Community Highlights: Meet Patricia Forte’ of Studio Forte Spa Salon & Co Inc

Today we’d like to introduce you to Patricia Forte’.

Patricia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started out at the age of 12. My mother was wearing a Jheri curl at the time. On Saturday’s when she went to get her done, she would be there from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. On one particular Saturday, I actually went with my mother and watched the stylist apply the chemical to my mother’s hair. I asked the stylist if I could get a list of everything that she used. Little did she know that the next time my mother needed her hair done I would be the one doing it. At the very young age of 12, I did my very first Jheri Curl on my mother. When I turned 15 years old that’s when I started doing relaxers, coloring, and cutting hair for my friends’ mother. I remember cutting my best friend’s mother hair just by looking at a picture in a magazine. My friend’s mother said her stylist asked who cut your hair? At first, I didn’t want to do hair because I was intimidated because a woman’s hair is her crown and taking on that challenge should not be taken lightly. I didn’t think I would be able to master or meet the expectation because we are so particular about our hair. After high school my mom recommended me to go to a technical school to get my certification to become a licensed hair stylist. However, I resisted, and I went to Alabama A&M University to become a civil engineer. Three years in as an engineer student I became pregnant with my oldest daughter Jasmayne and was devastated. I felt like I had failed not only myself, but I had also, failed my parents. One day I had a long talk with God, and I asked him what is my gift that will make room for me and make my way prosperous? And a small voice answered it’s in your hands, your gift is beauty. A light bulb went off in my head and I immediately applied to beauty school.
In 1997, I completed my educational training and received my cosmetology diploma and became certified as a licensed cosmetologist by the Secretary of State of Georgia. As a celebrity hair stylist, I have over 28 years of professional cosmetology experience. I have worked as an educator for L’Oréal Professionnel, Silk 2, and Namaste Laboratories. I have worked as the hair stylist for the cast members of the stage play “Miss Independent” providing services for Miss Robin Givens, Mr. Christopher Williams, and Miss Shirley Murdock. Some of my work has been showcased in Hot Atlanta Magazine and Studio Forte was showcased as a spotlight business in the Fayette Women’s Magazine. My passion and concern for the self esteem of young ladies led me in 2013 to establish the Esther Project 212. A nonprofit organization focused on emphasizing self value and inner beauty. The Esther Project 212 provides healthy educational resources designed to assist young ladies with self esteem, instilling good moral character, and skill sets to encourage and nurture self worth. The Esther Project 212 provides hair care products to the less fortunate young ladies within economically challenging community so that on their first day of school they look and feel empowered by the beauty from within.
After becoming a certified trichology specialist, my interest in hair loss grew. As I begin to service clients who have been affected by alopecia. Again, that small voice has instructed me to pursue my medical degree so that I may understand the root causes of alopecia.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been a smooth road. However, with my faith in God it has afforded me the opportunity to grow, give back and pass my gift down to my daughter, Breah. My biggest struggle was finances, learning how to manage money without a guarantee. As an entrepreneur building a service business is hard especially when you do not have a large amount of capital to start with. I really stepped out in Faith. I have never had a loan for my business. God told me no, that he would show me how to do it His way. I had to learn how to forecast, understand slow periods, and marketing that didn’t sabotage or de-value your services.
I am the first business owner in my family and I didn’t have a mentor.
Being a young mother, wife, and business owner was so hard. I remember crying pouring my heart out to God, reminding him of what his word said. I had just stepped out on faith and opened my first salon. It’s a Friday and I literally had 2 customers all day and I would close at 3:30 pm (on a Friday) upon leaving I would ride by other salons in the area and it would be crowded. I began to stretch my hands towards those salons and say “Me too Lord. I am a money magnet and my gift will make room for me. I call my professional clients from the north, south, east and west. They are dedicated, good paying customers, who will help me build my business so I can provide for my family as I represent you on the earth.”

God told me he was preparing my foundation. He said prepare for them. I began to listen to beauty experts, attend classes, and work on my professionalism. I began to study my competition. I found my niche that separated me. I remember being at work on a Friday night and I looked at the clock and it was 1am. I said to the Lord. “Me too, Thank you”

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Studio Forte Spa Salon & Co Inc?
Studio Forte is a full-service beauty salon dedicated to consistently providing customer satisfaction by rendering excellent customer service. Only professional products are used as you are indulged with a professional candor and a concerned presence that puts you in total control of your ultimate hair experience. You will enjoy satisfying results due to the complete Wellness system designed to stimulate growth and promote healthier and more manageable hair. Studio Forte will provide you with a much needed and appreciated flair for privacy allowing you to be pampered and a cozy and soothing ambience to help eliminate the stressors from everyday living at an affordable price. We will also maintain a friendly, fair, and creative work environment, which respects diversity, new ideas, and hard work.
Studio Forte is considered a woman’s haven where we offer our clients a relaxing environment with a wide range of services and products.What I want women to know about my brand is that my gift is to elevate, encourage, and empower whoever God leads to my chair. I have been given the gift of beauty. I specialize in healthy hair first; enhancing your natural beauty. pixie haircuts, color, and extensions are my signature services. My technique and customer service sets me apart because I believe beauty is from the inside out. I can really do this in my sleep; it’s my gift! My ability to serve and connect with women through a nurturing spirit is what I am most proud about. All the customers I have had over the years speak highly about my service, quality of work, and appreciate the knowledge I share with them to help make our community better. I want readers to know that Studio Forte’ is working on a product line with supplements to help with restoring hair loss.
Grand Opening coming soon!
www.studiofortesalon.com

What’s next?
Yes, I have big plans. I am pursuing my medical degree as a Dermatologist. I believe I have the gift to bridge the gap between medicine and hair loss. I would like educate individuals how to recognize and understand deficiencies internally that are reflected externally.
I am also completing my 501C-3 for my non profit organization The Esther Project 212. As the founder and director, this project is dear to my heart as I aim to encourage and promote self esteem amongst our young adolescent’s and teens. I host back to school events donating hair and hygiene products to economically challenged communities.

Pricing:

• Shampoo/Style $55
• Signature Pixie Cut $ 75
• Single Process Color $ 75+
• Double Process Color $ 140 +
• Hair Loss Restoration By Consultation

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.studiofortesalon.com
• Instagram: therealstudioforte

Image Credits
Reggie Anderson Atlanta, Ga
Gobi Photography Tyrone, Ga