Meet Keenan Artelli

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

Hi Keenan, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’ve known since I was a kid that I was meant to be in the hair industry. I was that little kid cutting my Barbies’ hair and using actual highlighters to give them “color.” It wasn’t just play—it was creative expression. My brain has always worked in a visual, imaginative way, and I realized early on that a creative career was the only path that truly made sense for me. Hair was it for me.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Keenan Salon was born out of a need I didn’t see being met, especially in the South. There’s never really been a space where the queer community could get their hair done in a way that feels truly gender-affirming. The industry had drawn a hard line between “men’s” and “women’s” cuts, and that just doesn’t reflect the world we live in anymore. I wanted to create a space where everyone feels seen, heard, and celebrated, regardless of how they identify.

What sets us apart isn’t just the services we offer, it’s the experience. From our hourly, gratuity-free pricing to our thorough consultations and inclusive approach, I’ve reimagined what a salon can be. It definitely hasn’t been easy. building something different means navigating a lot of unknowns, but staying true to our values and listening to our community helped us grow.

I’m proud that we’ve created more than just a salon, we’ve built a safe space. A space that allows people to show up as their full selves and leave feeling more confident than when they walked in. That’s what keeps me going.

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.
Being born and raised in the Atlanta area, I know how much this city has to offer, and I love showing it off. Definitely head down the BeltLine to soak in Atl energy. Maybe pop into spots like Ponce City Market for some food and shopping, and grab drinks along the way—maybe the roof of the Fourth Ward Hotel for the views.

We’d spend a day exploring Little Five Points, probably get matching tattoos, 🙃 hit up some vintage shops, and just vibe with the weird, artsy energy there. Another day, we’d brunch hard at Bread and Butterfly then head to Piedmont Park to chill.

I’d make sure we have dinner at Beetlecat, because oysters and cocktails.. duh! And one night we’d go all out for a vibey dinner at the new Yeppa off the Beltline.
We’d definitely catch a drag show at City Winery or see a live show at Variety Playhouse.

Atlanta’s got layers, and I’d want to show them all, from gritty and eclectic to polished and glam. That mix is what makes this city so damn cool

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Definitely Destroy the Hairdresser, I worked with them about a year ago. They gave me the tools, the freedom and the support I needed to shape my business into something I had only dreamed about. It’s one thing to say you’re a business owner—it’s a whole different thing to confidently make the big, scary decisions that come with it. Having someone who challenge you, support you, and help you zoom out when you’re stuck in the day-to-day was a game changer for me.

Website: https://Www.keenansalon.com

Instagram: @keenandoesmyhair & @keenansalon

Twitter: TikTok – @keenandoesmyhair

Image Credits
Photos by Christie Abascal