Meet Kimberly Vann of Studio Eleven Fifteen in Dunwoody

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Vann.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I began my career over 20 years ago as a hairdresser for a large corporate salon. As I began to grow as a new stylist and learn from my co-workers with many years of experience; I realized that although I loved WHAT I do, but I wanted to do it on my own. I wanted to have my own salon.

The trend started with a just a few salon suites in the Atlanta area and then that concept blossomed into a large sect of stylists wanting their own salons without all the hassle of running a large stand-alone salon. This is where I branched out on my own.

In 2012 I opened my first salon studio in my town a few miles outside of Dunwoody, GA where I was still working as a full-time hairdresser. I needed to see what it was really like to run a business on my own without the worry of that being my only income. It was GREAT! I finally told my manager that I would like to leave the salon where I had learned so much and go closer to home. He was actually ok with it and didn’t want me to leave. He understood though. I really liked that. I told my clients what I was doing and the ones who wanted to follow me where more than welcome, but anyone who would find it difficult to drive that far-I understood. Sometimes we have to be willing to lose a few clients in order to gain peace of mind and reach our next stage in our career. Everyone is not meant to follow you. You are not meant to stay in one place forever. A flower that is never watered will eventually die.

To my surprise, way more clients followed me and continued to follow me from that point on. I have settled here in Dunwoody again at Salon Studios Beauty Mall right across the street from the mall and salon I used to call HOME. I love it! It has been three years that I have been here and I can’t wait to see how far it goes on my own! My next stop will be opening my Hair and Wig Boutique where I will share the gift of hair care and hair extensions with anyone who wants a little GLAM in their lives!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has definitely NOT been a smooth ride. Being on your own as a salon suite owner, everything is left up to you. You run the books, keep up with the finances or lack of when you don’t have a client or someone cancels. You are your own social media manager and so on so forth.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Studio Eleven Fifteen story. Tell us more about the business.
Studio Eleven Fifteen is a salon studio that specializes in hair care for all hair textures. We offer classic services such as blowouts, wand curls, color and keratin to additional services such as hair extensions and bridal hair. Studio Eleven Fifteen provides high-end service at an affordable price. We also work with the other salon suites in our studios to give you a full salon experience every time you come here. Simply tell me what services you would like such as lashes, brows, massage, skincare or barber services for the man in your life and I will be your concierge to make sure your visit is as seamless as possible.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t believe in luck. I believe what God has for me will be for me. I also believe that if I don’t do the work to keep my business going-I won’t receive the reward of a good paycheck and an open business.

Pricing:

• Micro Link Extensions start at $350/up
• Blowdry and Silk Presses start at $50
• Hair Color starts at $65
• Custom Wigs start at $150

Contact Info:

• Address: Salon Studios Beauty Mall
  1151 Hammond Drive, St. 200
  Studio 102
  Dunwoody, GA 30346
• Website: www.shopatlvirginhair.com
• Phone: 770-510-6537
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/studio1115
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/studioelevenfifteen
• Other: www.styleseat.com/studioelevenfifteen

Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.