Meet Karris Reeves-Robinson of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karris Reeves-Robinson.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have always had a love for all things beauty! I didn’t believe (or understand) that I could have a career that supported my passion. I went to college like I was encouraged to do and received a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. I worked unfulfilled for a few years in advertising for a major daily publication in Nashville, TN. Just months prior to the recession of 2008, I enrolled in cosmetology school as a night student at Paul Mitchell The School of Nashville. Within 6 months of starting that program, the publication I worked for laid off over half its employees, including me, just to keep the business from closing. I immediately went all-in to make cosmetology my career as my only source of income. After graduating and becoming a licensed cosmetologist, I moved to Atlanta in 2010 to be a part of the epicenter of Black hair care! I learned so much working for several renowned salons and working under great leadership. I immediately knew that I wanted to open a salon of my own and create the salon experience and client results that I envisioned were possible. In 2019 I started The Collective Salon Atlanta in a salon suite and opened my first stand alone salon in 2023. With a team of five stylists, we have built a collaborative community of artists and clients; sharing education, empowering one another, and encouraging all.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road is never smooth but the bumps along the way are actually stepping stones. Shortly after opening my salon suite in 2019, the COVID shutdown of 2020 forced me to close my doors. I took the hardship as an opportunity to pivot. Immediately, I opened an online store to sale and ship my in-salon hair care products and offered consumer education on at-home hair care via zoom, periscope, and social media apps. This difficult season, not just for me but the world, taught me to be adaptable and agile, and to always find a way to serve others and solve problems.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Behind the chair I specialize in customized hair color experiences. I have vast knowledge, continuing education and certifications in multidimensional blonding, balayage, and color on all curl patterns and hair textures.

Outside of the salon, I’m an artistic educator for L’Oréal which allows me to share my passion for color and curls. I educate in local salons, trade stores, national conferences, and through digital platforms. I’ve worked on national and global marketing campaigns, print and digital photo shoots.

Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memories are all around the holidays and growing up with a large extended family. One Christmas my dad knew we no longer believed in Santa so he gave me and my sister cash and drove us around to all our favorite stores and let us buy our own Christmas gifts! It was awesome, like a shopping spree from a movie.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.TheCollectiveSalonATL.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecollectivesalonatl
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCollectiveSalonAtl
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karris-reeves-robinson-b95739369
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@karrisalyson