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

Hi Kelsey, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
As the salon industry has evolved over more recent years, I’ve seen a gap in what salon employees are looking for versus what salons are offering. Particularly in the hight of social media marketing, stylists are often running their own business to a degree, even without being independent stylist. My business partner, Lauren and I thought, why not offer a space for both.

Creating the vision for The Collective Studio, we would like to offer a space to bridge the gap between the flexibility of working solo and working in a supportive, collaborative environment.

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.
Being a hair stylist can mean so many different things. Commonly people assume being a stylist as a way out of a “real career” but the most successful, driven people I know are stylist. Want to work 2 days a week and leave work at the door? Great, be that stylist. Want to be a global educator and travel the world, be that stylist. Salon owner, mentor, educator, life long assistant… there is a space for everyone.

Working in a creative realm, in the early years of my career, has been such a challenge- learning new techniques, understanding client consultations and trying to stay ahead of the next new trend. Now, being a more confident, experienced stylist, this creative realm is an outlet for me. I could slang out hair color all day and be a happy lady. Particularly now as a new mom, I am really grateful for my career having such a creative element.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am such a foodie, I feel like all of my recommendations are just that.

Some of my must have Atlanta spots would be Del Bar, Bastone, Ranger Station, and most definitely a trip south of the city to Sensu- the best sushi restaurant in all of the land!

A beltline/ PCM trip is imperative for visitors, especially if you can rent bikes from Atlanta Bicycle Barn, grab a margarita from Superica and explore the local shops along the way.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to think that my success is built on a multitude of salon experiences across a few states. While that may be a driver for my vision, I truly believe that my mom is thank for my progress. Never once in life has she ever put a limit on success for me. She has always pumped me full of confidence and fostered every interest I’ve ever had to the fullest.

Instagram: @kelseydennard

Image Credits
Sarah Joy Photo (brand pictures) Laura Mack Photography (family picture)

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.