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

Hi Steve, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I became a salon owner 33 years ago. My salon has been recognized as one of the top salons in Atlanta. My emphasis has been on staying current, continually educating myself and my team, using the best products, and specializing in a particular type of service in which others might be weak.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Some do not view hairstyling as an art, but being an arr major and a drama minor, I did costuming and wig work for four years. My art background taught me to look at facial features and body types, which I incorporate into my cutting and styling. Every face shape and body type should have the correct angles, flats, and rounds to enhance their best features. Just because a style looks good on someone else does not mean it will look good on you. I was an accountant and a friend asked me to draw out an ideal cut for them. I showed the drawing to a leading stylist in Buckhead at the time and he said I should be a hairdresser, not an accountant. From there I apprenticed at a top salon in Buckhead, became lead colorist, and then opened my own salon. I feel challenges makes a person stronger and work harder if they want to achieve success. Challenges make me want to work harder because of the lack of economic opportunity in the area in which I was born and raised.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have many friends and they all have different interests. It would depend on whom I was entertaining. Some options include Atlanta Botanical Gardens, especially during the Christmas light, a walk through Piedmont Park, an upscale meal at Davios, or a casual meal that DBA Barbeque. Younger friends love to visit the Georgia Aquarium.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The late Stan Milton for his mentorship and discipline. He was driven and delivered tough love. Also my mother for letting me do “kitchen hair” on Lookout Mountain and my loyal clients, some of which have come to me since I was a shampoo boy starting out. I also have to acknowledge industry leaders such as Lydia Sarfati, Founder and CEO of Repechage Skincare, who advises and encourages me to this day.

Website: https://www.stevehightower.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevehightowerhair/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-hightower-682b4a10/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SteveHightowerHair/

Image Credits
Judy Host, photographer

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