Meet Laura Austin | Salon Owner

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

Hi Laura, why did you pursue a creative career?
I’ve always been a creative person—whether it was through stand-up comedy, improv, or writing, I’ve always found joy in expressing myself and making people feel something. That same drive naturally led me to the world of hair. Even as a kid, I loved working with my hands, experimenting with color, texture, and style. Hair quickly became my favorite medium because it’s personal, ever-changing, and such a fun way to help people express who they are.

Pursuing a creative career felt natural because it allows me to combine technical skill with artistry every single day. Whether I’m designing a bold color, crafting the perfect cut, or styling a bride for her big day, I get to help people feel like the best version of themselves.

Opening Salon 9 ¾ was my way of turning that passion into something truly personal. It’s not just a salon—it’s a space where imagination and artistry come together to create a little everyday magic.

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.
My career in the beauty industry has been a journey fueled by passion, creativity, and a deep desire to help people feel their best. What sets me—and Salon 9 ¾—apart is the unique blend of artistry and storytelling I bring to every client experience. I don’t just cut or color hair; I create personalized transformations within a magical, welcoming environment that encourages self-expression and confidence.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t always easy. Like many entrepreneurs, I faced challenges—whether it was carving out a client base from scratch or building a salon in an unconventional space (a basement!). There were moments of doubt and uncertainty, but my love for the craft and the support of my community kept me moving forward.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the power of resilience and authenticity. Staying true to my vision—combining my creative passions with professional skill—has been key. I also realized early on that relationships matter: building trust with clients, listening to their needs, and delivering consistent quality are what create lasting success.

What I’m most proud of is creating a space where people don’t just get a service—they experience something memorable. Salon 9 ¾ is more than a hair salon; it’s a little portal to joy, confidence, and magic in everyday life.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that creativity and care go hand in hand. Whether you’re coming in for a bold new color, a precise cut, or styling for your wedding day, you’re entering a space where your story matters. I’m here not just to style hair, but to help people shine in their own unique way—no magic wand required.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
f my best friend was visiting Atlanta, I’d want them to experience the city’s unique vibe—plus a little wizarding magic to keep things fun. Here’s my enchanted three-day plan:

Day 1: Food and Fun

Brunch at Another Broken Egg Cafe to start with some delicious Southern flavor—think of it as your “Great Hall” breakfast.
A stroll through Piedmont Park—perfect for imagining you’re wandering the grounds of Hogwarts.
Explore Ponce City Market, where you can shop and snack—and don’t miss the rooftop at Skyline Park, which has fun games and views that might just feel like a glimpse from the Astronomy Tower.

Day 2: Culture and Nightlife

Visit the High Museum of Art—a place that feels almost magical with its stunning exhibits and architecture.
Lunch at Krog Street Market and a walk on the BeltLine to admire colorful murals that could inspire any wizard’s creativity.
Dinner at South City Kitchen for elevated Southern cuisine worthy of a feast in the Great Hall.
End the night with live music at The Tabernacle or cocktails at The Lawrence—perfect spots to unwind after a day of spellbinding exploration.

Day 3: Outdoor Adventure and Relaxation

Take a trip to Stone Mountain Park—imagine it as your Forbidden Forest adventure, with hiking and breathtaking views.
Return to the city for wood-fired dishes and cocktails at Two Urban Licks—a cozy spot where you might just feel the warmth of the Gryffindor common room.
If time allows, wind down at The Atlanta Botanical Garden, where the magical flora could easily be mistaken for plants from Professor Sprout’s greenhouse.

With a little Harry Potter magic sprinkled in, your trip to Atlanta won’t just be memorable—it’ll be spellbinding. And hey, if you’re in town, don’t forget to visit Salon 9 ¾ for your own magical transformation!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I owe a huge part of my journey to the incredible people who’ve supported me along the way. My parents helped me believe in this dream from day one and helped me financially to bring the vision of Salon 9 ¾ to life. Without their support, the magical little space in my basement would’ve stayed just that—a dream. They basically became the Ministry of Finance in this whole operation.

My friends played a huge role too—offering emotional support, honest opinions, and the occasional reality check when I got a little too carried away with decorating ideas (yes, I really did need floating candles). They’ve been sounding boards, cheerleaders, and the kind of people who show up with coffee and unconditional encouragement.

But the real MVPs are my clients. Their trust, loyalty, and referrals are what keep Salon 9 ¾ going. The fact that they continue to come back, send their friends, and let me express my creativity through their hair means everything. I might be the one with the shears, but they’re the ones who gave this whole thing life.

So to my parents, my friends, and especially my clients—thank you. I couldn’t do this without you. And if there were a magical spell for eternal gratitude, I’d be casting it daily.

Website: https://www.LauraAustin.net

Instagram: Salon_934

Image Credits
Lola Scott provided the pictures of myself and the salon.