Inspiring Conversations with Diamond Ford of Don’t Touch My Hair By Hollywood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Diamond Ford.

Hi Diamond, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?

I grew up in the salon world. My mother passed when I was two, and I was raised in Detroit Michigan by an amazing village—my grandmother , my father, step mom and a circle of strong older women, including my grandmother’s sister and aunts. They poured into me, and trips to the hair salon with my grandmother sparked my love for beauty. From a young age, I was styling the girls in my neighborhood, and even in first grade, I got in trouble for taking down my god-sister’s hair at school because I was convinced I could do it better Ha! The look on her moms face when she came to pick her up from school, priceless.

Although I dreamed of becoming a music executive and moved to Atlanta for internship opportunities, I knew hairstyling could provide stable income, so I attended Paul Mitchell and earned my license. From there, I began traveling for fashion shows, working in salons, and eventually running my own business out of my condo using Groupon ads to build clientele.

One of my regular clients had been quietly observing the way I treated people and the service I provided. She later revealed she owned a salon inside a senior living community and asked me to manage it for her. I hesitated at first, but eventually agreed. She retired and after seeing the way I served the residents, the corporation offered me that contract directly, followed by another at one of their other properties.

I had already created the name Don’t Touch My Hair by Hollywood®, but once I began doing the work in senior communities, I branded it specifically as a luxury salon experience for seniors. From the start, it felt like home—like suddenly having fifty grandmothers of my own to care for. Today, with its Old Hollywood theme and heart for elders, my company manages five active salon locations in Atlanta and is expanding into a nationwide brand.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road definitely hasn’t been smooth. One of the biggest challenges has been learning how to truly run a business. Like Michael Gerber explains in The E-Myth, many of us start as technicians who believe having a skill means we can run a company—but business itself is a skill. I had to learn the many components that go into it: finances, contracts, operations, marketing, staffing, and leadership. Over time, I discovered what I could develop myself and what I needed to hire or delegate. It’s a constant process of growth, and having the right mentors and guidance has been essential.

COVID also brought an especially difficult season. With salons inside senior living communities, we faced constant openings and closings, and the uncertainty made it hard to keep stable operations. For nearly two years, it felt like we were starting over again and again.

Recruiting and training stylists has also been an ongoing challenge, because not everyone is prepared for the unique demands of serving seniors. At times, juggling payroll, overhead, and expansion while navigating setbacks felt overwhelming.

But each obstacle has made me stronger. The lessons forced me to build smarter systems, lean on mentors, and trust the bigger picture. What has kept me going is knowing the work is greater than me—bringing dignity, consistency, and joy to seniors who look forward to our services each week, and to the families who want good care for thier loved one while also building a legacy for my family and children.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Don’t Touch My Hair by Hollywood® is a luxury salon management company that specializes in providing on-site beauty and grooming services within senior living communities. Our brand brings Old Hollywood elegance to everyday life, blending nostalgia with elevated care.

What sets us apart is the experience we create and the personalized attention we give. We play the music of our residents’ time, adorn the salon with Old Hollywood photos, and provide services in a way that makes each client feel like a star. It’s more than just beauty—it’s dignity, joy, and a sense of being cherished.

We are known for creating memorable experiences that go beyond salon services. From our signature Hollywood Beauty Extravaganza™ to intimate tea parties and themed events, we transform the salon into a place of connection and celebration.

At its core, our brand is about honoring seniors with luxury, nostalgia, and care while uplifting their quality of life in ways that are meaningful, joyful, and unforgettable.

What makes you happy?
What makes me happy is building something bigger than myself, something my family can be proud of and my children can look up to. I find joy in knowing that the work I do brings relief to families, joy to residents, and creates meaningful connections along the way. I’m also deeply fulfilled by being able to provide opportunities for others, whether it’s through jobs, mentorship, or opening doors they may not have had otherwise. For me, happiness is creating legacy, impact, and joy at the same time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://dtmhairbyhollywood.com/
• Instagram: Hairbyhollywood1
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BWEo8jR3D/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@donttouchmyhairbyhollywo-zj8pt
• Other: https://34fc-hello.systeme.io/hiring