Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashlee Whitaker And Jaime Hilliard.
Ashlee Whitaker and, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
We are two stylists and salon owners who decided to team up and create a new type of salon. We both experienced some level of “hair hurt” in previous industry experiences mostly from scarcity minded competition. We set out to build a new type of salon where we build one another up with support, encouragement, and friendship. At the Collective we stand behind the mindset that there is enough business and provision to meet everyones needs. We created a Hybrid salon, allowing stylist and other industry providers an option that suits their work environment style. Private Suites, open floor, rental, or commission, we’ve got it! We are committed to ongoing education and consider ourselves an education salon. Learning new skills behind the chair as well as learning the business side of ownership. Our core desire for every one of our stylist is to not only be top of their skill but to feel confident in every aspect of how to run a successful business; from taxes, to payroll, invoicing, P&L, forecasting, goal setting, and beyond.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Smooth???? lololol what good story is ever described as smooth? Certainly not ours. You could say we were both shoved into this opportunity before we were truly “ready”. We had 60 days to 1) find a new location 2) permit and retrofit an entire building 3) find the right stylists to join this crazy journey. 4) open the doors
We can only truly credit God for what happened in an impossible turn around. Permit process was seamless, our contractors turned out to be angels and friends by the projects completion, one of which sadly passed away shortly after we opened our doors.
Just as we were getting our legs under us, we got the word the rest of our building was about the be vacant and we had no other option but to take on that lease as well. 4000 square feet in what felt like overnight. We’re still walking out the renovation for the other side but will usher in open doors January 1st 2026.
As you know, we’re big fans of The Collective . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We are a Hybrid Salon, first of its kind in our area. We offer different types of rental or employment with a heavy focus on teaching stylists the art and pleasure of running your own business. Creatives are incredible at their craft but often find it difficult to understand the business side of their own business, often times leading owners and their salons right off the cliff.
We specialize in all things hair and beauty. All color and styling services, extensions, bridal, esthetics, massage, and medspa services.
We are most known for the way our guests leave after spending time in our space. They never want to leave, and they feel like family.
We pride ourselves on a warm and inviting atmosphere that also feels elevated in style.
At The Collective we seek to grow a space where beauty and belonging thrive.
Any big plans?
The future for us is very fluid. We are not set on one way our business has to go. We want to make sure that we have a group of people that support each other. Not your normal salon/spa. We do have plans to double in size at the new year!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thecollective-beauty.com
- Instagram: the_collectivebeauty
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/Thecollectivebeauty
- Other: https://laspossastudio.com
