We had the good fortune of connecting with Karla White and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Karla, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
When it comes to work-life balance, I believe it is a constantly changing flow. Work-life Balance doesn’t really exist unless you’re constantly working on it. I am a mother with two teen boys and my husband is also an entrepreneur, balancing our busy schedules takes patience and more balance than you could imagine. Communicating the needs of the business to my team, who is my husband, is how we keep it as balanced as we can. Our kids joke that all we talk about is business but that is how we keep our lives running. Communication is what our businesses need, our schedules and our kid’s schedules take a lot of work, so balance sometimes looks like a graceful ballerina and sometimes it feels like a tightrope. This year has been more challenging as we have been looking for a location for our salon and the success of our business needed more attention but one of the core values of our business is family. No matter what we will put the needs of our family and our future staff’s family first. Sometimes family first means the business needs lots of attention so it can thrive and sometimes family first means stepping back turning your phone off and enjoying time together. I know it sounds like I am going back and forth and contradiction myself but truly that is what balance looks like, back and forth, ebb and flow.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The path to how I got to where I am wasn’t a straight line, with lots of bumps and even going backward at times. I have been a hairstylist for 17 years. In those years, the main thing that has helped me succeed behind the chair and furthering my personal brand is the education I have received. That is what I believe sets me apart in this industry. I strive to always keep learning but to also always keep teaching. Teaching future hairstylists the how and why of hair has always been a passion of mine.
When I started making Tiktoks in 2019, I knew I wanted to give the knowledge I have gained over the years. “I teach new stylists things I learned the hard way so they don’t have to,” that has kinda become my catchphrase in my videos and I honestly mean it. My fundamental education was the driving force that helped me have the knowledge to work at NYFW with a team in 2023. It was an amazing experience and I knew I could have not done it without everything I learned in the past.
When my salon opens in early 2025, which I’m so excited about, education will be the heart behind it. I want to create a place where hairstylists can live extraordinary lives in and out of the salon and that starts with education. Teaching them not only the how and why of hair but also time management (which I’m still working on) and healthy personal finances, which is my husband’s passion.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Athens is a hot spot in the fall once football starts and visiting some of our friends’ tailgates is a must on Saturdays. There is a great atmosphere in the outside dining in downtown Athens our favorites are Ted Most Best, Cali n Tito’s, and Zz and Simons. We are always going to take an out-of-town guest to Last Resort Grill, make them order the Vidalia Bacon dressing, and save room for dessert. They serve Cecilia’s Cakes and you can not miss any cake or cheesecake on your visit.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
In my 38 years, there are a lot of people that have come in my path and I know it is important to learn from every situation good or bad. But first and foremost I want to thank my husband, Nick, for his support always. And to my mother who has always believed in me and my dreams. I watched her overcoming so many things in her life and it inspired me to always persevere. She sacrificed so much for me and my sisters and to her I owe my success.
And to Kuene Academy by 124 in Lawrenceville, Ga where I attended cosmetology school was the start of my career, and that set me up for success. They have been instrumental in the success of my art behind the chair.
Website: southernblendboss.com
Instagram: @southernblendboss
Other: Tiktok- @southernblendboss