We recently connected with Heather Holland and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Heather, thanks for joining us today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

When I was naming my business, I had many thoughts about what I wanted, as well as what I didn’t want. My three main concerns were: avoiding cliche names for a hair salon, having something that could be cross-branded if I decided to reach beyond a hair only business, and something that was personal to me. As a Nashville transplant having grown up in Illinois, I wanted to have something that represented both parts of my life. I googled all the state things- birds, trees, butterflies, plants, etc. I came up with many combinations, but eventually landed on Oak + Iris. Oak is the Illinois state tree, Iris the Tennessee state flower. I thought the name also represented stability, growth, and beauty. I am so happy with the name I chose, and how it represents who I am now and where I came from.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I grew up in a small-ish town in Northern Illinois. From a young age, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the beauty industry. When I was 19, my childhood best friend and I moved to Nashville. TN, where I completed my cosmetology program.

After about ten years of working both in salons, as well as teaching at a cosmetology school, I could not shake the feeling of restlessness. While I loved working with my clients, I didn’t love where I was working anymore. I came to the decision to open my own business, because after working in multiple salons, I realized I would never be able to find somewhere that checked all my ideal workplace boxes. Instead, I chose to create my perfect salon environment.

What I am most proud of in my business has been creating a place where clients feel seen and valued. I wanted to create a space that feels beautiful but comfortable. It is such an honor to have a place where people are able to bring their laptop to keep up with their workday, or open up and share deeply personal things about themselves. My goal is to offer whatever space my guests need on any given day.

I pride myself in my ability to communicate with clients and potential clients. I love having open conversations with my guests about what their goals, what’s possible, and steps we need to take to achieve a certain look. I have had many guests share that they have never been able to find a person who “gets” their hair. I have found that it often boils down to poor communication, and I make it my goal to bridge communication gaps. As my business grows, my goal is to maintain a culture of communication between staff and guests.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

My favorite part of opening a salon suite, as opposed to starting with a full-size salon, is that we did not have to come up with an excess amount of capital to start out. It makes small business ownership accessible to “average” people. My husband and I were able to take out a very small loan to fund our startup costs- establishing an LLC, purchasing products for retail sale, backbar products, and all the supplies I need for day-to-day operation.

My husband is a skilled furniture maker, so he built a coffee bar and some shelves, as well as a geometric design wall. Being able to utilize his skill set was very helpful in creating a gorgeous space, and save some money to use in other areas of the business.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Instagram is an amazing source for new clients. I have gotten new clients from instagram posts and reels. I have also had many existing clients forward my instagram page to their friends and family when they recommend my services. Having my work easily visible, as well as easy access to my booking site right on my profile, has been invaluable in attracting new clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: Oakandiris.com
• Instagram: @nashville.stylist @oakandirisnashville

Image Credits
Corey Allen