We recently connected with Kelli Smith and have shared our conversation below.
Kelli, 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?
Hello! My name is Kelli Smith. So, funny story…. I got into this industry on a whim. When I was in high school, we had a trade program. Offering everything from nursing, welding, automotive… and, cosmetology. I already had plans to go to college for… get this, criminal profiling and/or forensic pathology. Turned out the plan I had of having a backup career in the beauty industry became my passion and my full time career- now I just get my crime fix via shows, lol.
I enjoy my girls I get to call family and work beside every day. We are always learning from one another. I am extremely proud to watch them grow and learn. I am most proud of THEM. This industry is hard, no matter what position you hold in this industry- it is HARD work.
I am always focused on being outside of the box, not your average salon. I never want a boring salon. I love changing the vibes with different personalities, art, services, furniture- you name it. Harlow is far from boring.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
The customer is not always right. I know this is a hard pill to swallow, for some. Being in customer related industries you’re trained that you are wrong one, always. Not everyone is able to be pleased, not everyone understands that sometimes your employees come first. It took me YEARS to learn this. Years to not take everything personally. I see it all the time in all service industries, and I feel like this is very relatable to many. It is ok to say “no” and draw boundaries. We are all human, and deserve to be treated as such. It’s very easy to be bullied and taken advantage of in service industries. It’s time to change that and take care of the people who take care of you! Don’t let people waste your time who dont respect your time- the one thing none of us can get back…. Time. My Mama taught me that :)
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Not being the average salon or average owner. I believe in word of mouth, not advertisement. I believe in individuality and being able to express yourself! I think that personally, my reputation is very forward and I try to be very transparent. I would rather be honest with my guests than promise things that are not realistic. Honesty is the best policy!
Contact Info:
- Website: Harlowcharleston.com
- Instagram: @harlowcharleston
Image Credits
Salon : Dan Steffy