Exploring Life & Business with Katie Williams of Self Care Hair

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Williams.

Hi Katie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m proud to be a highschool dropout. 16 year old Katie was itching to work, be creative, and leave highschool drama behind. I’m from Indiana, and thanks to my early start in the cosmetology profession- which my amazing parents completely supported- by 18 years old I had my own apartment and a job at a beautiful full-service salon in Indianapolis. It was great, but I knew I wanted more.

I vehemently wanted to leave the state of Indiana, and after doing some exploration of cities in surrounding states, I fell in love with Cleveland. I moved immediately, got my Ohio cosmetology license, and actually signed up for barber school as well. My ferocity for learning every detail about a topic is something I’ve been made fun of for, but it’s my favorite thing about myself.

After graduating barber school here in Cleveland, I was grateful to gain years of valuable experience at several west side salons. I’ve always enjoyed doing services for both men and women, and this allows me to utilize my dual licenses.

In 2024 I decided I was ready to make a very scary but necessary jump into becoming a business owner. Much like my move to Cleveland, I leaped in with determination and $0 in savings, with the mindset that failure was simply not an option.

Now, in 2026, I am genuinely happy beyond my wildest dreams with a salon suite that checks every box for my ideal working situation. It’s private without being isolated, completely customized thanks to the work of my phenomenal husband, and I still get to be part of a greater salon family. I feel appreciated, accepted, and surrounded by likeminded professionals.

My salon host is called Haircraft, and I’ve really come full circle in the best way- because I used to be a client here when I first moved to Cleveland. I never suspected back then that years later the salon I got my roots done at would be massively improved and expanded under new ownership- and offer suites for rent. I still remember coming here to have my hair done the day I had my first date with my now-husband…and now he’s helped me design and furnish my small business inside these same walls. I believe that it was meant to be.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I can definitely think of some challenges in this industry.
Frankly, I shouldn’t have had to spend thousands on barber school to learn how to properly do a fade, or work on African American hair. Cosmetology schools often ignore some categories of hair education, though of course different schools will offer different experiences. When the main goal of the school is making sure everyone passes their state board exams, practical salon skills are not emphasized as much as test performance. There is a LOT of reform needing to be done in cosmetology schools, and it’s a hot topic nationally. I could see myself potentially getting involved with this in the future.

I also think that traditional commission salons have to- to put it bluntly- modernize or die. Consumer behavior and technology have changed in a major way, especially since COVID. There are a lot of once-successful salons completely stumped about why they are slow and losing staff, but they are clinging to outdated salon practices. Both clients and stylists are no longer interested in being rushed nonstop in a loud, chaotic environment. Hair is more complex and personal than ever, and a common theme right now among consumers is prioritizing peace, and quality over quantity. I can definitely tell you this: while I’m still so grateful for my experiences, commission salons were also thorough at showing me what NOT to do, and sometimes that is the most valuable knowledge of all.

We’ve been impressed with Self Care Hair, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My salon suite is called Self Care Hair. I want to help people with their goals- sometimes that is doing a great balayage service, but it’s also giving them space to unwind, vent, laugh, and get some moral support for whatever they are trying to accomplish in their lives. I love that I can offer my undivided attention to my clients and do everything I can for them without being distracted or rushed. I care about both efficiency and precision, so I cut time where I can without taking away from the quality of the results. One of the ways I do this is using 10 minute haircolor. It really changed the whole way I do business- I no longer double-book, and I’m not really a fan of long waits anyway. I specialize in lived-in color, dimensional blondes, and gray blending, as well as precision haircuts. My goal is to deliver fantastic visual results, but when the client is able to go longer between appointments due to my techniques, (or get in and out with roots done in an hour), I am also delivering them more of their time back.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
My booking link is selfcarehair.glossgenius.com

I am on Instagram: @self.care.hair, and Facebook.com/self.care.hair

My phone number is on my social media and I am available for hair related chats most days. My consultations are always free, and I work Sundays which has been very appealing to some people! My best advertising has been client reviews on Google and I’m thrilled that so many people find me by searching for local businesses or even using AI chat bots to search for top rated hairstylists.

Pricing:

• Women’s Haircut: $58
• Men’s Haircut: $41
• Full Custom Color: $190
• Partial Custom Color: $160
• Root Retouch: $80

Contact Info:

• Website: https://selfcarehair.glossgenius.com
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/self.care.hair
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/self.care.hair