize in women’s health, helping the professional woman, in menopause, to bridge the gap between her hair, health and hormones. Hormonal changes cause imbalances that often lead to hormonal hair loss, and two-thirds of women experience hair loss during menopause. A lot of women are not aware that they are able to receive help to combat their hair loss or that menopausal support exists. I am honored to serve women in a way that helps them to regain their confidence and in a way that is unique for my industry. I am also proud to be an advocate for women who often feel unseen and unheard, and it allows me the opportunity to use my creativity and personal experience to provide holistic solutions and a safe space for women in menopause.

I currently have several certifications as a Trichologist which is the study of hair and scalp diseases and disorders, a Skin Analyst, PsychoHAIRapist – a mental health advocate, and a Holistic Peri/Menopause Health Coach. What I offer as a Holistic Health Stylist and Practitioner is beneficial to the overall health and well-being of the menopausal woman. Whether it’s hormonal hair loss, menopause health, confidence building, mental health or patient care advocacy, THATCHER LYNN Salon & Wellness is the bridge between your hair, your health, and your hormones.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Having mentorship and coaches are definitely necessary and beneficial for personal and business growth. The areas that I desire to grow in, whether personal or business, I seek a mentor or coach. I’ve consistently had a coach for the last 5 years and my business has grown in ways that I may not have experienced without their help. When seeking a mentor or coach, it’s important to identify your specific goals and what you hope to gain from that relationship. This will help you find the person who is in alignment with your aspirations. It is also important to work with someone who has experience in what you desire to accomplish and has a genuine interest in your growth and development.

Networking on the other hand, is all about community. I have found that your greatest resources are found when you think outside of the box. While it’s important to find groups of like-minded individuals, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they have to be in your same industry. However, they must be a good compliment to your overall goals. I attend events that may seem unrelated because I never know who I may come in contact with. I’m sure this may be an unpopular approach, but it is one that has helped me to build community and has awarded me longevity in my business. Building genuine relationships is also key to networking and building community. Your focus should be on how you can add value to others while also learning from them.

Mentorship, coaching and networking is essential to any thriving business. All three serve a different purpose but play a crucial role, nonetheless. Keep an open mind, be proactive, and choose wisely!

Pricing:

• Hair, Health & Hormone Consultation – $375 Introductory price.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thatcherlynnsalon.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatcherlynnsalon
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thatcherlynn
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@fromthestylistschair

Image Credits
Koree L. Thatcher
Anthony Thatcher/Billfold Films
Nate Howell/Songbook phOtos