We recently connected with Karen Noel and have shared our conversation below.

Karen, appreciate you joining us today. Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.

I was raised in a culturally rich environment, being of Haitian descent. In many Caribbean households, there was a prevalent notion that certain professions weren’t deemed as “real jobs” – a perspective that might seem amusing. Typically, careers like law, medicine, or engineering were considered legitimate. However, my mother held a distinct perspective. She granted me the liberty to explore my interests and supported the numerous valuable opportunities that came my way. I am perpetually grateful to her for fostering such independence. Talk about doing the right thing, she nailed it!

Karen, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Certainly! My name is Karen Noel, and I am of Haitian descent. I am the second oldest of three children. In my early years, I recall playing with dolls for their hair and learning to style my own hair because of its tenderness. As a young girl, I would discreetly change up my sisters (Helena and Tonya’s) hairstyles, done by my mother, before school, only to revert them back before reaching home. As I grew older, I extended my passion for hairstyling to family, friends, and clients, even during my high school years. Upon graduating high school and during my college years, I seized a job opportunity at a local beauty supply store, where I learned more about customer service, leadership, and business skills. I gained knowledge about various hair products, tools, and extensions. Around a year later, my God sister Marsha A. suggested that I shadow salon owners, and consider working part-time. Taking a chance, I resigned from my job, attended cosmetology school, and graduated in 2016 from the “Hair Design Institute.” Over the past years, I’ve gained 8 years of experience working in beauty salons with now over decade of experience in total. I now operate my own salon studio suite in Edgewood, Orlando, Florida. As a versatile hairstylist specializing in extensions and hair care, I offer clients an elevated, luxury, yet private experience. I’ve worked with models, serviced bridal parties, fashion shows, and special occasions. I also assist clients in curating glamorous beauty routines tailored to their lifestyle while preserving and caring for their natural hair. What sets me apart in today’s salon culture is retaining some of the old-school principles I’ve acquired throughout my professional career. I take pride in my resilience and the relationships forged in the industry. At “Karen Noel Master Hairstylist LLC.,” we aim for a private luxe experience where clients can unwind, be themselves, and leave satisfied.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Sure! When I initially embarked on promoting myself through social media, it took some time to grasp my audience. Sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses as a service provider, leading up to the final results, often propelled my social media presence forward. A piece of advice I would offer to those seeking to grow their following is to identify your niche and maintain transparency within it. I’ve discovered that people appreciate both growth and quality products, and they also connect with individuals – in this case, you, the person behind the brand. This is particularly crucial for service providers, as you essentially are the brand.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

My most effective strategy in growing my clientele is leveraging my social media platforms to showcase my beauty expertise. Share before-and-after photos, beauty tips, and engage with my audience. Collaborate with local influencers or bloggers to expand my reach in the Orlando beauty community.

Contact Info:

• Website: karennoelmasterhairstylist.as.me
• Instagram: @karennoel_
• Facebook: Karen noel
• Other: Email: [email protected]

Image Credits
Photographer (IG) @Flashionableinc. Creative Direction + Makeup Services (IG) @theconcierservicesofhmn