Meet Charity Hunter | Owner of Crown of Beauty/Licensed Master Cosmetologist

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

Hi Charity, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
To me it was simple, following my dream. Since I was a little girl I wanted to be a hairstylist. The plan was to go to college to study business, and then attend Paul Mitchell cosmetology school, get licensed, then get to work so that I can eventually own a salon or chain of salons. I have a suite in a salon and that is a start!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Outside of being a licensed cosmetologist, I feel I’m set apart from most because my brand is faith based, not just in the sense that as the owner I am a believer of Jesus Christ, but the entire foundation of my brand is openly faith based. I post faith based and inspirational content, sometimes I play gospel/Christian music in my suite, and one of the most important things I believe I can do is pray for my clients before they sit in my chair and while they’re in it. When I am shampooing, I pray over them and their hair. Now this isn’t something I do aloud, I understand everyone may not be comfortable with that, and that’s fine; I pray to myself. As a hairstylist, clients are constantly talking about their life challenges or things that are going on with them. I use that as an opportunity to encourage, give advice if solicited, and to pray for whatever it is they’re going through. I believe prayer is an effective way to get things changed and for things to come to pass, as long as it’s in God’s will. I also pay attention to what my clients say so that I can follow up about it during their next visit or check up on them in between visits if necessary. I genuinely care about my clients. To some extent they are family.

Getting to where I am was not the easiest, but also not nearly the hardest. I thought my journey would be simple, black and white. Go to college, go to cosmetology school, get licensed, work in a salon, then make my salons work for me. Well, most of that went as planned until I got to a place where I was extremely discouraged about my skillset and felt defeated. I allowed what and how someone spoke to me get the best of me and make me believe I wasn’t as good as I knew I was or could be. I looked up to this person, and it made me not want to have anything to do with hair anymore. I take full responsibility because we should never give anyone so much power to where they stop you from doing what you know you are called to do. That’s on me though, and this is hind sight. At the time, I was young and not as mature as I am now, so I ran from my gift and the work, moved to Florida and taught kindergarten for a year. Major difference right? I loved kids, but didn’t have the passion needed to teach; so it wasn’t enjoyable. It was quite stressful to say the least. Needless to say, that didn’t work out, but I stayed and finished the year. After that I ended up moving back to Georgia, and I started working at Northwestern Mutual Goodwin, Wright (NMGW) in Buckhead. I was determined to make my mark there and break records, and I did. I started out working at the front desk, they call it the Director of First Impressions. I had no intentions to stay in that position long. It was typically a requirement to remain there for a year or so, then explore to move your way up. Well, after only 3 months, I was asked to interview for a new position. My boss at the time was impressed with my attention to detail and how fast I learned. She thought I’d be great for it. I got the job, then 3 months after that, I was offered a temporary position to fill in for the CEO’s Executive Assistant while she went on maternity leave. It was remarkable, to had only been there for 6 months and asked to work in such a high capacity and position. I was honored, and of course knocked it out the park. After that time was over, I went back to my previous position and remained there until I left the company January of this year, to be a full time entrepreneur. About a year prior to leaving, I eased my way back into hair life, you can only run from your calling for so long and it was past time for me to get back. I began working at the salon with Mercede on the weekends, and then switched from full time at NMGW to part time so that I could work more in the salon. One thing I can say about NMGW is that they support their employees and want to see them accomplish their dreams. They didn’t have to allow me to do that, but they did and worked with me, for that I am grateful.

All this to say, it wasn’t a straight and narrow road to get where I am today, but I made it and I’m not turning back! This is my dream, my passion, and I’m going to do whatever I need to do to make it work. God has graced, anointed and blessed me for this, I have no option but to succeed.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1, 9 times out of 10 were finding some seafood and probably going to cook it at the house. We have never lived in the same place, except in college at Tuskegee University where we met, so when we get together we bond over cooking a good meal. We’ll have a good dry red wine to sip on while we cook, either good jazz or R&B playing in the back ground and just vibing out. Day 2 we’re sleeping in because we probably had a late night talking, then having brunch at Toast on Lenox. That’s a favorite of ours. Day 3 we’ll most likely find an outdoor activity, hiking or something. We both love a good steak, so one night we’ll have to do dinner at Hal’s or Little Alley Steak. Day 5 would be a day of the arts, hitting up the High Museum for an exhibit or another art gallery. Then that evening, more good food and a speakeasy. Because she’s my bestie, she knows all my family and other friends, so day 6 we’re hanging with them! Neither of us like to be bound to a schedule when we are visiting each other, so a day or two of flex time is necessary. All in all, as long as we are enjoying girls time that’s a great time to us!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My initial thanks has to go to Sherita Cherry! She was my first mentor out of cosmetology school. I learned a lot of “in salon” and foundational techniques from her. I am thankful for the wisdom and knowledge she gave me and am grateful for my time in her salon.

Secondly, I would not be where I am if it weren’t for Mercede Hightower, Owner of Bellemay Salon Studios! From the time I met her she’s always been a great example. She has believed in me and gave me a chance. I have learned so much from her and am thankful for her mentorship, encouragement and her providing me the opportunity to grow as a stylist in this industry. I believe that in order to get somewhere, you have to have at least one person in your corner that’s already where you’re trying to go. Mercede is that person for me. As I stated before, I’ve learned a lot, but still have so much more to learn. She doesn’t gate-keep and is all about bringing people up with her. I appreciate her so much and always try to make sure she knows that. I believe in giving people their flowers while they’re here, and she definitely deserves them. Thank you for everything Mercede, I love you!!

I also would like to shoutout my husband and parents! They have been extremely supportive along my journey, and help me in so many ways so that I’m able to do what I need to do. Thank you all, I love you!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crownofbeautystyles?igsh=MWg3MmVmcHE2d3loYg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091684495328&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Other: Personal instagram (hair stuff and my normal life)
https://www.instagram.com/loveis_charity?igsh=NnNyZHV3NWUwaHF5&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
Marissa Jean Photography