Meet Alana Polanco | Salon owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alana Polanco and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alana, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I have loved the salon since my Aunt Hattie Mae used to press my hair and I had to sit on a booster to be tall enough for her to reach me. The salon has always been a happy place for me. It is a place where I feel at peace and the rest of the world fades away. In those moments, the two most important things to me are patience and precision. I know that both the stylist and I are making an investment and the mirror payoff is what makes every minute worth it for me. My dream has been to be a part of creating this happy place for others. I think that this is a true part of well-being that people should take the time to prioritize and experience. I applaud and respect stylists or better yet artists that can take a simple verbal request, and their hands and eyes work in unison to create such dynamic masterpieces that are reflected in the mirror to the client. I treasure, respect, and appreciate the role of a stylist and it is also part of my dream to create an environment that supports, encourages, and nourishes the well-being of the stylist’s artistry… In 2018, I met the love of my life, my husband who has been my biggest supporter and coach. He inspires me to pursue my passions and encourages me to believe that I can and will be successful. One day, I finally came home after researching salons while under dryer getting my hair done lol that I wanted to start a salon and that I had found the perfect place. The things that transpired next clearly showed me that this salon location was for me. It was a rare gem, in a beautiful location and centrally located… and the rest is history. I made an offer and didn’t look back. It has already brought me so much joy getting it ready to be a “happy place” for so many.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am most excited about building an amazing team that supports and challenges each other. I am proud to say that we value the true artistry and expertise of stylists and will remain steadfast in support of their well being and the client. I would say I got where I am today by allowing myself to dream and believe. My faith is my strength and ultimately is what leads me to venture into my dreams knowing that the “how” is sometimes better revealed as we walk towards the light of our dreams. I’ve overcome challenges by having a great support system of confidants. These are key people that care for you and not only provide support but hold you accountable to your dreams. I want the world to know that Concourse Dream Salon is a place of peace and tranquility. I’d almost say a midtown Atlanta well-being oasis. Each person that enters our salon has an idea of how they want to see themselves, we take that image and use that to create their experience. We do see each appointment as a unique opportunity to send a client into the world feeling and looking their best. We believe beauty is a universal language and we offer men and women’s services.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to credit and recognize my mother. This phenomenal woman showed me and told me that I could do and be anything I put my mind to. She has been my most faithful and true best friend and mother and that’s a gem that every woman needs. She is my muscle and bone !

Website: Concoursedream.com

Instagram: Dreamsp0209