Rising Stars: Meet Kathleen Stanley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathleen Stanley.

Hi Kathleen, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Starting as an employed stylist, I’ve always found it difficult to work in such a competitive field. Traditional salons can sometimes be tough to fit in amongst a team of women. Between strong personalities, the pressure to dress and look a certain way, and demanding hours, I felt my personal boundaries were constantly being pushed beyond my liking.

Each salon brought different challenges and yet each one stifled creativity and personal growth. In 2018 I decided to try something different. I rented a single-chair studio and started AGAPE. I was able to use products that better reflected my passion for an organic lifestyle and work with companies whose beliefs mirrored my own. I felt I finally had the opportunity to connect with my clients on a much deeper level and no one was listening in to edit my conversations. The desired freedom that came was enlightening but there was still something missing.

While working in a studio with several other entrepreneurs under one roof, I quickly learned the competitive nature only grew. It was in that studio that I understood the value a salon family can bring and how a lack of support can make you feel. I wondered if I’d ever feel at home. I knew if I ever wanted to work in a salon that met these simple qualifications, I’d have to start it myself.

AGAPE ORGANIC SALON + SPA has resparked my passion for the industry. I strongly believe that the salon does not only belong to me, but our entire tribe proudly takes ownership. The success and growth we experience comes solely from Love- and that’s exactly what AGAPE means.

So, while this article is meant to capture my personal growth as an entrepreneur, the “I’s” have became “we’s” and this story is about us all.

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?
AGAPE was built in 12 weeks. A typical build-out takes much longer. Between permit delays, a tight financial budget, and 16-hour days, AGAPE’s beginnings were no easy feat. We opened in October of 2019 only to be shut down six months later due to COVID mandates. Upon reopening the management structure took a sharp turn when my best friend and co-owner moved out of state. Today we find ourselves rebuilding AGAPE once again. This repetitive cycle of new beginnings only serve to make us stronger.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a stylist and salon mentor, I specialize in helping others find their groove. Serving my team by growing their strengths and editing their weaknesses as well as offers them an opportunity to become the best version of themselves. Our salon is structured on goals- personal and professional and I love being able to help them achieve their dreams. We set high standards on serving our community with the highest level of quality we can offer- not only through services and products but within genuine interactions as well.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
There are a handful of clients who have mentored me along the way but one who has held my hand through one of the toughest struggles. A friend and client, Betsy has been incredibly influential in both my personal and professional life and embodies the strong and loving businesswoman I can only dream of becoming. She’s also introduced me to books written by industry leaders such as Dave Ramsey and Christy Wright who have motivated my career decisions.

Contact Info:

• Email: Hello@agape-salon.com
• Website: www.Agape-salon.com
• Instagram: @agapeorganicsalon
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/agapeorganicsalon

Image Credits
Kelly Kubicki