We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kayla Cloud. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kayla below.
Hi Kayla, thanks for joining us today. Any advice for creating a more inclusive workplace?
In my opinion there is a super weak spot amongst the salon industry. So many businesses are focused on being financially successful and while that’s an obvious part I believe there’s something much more important. Salons have a reputation for being filled with women and drama. My focus has been to create an environment for my stylists to thrive within the workplace. I wanted to create a safe place for my team to do more than just coexist. We do not compete. We lift each other up in success and we all win together. My team is like family and that is a top attribute I credit to my small business salon being so successful.
Kayla, 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?
My name is Kayla Cloud and I have been in the cosmetology industry for 13 years. I’d say 17 if you counted the years of highschool I spent using box color on myself and my friends at home. (Do not recommend ha!) I have always had a passion for doing hair. I graduated from Aveda Institute of Atlanta and began my career working with a dear friend of mine at her salon in Canton, Ga, I had always dreamed of owning my own salon one day. My home is Ball Ground Ga. At the time it was a sleepy town so opening a salon there was not on my radar. An amazing opportunity fell into my hands that I couldn’t pass up. But being a hairstylist is always financially risky as we are commission based pay. I was so worried about my clients following me to my new town. I can remember begging my stylist friends to uproot their business to join me. My family and friends helped me renovate an old building in our downtown historic district. I am forever grateful for my father and uncle who are handy and can do just about anything! Our building has so much character that adds to the unique experience our salon has to offer. We have an amazing team that is capable of creating high end services at a reasonable price point. One of my favorite compliments clients have shared is that all our employees are so welcoming and inclusive that our space just feels like home. I plan to continue this culture as we further expand our space and team in the upcoming months!
Any advice for managing a team?
Managing a big group of ladies has been a challenge but a fun one! I think you attract whatever vibe you’re giving off. Thankfully my team has always been a positive group. We spend a LOT of time together outside of work. Something I offer as a Christmas present every year has been a trip for us to all go on and get ready to start a new year together. It keeps us close and our relationships strong!
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I know everyone is tired of talking about Covid but it set my business on fire. We were forced to stop working and taking clients for five weeks. There’s never been a time I’ve been away from work that long. Still responsible for rent and bills with no help from the government, we found new ways to create revenue by creating take home color kits and selling products to customers through social media. Once we returned to the salon we haven’t slowed down since. We’ve grown from 5 to 10 stylists with support from assistants. We launched an apprentice program. We have completed an expansion and are currently set to begin another expansion with no stopping in sight. We are living the dream!
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.parlourandmain.com
- Instagram: Parlourandmainsalon
Image Credits
Kadie Shaw, Tori Turner