Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Stevie Carter of Morningside

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Stevie Carter. Check out our conversation below.

Stevie, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity is the most important quality on that list. It’s about keeping your word, showing up, and being dependable. It also means doing the right thing when no one is watching—and doing it without expecting recognition. Is energy important? Of course. But energy levels naturally vary from person to person, and within a team we can adapt to balance and support one another. Intelligence matters too, but we each bring different strengths and areas of expertise, and together those differences make the team stronger. I think we can practice our integrity every day in small ways, but I think integrity is something we inherently possess. I think of it like our moral compass – I try to surround myself with people who possess high integrity because that translates to trustworthiness and reliability.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Stevie Carter, and I’m the Education Director at Keenan Salon in Atlanta, GA. I love working at Keenan Salon as the Education Director because it allows me to bring together both my business background and my passion for the craft. With an MBA and a Master Cosmetology license, I get to support the business side while also staying deeply connected to the artistry of hair. One of the most rewarding parts of my role is running the Bloom Program, where I train and mentor new stylists. The Bloom Program is designed to bridge the gap between cosmetology school and starting work behind the chair, with the goal of helping new stylists feel prepared and confident in their abilities while also feeling supported. I’m especially proud to do this work at a queer-owned business that prioritizes inclusivity—knowing that the values we live by align with creating a welcoming, affirming space for both our team and our guests makes the work even more meaningful.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Dishonesty and insincerity can quickly drive a wedge between people and damage relationships. They can even prevent new connections—both personal and professional—from ever taking root, because most people respond best to authenticity. One compliment I’ve received often over the years is that others see me as “genuine,” and I believe that quality has helped me build strong, meaningful connections. Leading with honesty and showing up as your authentic self not only prevents unnecessary issues but also creates the foundation to rebuild trust when challenges arise.

When did you last change your mind about something important?
I had been working for myself since 2022 and assumed I’d continue that path until retirement. As a salon suite renter, I even took on an apprentice in 2024, but it became clear that she—and I—would benefit more from being in a team environment. I realized I was feeling uninspired and lonely working on my own, and I deeply missed the energy of being part of something bigger. At the start of 2025, I began researching salons in the Atlanta area and ultimately found Keenan Salon. After only a couple of months there, I felt happier, reconnected with my passion, and truly fell back in love with my career. That’s when I knew closing my business to join a larger team was the right move—especially because it gave me the chance to step into a hybrid stylist/educator role in such an inclusive, safe space for Atlanta’s queer community.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, absolutely! I might be a little sillier at home, but what you see is truly what you get. I’m not someone who pretends or puts on a façade—it’s just too exhausting. I genuinely love what I do, from the clients in my chair to the incredible stylists I work alongside and those I get to train. At the end of the day, I’m just happy to be here and to enjoy the energy around me.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What light inside you have you been dimming?
I don’t do that anymore. I’ve had too many partners try to make me feel small in relationships and hit far too many glass ceilings in my career. I once had a male CEO tell me to “sit at the desk and be pretty” when investors came in. I’ve been harassed for serving a largely queer and diverse clientele. I’ve had friends and so-called business partners steal from me and attempt to damage my reputation. Those experiences taught me never to dim my light again. Instead of fading into the background, I choose to speak up, to stand tall, and to say what needs to be said. I stand up for myself and for those in my circle, and I am fiercely loyal to the people who invite me to the table and genuinely value my voice.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.keenansalon.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/steviecarterhair