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

Hi Lauren, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve been a hairstylist for quite sometime, and through the pandemic I’ve witnessed a lot of change in this industry! Since the pandemic, many people have gone to closed suites to work, and have left the traditional salon spaces! I opened up a salon to bring the old feel back. An open floor concept, to be able to socialize and network, and a music vibe instead of a tv!

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 believe that they are some amazing hair stylists in this area, but what sets me apart is hair care. It’s important that underneath the style, we have a head full of strong healthy hair. When it comes to my clients, not every one can get everything they want. I’m proud that I have set a standard of making sure that when a client comes in and asks for something specific, such as color, their hair has to be a certain integrity for me to apply it. I take caring for my clients hair seriously, such as a doctor does their patients. I also do not use relaxers, as I do not believe they are good for the hair or body!

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.
Metro Atlanta is a great place to visit! I have several great places I love to eat at, and I would start at Nanas Chicken and Waffle in Conyers, Ga. It’s a small, inviting great place for New Orleans inspired food! They have many signature waffles, as well as great fried chicken to go with them! Another great eatery is Versace, located in the Gwinnet area. The ambiance is latin culture and the food is delicious. Whether it’s mofongo, or great rice and beans, this is a hit! Satto thai eatery is located in downtown Atlanta, and is a great place to eat thai food! Besides riding your bike on the beltline, or having a picnic in Piedmont park, there are great places for entertainment. Ponce city market is a great place to shop and eat, and they also have a rooftop where you can eat, play mini golf, and games! The illuminarium is a great place to visit as well. They have 4k interactive technology, in-floor vibrations and scent systems that make you feel like you are experiencing an adventure. I would definitely visit the Martin Luther King Center and museum. It’s fill with so much culture and information on Martin Luther King, his life in Atlanta, as well as his many achievements.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, my children. They have supported me and helped to lift me up when I felt like I was going to give up before I even got started. My loving family, who helped hands on during the process, and supported me mentally from the time I signed a lease, until the day we opened our doors. There are several hairstylists who I’ve learned from in this industry. We support each other, and still continue to learn from one another. Before I actually stood behind the chair as a stylist, I was an assistant to Lotijade Stanton. This assistant job, came on the brink of me loosing my job in corporate America. My intentions were to just bring in some extra cash, until I found another job, but unbeknownst to myself, hair would be my future. Lotijade “Tee” pushed me to use my talents, to become an entrepreneur and I never put them down! She taught me how to care for natural hair. She is currently the owner of Oyade hair and scalp Botanical spa in Chicago, and also has an amazing product line called Oyade products which I use today! She was instrumental in teaching me structure as a salon owner, as well as teaching me how to press natural hair, which to date is my specialty!

Website: iamherhairstudio.com

Instagram: iamherhairstudio

Facebook: I Am Her Hair Studio

Yelp: I Am Her Hair Studio

Other: tik tok, Iamherhairstudio

Image Credits
lauren medina

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.