Today we’d like to introduce you to Steve Hightower.
Steve, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started helping my mother do hair in her kitchen when I was very young. She did hair for our friends and neighbors. I majored in Art, and minored in Drama, with a concentration in costumes, which included hair.
I worked in the Drama department and a TV station for two years doing hair and makeup; yet, I had never had any professional training. A modeling agency swept me up and for five years, and after that ended, I was still cutting hair, styling, and doing makeup for many friends.
A friend asked me to draw out a hairstyle for her, which I did, and we went to a very popular and well-known hairdresser in Atlanta. He came out and asked me to explain the haircut, and when I explained it, he handed me the scissors and said do it. I did, and he told me I should be a hairdresser, not working behind a desk.
I went back to my job and quite that day, and then went to a prestigious salon, Stan Milton, and asked for a job. He hired me as a shampoo assistant, and I worked there two and a half years, becoming the lead colorist. I then decided to go on my own.
I had such a passion for the industry; I threw myself into going to every hair show or event I could find. I would save my tips, and even carried peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in my suitcase because I could not afford to eat out while at the shows, but I had to be at the shows. I am a talker, and I pursued every opening in the industry I could find. Doors started opening; it was all about putting myself out there.
I have also learned that giving back to the community is gratifying, and helps to get to know new, influential people. I also focused on classic, healthy hair as well as products, cuts, and styles for Fine and Thinning hair. I also put my focus on a certain type of clientele, which is the well to do and businesswomen, because they maintain their hair on a regular basis.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I feel that even with the ups and downs, I have had a smooth journey. I was subleasing a very small space adjacent to a large space, and that business did not renew their lease. I was given 30 days to move or take over the entire space and build it out.
I had an international trip planned during that time, and I had to entrust the buildout to one of my employees to manage while I was out of the country. She handled it very well, and we opened our new space and expanded on time and on budget. I slipped and fell and had to work with a recently broken hip for a while too.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Steve Hightower Hair Salon & Day Spa – what should we know?
We are an award-winning full-service hair salon and day spa. We specialize in Fine and Thinning Hair, and oncology spa services for cancer patients and survivors.
Our spa team has as won awards for Best of Atlanta massage, lash extensions, facials, waxing, and energy healing work. We have also won numerous awards for Best women’s cuts, best hair color, and best hair extensions.
We have a community focus on helping children in need. We have raised over 1 million dollars over the past decade for small local charities that help children.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
The people that have influenced me include:
Lydia Sarfati, founder, and CEO of Repechage skincare. She has provided motivation, guidance and honest feedback that has helped me a great deal.
Diana Duncan, my sales rep for beauty supplies. She has always kept me up to date on the latest products and given me preferential service.d
I have been blessed with wonderful clients that are successful people in their fields. Many of them have given me business advice and guidance over the year.
I have been fortunate to employ some very talented people. Several have been instrumental in building the business, including hairdressers, front desk people, and spa technicians.
We also strive to be reasonably priced for our level of talent and service. We would prefer being busy and booked.
Contact Info:
- Address: 646 Lindbergh Way NE Atlanta, GA 30324
- Website: http://stevehightower.com
- Phone: 404-264-9006
- Email: stevehightowerhair@gmail.com
- Instagram: 1stevehightower
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1stevehightower
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/hightower_steve
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/steve-hightower-hair-salon-and-day-spa-atlanta
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.
