Meet Heather Dunbar | Owner and Extension Specialist, GROW Extension and Color Lounge

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

Hi Heather, what do you attribute your success to?

I really wanted Grow to be a space of empowerment, both for clients and for stylists. I think happiness has a trickle down effect, so I always try and focus on creating that from the top down.

As stylists, we need to feel inspired to create. It was really important to me to give our team the space to do that. We all have unlimited vacation days, and set our own schedules for what works for our lifestyle. We’re always looking for new and innovative techniques, and learning from each other. I think that passion and energy gets passed down to our clients.

Being specialists in hair repair and extensions, we spend a lot of time consulting with our clients and tailoring their services for their long term goals. We learn all about their lives, and guide them in creating a look that is realistic for them and makes them feel like their best self. We spend a lot of time together and our clients become family, we laugh and cry, and share life’s biggest moments. I think our experience is unique and intimate, and all of this together has driven our success.

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 started specializing in extensions around 10 years ago, and it gave me a new love for the beauty industry. I began seeing guests who had all kinds of trauma, either with their hair or in their life. Over time I started learning more extension methods and was able to customize this service in even better ways. I focus on making sure their natural hair is healthy first, so eventually people can wear extensions because they want to, not because they need to. Hair is so important to women, it tells their story, and it can give them the confidence to pursue their goals. There’s nothing better than seeing a huge smile on my clients face when they look in the mirror and feel powerful and beautiful, and that’s why I opened Grow!

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?
There are so many awesome places in Atlanta it’s hard to choose. I’m really looking forward to it being safer to gather, so we can enjoy outdoor music and festivals again!

My can’t miss food spots are Bocca Lupo for the Black Spaghetti, Lazy Betty for the Tasting Menu, Firewall Foodstop on the Westside for Woodfired Pizzas and Sandwiches, Kimball House for Oysters and Skirt Steak, and Marcel for a celebration or splurge. Tiny Lou’s rooftop is always fun for cocktails!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m really thankful to my parents, who always supported me in pursuing my passions and following my dreams. My husband, Phil, who is one of the most dedicated and hard working people I’ve ever met. I have always been inspired by his drive, and I feel really blessed to have a partner who always challenges and supports me. Devyn, who was right next to me every late night and long hour opening Grow and creating its vision, and our whole team. I’m also lucky to have an ambitious and inspiring group of friends that encourage each other to level up and take chances. Karla, who cared for our family while I opened a business during the pandemic. And of course, my two little girls, who motivate me to do better every day, and who I wanted to show you can do anything you work hard for!

Website: www.growhairlounge.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/growhairlounge

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/grow-extension-and-color-lounge-atlanta

Other: https://g.page/growhairlounge

Image Credits
Virginia Reese Photography