Today we’d like to introduce you to August Snow.
August, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born in Indianapolis, Indiana where I learned the art of hairstyling, and developed my talent, making it my profession for life. Growing Up as an inter-city youth, I watched men being praised for being thugs, drug dealers, cheaters and outlaws, only to end up dead or imprisoned. For a while this was my influence. After experiencing deadly situations, including, almost being shot, stabbed, convicted and then becoming a felon myself, I saw where I was headed, and desperately wanted to avoid it. I was confident that if I continued down this predetermined path, my outcome was death, a long sentence or ultimately my life.
A few years ago, I decided to relocate from my hometown, Indianapolis, IN, searching for growth and the opportunity to discover what more life could offer. My first step was relocating to Houston, TX where I continued working as a professional hairstylist. At that time, I had no real established goals, however the change of environment was much needed. I nurtured my career as a hairstylist in Houston for approximately one year, and during that process I matured professionally and realized that Houston was not fit for me. Moving forward, I continued my journey and welcomed Atlanta, Georgia, which from my perspective was the birthing ground for a lot of successful black leaders and entrepreneurs. This realization had a major impact and influence my decision. I was told that Atlanta was saturated with stylist, was a competitive market and impossible to saturate. Those things meant nothing to me. I trusted the decision, had faith and steadied my path.
My original plan was never to come here to open a salon. I started out here as a new stylist, in a major city, and had to re-build my clientele. I was renting a chair in a salon but it got very tough. As time progressed, I decided to rent out an apartment and basically make the apartment a salon as well as my home. Shortly after, my business outgrew that arrangement, and I decided to get a small salon suite with another stylist. During which time we entertained the possibility of acquiring a salon together, which unfortunately didn’t happened. After about a year in a half I decided that I wanted to upgrade my profession to a more conducive atmosphere. My business partner did not agree with my professional vision, so we agreed to part ways.
Fast-forwarding to the future, I decided that I would step out on my own and get a salon suite. I was unsure of how to initiate the separation from my business partner but at the time, felt that it was the best move for me, and my business growth. I submitted my two weeks’ notice to the owner, my clients, and then proceeded with a professional exit. The salon that I choose was an exception to my desires, and I was excited to further my career in a “brand new” styling community… The day I was initially scheduled to start was also the first day the salon was going to be open. Upon arrival to my first day with pre-scheduled clients, I was told that I couldn’t work because of a situation with the building, and it would be a few days before I could officially start. This news was upsetting because I had clients and had set everything to start working in this new salon. I just relaxed and decided to be patient and wait the few days out.
During the process, I searched around for a few places to work temporarily. I ran into a salon and while meeting with the owner, she mentioned that she was burnt out and wanted to change careers, we talked for a while and established an organic connection. She offered me to come and work there until my suite was ready. The next day when I came she asked me, did I want the salon. Stating that if I wanted it, it was mine. Her belief was that God told her to see that I got the shop, however, she couldn’t just give it to me, but she was willing to work out a reasonable negotiation. This negotiable stance was reasonable, but not reasonable to my pockets. She then offered me time to establish the means necessary.
At this point I was in a state of confusion because I honestly didn’t want the shop, it appeared to be outdated, I wasn’t comfortable with the area, as everything was run down and old. Not realizing, I was momentarily blinded by the blessing God had set up for me. I didn’t realize what I was walking into, nor what I would have to sacrifice to maintain it.
Even though the salon offer was available, I declined it and decided to work the few days and move on with my original plan. I was gonna wait for the salon suite that I had been looking forward to. Contrary to my belief, the day I was told I could start working was delayed by another week. The building was still having issues and they needed more time.
At that moment, I knew what I needed to do, though discouraged because I didn’t have the means to actually purchase the salon, I contacted the salon owner and explained my situation. She told me over the phone that it was mine, and to come in so we could figure out how we could make it happen. I worked tirelessly for a few weeks, hours after hours, late nights, overnights, and with an abundance of faith, and a lot of prayers, I was able to seal the deal! And now I am the proud owner of Eminent 8 Salon!!!
Has it been a smooth road?
It definitely has NOT been a smooth road. I didn’t have any friends or family when I moved here, to Atlanta. So there was no support at all. My family didn’t whole-heartily approve of my decision so instead of them supporting me here, they advised me to come back to Indiana. I had to do my best to stay stable as well as re-build my business. I actually ended up homeless. Then eventually, I worked my way up to be able to pay for rooms. As hard as it was, I’d rather go through the process, and figured each situation out, day by day. I knew I wasn’t going back!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am the owner of Eminent 8 Salon, I specialize in natural and relaxed hair as well as weaves, locs, men and women cuts and colors, and creative innovative hairstyles.
I am extremely passionate and personal about my work and my clients. I take time to connect with my clients so that I can completely satisfy and attend to there needs. As well as build a connection with them. My clients are like my family. Not only do I take care and nurture there hair but I also connect with each and every one of them personally and organically.
I’ve been known for competing and showcasing in hairshows in different stated including Chicago, Indiana, Detroit, Kentucky, Houston and Atlanta as well. Ive also platformed in alot of the major hair shows like Premier Orlando and Bonner Bros here in Atlanta and recently in New Orleans. Along with being seen with, and styling some of your favorite reality stars.
Since I’ve been here in Atlanta, I have been able to advance my talents in different areas. I branched out into radio as a radio personality, as well as acting, and comedy. I also recently started a show called Shop Talk Exclusive @shoptalkexclusive where we discuss real everyday life topics including news, celebrities, motivation/inspiration and more. Of course its always something to talk about at the shop!
Overall I am proud of the growth, and the doors, God has opened, and still is opening, up for me and my business.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I really feel that Atlanta is a great place for entrepreneurs. I definitely believe that it is a good place for hairstylist. Although I feel that you must also have something about you that makes you stand apart.
It can get really rough in my industry. I do believe that you have to have some tough skin, and a lot of faith starting out. But, even If someone wanted to start out here, I would still recommend them. Mainly because , if you are gonna start somewhere, you might as well, start where you want to be. Rebuilding was tough for me, but I believe God wanted me to learn some other thing along the way. Although I feel if I made the decision a long time ago, I would be a lot further.
Contact Info:
- Address: Eminent 8 Salon Spa
990 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd.
Atlanta, GA 30310 - Website: augustsnowhair.acuityscheduling.com
- Phone: 404.549.7316
- Email: eminent8salonspa@gmail.com
- Instagram: @iam_augustsnow
- Facebook: August Snow
- Twitter: @iam_augustsnow
- Other: @eminent8salonspa
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