We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lauren Stirzaker and Kelsey Dennard N/A a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Lauren Stirzaker and Kelsey Dennard, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
Our mission at the Collective Studio has always been rooted in the idea that every individual is beautifully unique. No two people are the same, and every person is a canvas on which we get to display their beauty. Building close relationships with the people we work with and learning what makes them who they are is a way we can also learn about ourselves and develop our own understanding of what beauty is. Being creatives, we’re additionally lucky to have an outlet that allows us to build others up in the process of doing what we love. When we first decided to go on this adventure together, it was clear we had the same core focus in mind in terms of what we wanted to create, and we haven’t looked back since! The Collective Studio is still new and definitely growing, but in the coming years, our goal is to bring more stylists on board. We want others that embrace the same philosophy to grow and express themselves freely and apply those things outward to the people they work with.
Lauren Stirzaker and Kelsey Dennard, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Together, we are the Collective Studio! The two of us met at a salon we worked at previously. We saw a need for a more modern salon concept, an easy-to-understand menu, a schedule to accommodate a better work-life balance, and a space to allow creatives to do just that. We have been in the industry for 12 years and have had the benefit of learning from incredible stylists and mentors in that time.
When opening The Collective Studio, we had a desire to use clean, sustainable products that are good for ourselves as well as the environment. Evo was the perfect fit! We both have a passion for education, and love representing Evo as educators.
At the Collective Studio, we take pride in creating an environment for everyone to feel comfortable with who they are! We have an intimate salon space where we cater to the details. Our focus is on hair color and extensions. We specialize in modern color techniques that enhance someone’s natural hair. This allows guests to have a seamless grow out and maximum longevity.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
Our biggest asset in growing a clientele has simply been prioritizing the guest experience and performing an extensive consultation. A more in-depth consultation allows us and our clients to have the same expectations before starting and ensures they understand the path to–and will ultimately be thrilled with–what they’re seeking out of a service. Healthy hair, happy clients, and clear expectations speak for themselves and lead to plenty of referrals.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
We utilize text, social media, and e-mail to discuss appointments, new products, styling tips, and the happenings outside the salon. We are fortunate to have many long-time clients. Those relationships are invaluable and have formed lasting friendships.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @thecollectivestudioatl @lastirzaker @kelseydennard
Image Credits
@sarahjoy_photo