Check Out Courtnee Walker’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtnee Walker.

Hi Courtnee, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey hasn’t been traditional, but every step taught me something valuable.

In 2007, I moved in with my sister and graduated from high school in 2008 while working part-time at a nursing home. I initially attended college to study psychology and sociology, but while supporting myself financially, I decided to take a break from school.

During that time, I pursued something I had always been passionate about—hair. I became a licensed cosmetologist in 2012 and turned a natural talent into a career. From 2012 to 2017, I worked in a variety of salon settings, including commission and booth rental, and had the opportunity to work with companies like Taliah Waajid and Revlon. Those experiences helped me build both my technical skills and industry connections.

In 2017, becoming a mother gave me a stronger sense of purpose. I relocated to Lawrenceville and set a goal to own my own salon before my son started grade school. I intentionally worked in different salons to study how successful owners operated, taking note of what worked well and what I wanted to do differently.

In January 2020, I took a leap of faith and opened my first salon suite with just one client. On my first day, I earned $1,000, which confirmed I was on the right path. When the pandemic hit shortly afterward, I used that time to focus heavily on marketing and growing my client base.

By the end october of 2020, I had outgrown my suite, hired my first assistant, and began operating at full capacity. In January of 2022, I secured my own building and launched Culture Curls, while my son started school in August of 2022

Today, Culture Curls continues to grow as a business focused on healthy hair, education, and creating a luxury experience for clients. Looking back, every challenge helped shape the entrepreneur and leader I am today.

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?
No, it definitely has not been a smooth road.

Like many entrepreneurs, my journey has come with a lot of challenges and uncertainty. One of the biggest obstacles was financial instability while trying to build a business and support my son as a single mother. I had to make strategic sacrifices, including taking pay cuts and stepping into unfamiliar environments so I could learn how successful salon owners operated.

Starting my business in January 2020 was another major challenge because just a few months later, the pandemic shut down the beauty industry. Like many business owners, I faced uncertainty about whether my business would survive. Instead of giving up, I used that time to focus on marketing, strengthening my business systems, and preparing for growth.

There were also emotional challenges. Starting over in a new area, building a clientele from scratch, and taking risks without guaranteed success required a lot of faith, discipline, and persistence.

But every obstacle taught me something important. The struggles helped me become more resilient, more strategic, and more confident as both a business owner and a leader. Looking back, those difficult moments were some of the most valuable parts of my journey because they forced me to grow.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am the owner of Culture Curls, a salon in Lawrenceville that specializes in healthy hair care for textured and curly hair. My mission goes beyond styling hair—I help women learn how to care for and embrace their natural texture.

I realized that many women were never taught how to properly care for their natural hair or curls. As a result, they often hide behind weaves or rely on styles that keep them disconnected from their own hair. I wanted to help women fall in love with themselves by teaching them to embrace their crown. Going natural may start as a hair journey, but it often becomes a broader lifestyle transformation that encourages healthier habits, greater confidence, and deeper self-acceptance.

I specialize in silk presses, curly cuts, natural hair treatments, and luxury head spa experiences that combine scalp care, relaxation, and holistic wellness. Over the years, I’ve become known not only for delivering healthy, beautiful results, but also for educating my clients and helping them understand their hair.

What I’m most proud of is building my business from one client in a small salon suite into a thriving salon and brand. I’m equally proud of the impact I have on my clients. My goal is to support women on their journey while I adjust both their crowns and their attitudes. When you look good, you feel good, and there is something powerful about truly loving the skin you’re in.

What sets me apart is that I focus on the complete transformation—not just the hairstyle. I combine technical expertise, education, and an elevated client experience to help women feel confident, empowered, and beautiful in their natural state.

What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is creating a life of freedom, stability, and purpose for my son and me, while making a meaningful impact on the women I serve.

As a mother and entrepreneur, my son has always been my greatest motivation. He inspires me to build something lasting—something that not only provides financial security, but also shows him what resilience, discipline, and faith look like in action.

Beyond my family, what matters most is helping women rediscover their confidence and embrace who they are naturally. So many women struggle with self-image and have never been taught how to care for their natural hair. By helping them understand and love their hair, I’m often helping them love themselves on a deeper level.

I also value growth and legacy. I want to build more than a successful salon—I want to create a brand and a body of work that educates, inspires, and empowers others. To me, success is not just about income; it is about creating opportunities, serving others, and leaving a positive impact that extends far beyond me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.culturecurls.org
• Instagram: @culturecurls_hairboutique
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/culturecurlshairboutique
• Youtube: @culture_curls