We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Morgan Craddock a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Morgan, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

Rainbow Raven redefines the salon experience with intimate inclusivity, ensuring each guest feels welcome and leaves feeling fantastic. Our salon celebrates diversity and accommodates unique needs, rooted in my journey as a chronic illness survivor and sibling to an autistic individual.

This is a judgment-free zone – from weekly hair washes to correcting box dye mishaps, I’ll be there with expertise and a smile. Embracing beauty in all forms, I work with vibrant colors, brilliant blondes, or
natural hues – any reflection of your personality and style.

At Rainbow Raven, creativity meets compassion, making every appointment an opportunity to celebrate the beauty of individuality.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

When I started doing hair at the age of 18, I knew I wanted to do hair and makeup differently.
I wanted every client to feel heard, cared for, and like they were actually getting what they wanted.
I also knew I wanted to feel like myself, look how I wanted, and achieve that feeling for others as well!

I worked at a few different salons, corporate and family owned, where I couldn’t be myself, take care of clients, make them comfortable, and take care of myself in the same space.

When I finally got the courage and moral support I created Rainbow Raven Salon.

In 2024, I made the decision to go out on my own in a suite, without any loans – only small savings, with the moral support of my friends, family (especially my mom and dad), husband, and most of all, my clients.

I’ve now been able to accommodate moms who just need a quiet break, kiddos who are overstimulated in normal salons, lgbt+ folks, those who have been told their hair is “difficult”, and those with chronic illness and tremors who have a hard time sitting in a salon environment.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

What I’ve found is best is word of mouth, but even more importantly, treating your clients in a way that they WANT to refer their friends to you!

I’ve had clients have insane horror stories of fried hair, chopped bangs, and makeup that was no where near their reference photos for prices that did not match the outcome.
As someone who has had the same experience, all I strive to do is make those clients feel safe and comfortable putting their trust in a professional for their services.

When a client is happy, they tell others. My favorite clients came from a referral from my other favorite clients!

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

As a hairstylist and makeup artist – we are taught to not put on gloves because it take up too much time, not take breaks, to skip lunch, that sitting in anyway is unprofessional and that you will fail in this profession.

I watched multiple stylists say they had to retire at 40 or 50 not because they wanted to, but because they had to due to arthritis, musculoskeletal disorders, cancers, and skin allergies that all could’ve been avoided if they were allowed the time to take care of themselves.

Being someone who has a chronic illness already, I knew I had to lose that mentality and the environments that perpetuate those beliefs. something as small as wearing gloves for your color can help prevent allergies and excessive chemical exposure, sitting between clients or while color processes can save your back, and working shorter hours can allow your the time for occupational therapy to keep your hands working longer.

I still have times where I’ll forget to take a break because it feels like a waste of time and money, but in reality I’m investing in myself and my future as a stylist. I also know that it makes my clients happy to know I’m now able to take breaks, especially my older clients. they always ask if I’ve had a break and will bug me until they are sure I’m taking care of myself!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rainbowraven.glossgenius.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rainbow_raven_salon/profilecard/?igsh=bXV5dno2b3RzcTd1
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Hf7Yz2nMo/

Image Credits

For the 3 photos of myself and 2 photos of my space, Tiffany Marie Photos
https://www.tiffanymariephotos.com/