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

Hi Taylor, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started Hiraya Hair Collective because I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives– particularly other hairstylists’. In my ten years as a hair color specialist in this industry I’ve worked for a number of prominent salons in both the Atlanta and Minneapolis area and I wasn’t ever crazy about the company culture. It’s really difficult to find a salon that prioritizes making their stylists feel valued as both employees and as individual human beings, and that’s something I want to provide for anyone who chooses to work here. I want to craft a team atmosphere as opposed to competition, which is far more common in salons. I want my stylists to WANT to come to work every day. I want everyone who walks in the doors to feel welcome and excited. You’re either getting your hair done or you’re getting to do someone’s hair, and that means it’s going to be a good day!

The other driving force behind Hiraya is creating benefit for our community and the planet at large. This is why we work with Davines for our product line– they’re a Certified B Corp, which means they’re doing good for not only the planet but also the people who work for them, and why we’ve implemented things like energy-efficient lighting & Eco-heads on all of our shampoo bowls to conserve water.

At the end of the day, Hiraya is its tag line: Good hair, clear conscience.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My education in this arena began at the Aveda Institute Minneapolis, where I graduated at the top of my class. From there, I was recruited by Van Michael Salons of Atlanta, where I received advanced training to become a color specialist. I loved the salon and worked in that position for several years before moving back to Minnesota.

Upon moving back to Minnesota I was hired by Juut Salonspa of Minneapolis, where I completed more advanced training and worked as a Chemical Specialist. Shortly thereafter I began teaching in Juut’s advanced educational color program. This means that I both taught small groups of new artists and mentored new artists individually. Assisting a new artist in reaching their full potential is really what it turns out I love, and that’s sort of what brings us to where we are today with Hiraya Hair Collective!

For MONTHS I searched Minneapolis for a good spot in which to open Hiraya, but I couldn’t find anything that felt right. After about 6 months of searching, I started checking the Atlanta area and right away found several leads. So, Georgia it was!

Opening a salon during a global pandemic was definitely some kind of crazy and absolutely nothing– and I mean NOTHING– went according to the original plan, but four thousand pivots later we’re here & we’re open! I’m hoping for this space to be a warm, welcoming & supportive environment for clients and stylists alike and I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone who walks in the doors!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live close to Brook Run Park in Dunwoody and love walking the trails there, so I think I’d have to start with that. Plus, they do a fun little farmer’s market during the warmer months and I love a good farmer’s market! I also enjoy downtown Alpharetta– it’s so fun and there are so many cute shops and restaurants to explore! Then I’d also have to say the Atlanta History Museum and Callaway.

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?
Shoutout to Lindsay Landsman & Natalie Gurley, my OG mentors in Atlanta who created the foundation on which the majority of my skills are built on. Shoutout to my family, who convinced me this insane venture was even possible, and to my husband who has been extremely supportive and agreed to move across the country to do this with me– you’re ALL the best and I would not have been able to do this without you!

Website: www.hirayahaircollective.com

Instagram: @hirayahaircollective

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hirayahaircollective/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/hiraya-hair-collective-alpharetta?osq=hiraya

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.