Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Olive Huffman. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Olive, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

Risk taking is a huge part of how I got to where I am today. One of the first big risks that I took in my career was when I made the decision to niche down from doing all hair services to specialize strictly in hair cutting. Ever since cosmetology school I was drawn to hair cutting over coloring, styling, nails, facials, etc. Early on I had come to the mindset that I had to do everything to make money in the hair industry. That a lot of the money was in hair coloring and chemical services. At 4,5 years into doing hair I found myself not enjoying my job the way that I dreamt of when I started. I was working 12 hour days, doing so many hair colors and foils back to back, for clients I didn’t really love, at a salon I didn’t fit in at. I was at a crossroads. I knew my passion was hair cutting but didn’t know how to get there. I didn’t know how to find clients that would want fun haircuts and not colors. I didn’t know how to find a salon that would even let me not offer chemical services. I didn’t know how I would even make the money to make ends meet. I had a hairstylist that I really looked up to in the industry give me some advice that truly changed my life. I told them where I was at, and where I wanted to be. That I wanted to do cool fun haircuts, all day, everyday. They told me “wow that sounds great you should do it!” They proceeded to tell me that everything is achievable, you just have to take the jump and do whatever it takes to make it happen. I immediately changed my whole careers trajectory. I stopped taking the services that didn’t bring me joy and committed to do everything I could to make my dream a reality. That first risk is really what led me to where I am today. I think about that mentors advice often and am always finding new risks to take in my career that will help lead me to where I see my future self.
Since then I have taken many career risks, all have been hard, but have paid back tremendously. I took a risk to go independent and open my salon suite in December 2021. In 2022 I took the risk to start offering hair cutting education for hairstylists. This year in September of 2023 I took the biggest risk of my career, expanding from my salon suite to opening a full brick and mortar business, my pride and joy, The Space Salon.

Olive, 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?

My name is Olive, my pronouns are they/them, and my instagram is Olive The Hairapist. I am a haircut specialist, educator, and new salon owner located in Fort Wayne Indiana. I provide inclusive, sustainable, and affirming haircuts for all individuals. The history of hair hasn’t always been inclusive. Haircuts are usually gendered “women” and “men”. That’s a little effed up, all genders can have any length of hair and look cool. I have a fully gender-free service menu. As a non-binary identified queer person myself I want you to feel the most confident and the most “you” that you’ve ever felt! “Queer Hair” doesn’t have to look any type of way but it is always affirming. It leaves you feeling empowered because the end result is authentic to YOU.
This year I opened The Space Salon, an extension of my original brand and message. When you walk into The Space Salon you will find:
A welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all people. When we created our space we wanted to ensure that it feels safe and like we created this space specifically for YOU.
Genderless and ageless services. We have created a salon experience that transcends age and gender. All of our services are based on the time your service will take.
Compost bins, recycling bins, and refillable low tox products. We are passionate about our Earth and creating the least amount of waste possible.
Flat rate gratuity-free prices. Our hourly prices are all flat rate and we don’t accept any tips on top of that. We do this so prices are clear and transparent so there’s never any surprises at check out.
A community focused environment. We are so passionate about showing up for our community, both for stylists, clients, and the Fort Wayne community at large. roducts that are clean, cruelty free, low tox, and sustainable. Hair care that both heals your hair and scalp, while smelling irresistible.
No hate speech. We show love for everyone here. Racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, ageism, body shaming, etc. We do not tolerate hate here.
We are curating a safer space where everyone is welcomed AND celebrated.

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

My advice for creatives out there wanting to grow their audience on social media is to lean into your uniqueness and show up as YOU. When I first started in my career I made the mistake of showing up as the person I thought others wanted me to be. I dulled myself to make myself more like-able for others. When I made the switch to being authentically myself 100% of the time, I realized that that moment is when I found my community. Lean into the parts of you others don’t know about. Do you love cats and have 8 of them? Do you play Dungeons and Dragons in your free time? Are you super into the music scene? Share those things! People will connect with you over what it is that makes you, YOU!

Does your business have multiple or supplementary revenue streams (like a ATM machine at a barbershop, etc)?

I am a strong believer in having multiple streams of income, for myself this has helped me grow and see that there is potential to grow in more than just one area. My main income is my hair cutting career. I work four days a week taking clients and creating cool haircuts. I gain most of my clients for haircuts through Instagram, and word of mouth. In 2021 I added in affiliate links as my second stream of income, while I am doing my clients hair I talk them through how I go about styling their new cut. I generally use about two hair products to achieve their style and at the end of their appointment I send them a message with the links of the products I used on them, then whenever they decide to purchase those products I get a commission from each sale. This is a win win for both myself and my guests. Everyone is using hair care products at home, this way they get recommended products that they know will work with their hair, and it supports me in the process. In 2022 I added hair cutting education in as my third stream of income. Cutting hair is my passion and now I get to share my tips, tricks, and techniques with other hair stylists throughout the mid-west. I offer one on one classes as well as group classes on my signature haircuts and get to travel to other salons to share and pass down knowledge. It has become one of my favorite parts of my career to connect with like minded hairstylists and share space. This year in September I officially opened The Space Salon, my 7 chair commission run salon. The salon will be my fourth stream of income! There are so many avenues in each industry and I really recommend finding creative solutions to expand your reach and build in your niche.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.olivethehairapist.com
• Instagram: @OliveTheHairapist and @TheSpaceSalon

Image Credits
Abby Schwantz Alesandre Relue Haley Dicks MC Nevers Melissa Passons Olive Huffman