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

Hi Whitney, what do you attribute your success to?
Relationships! People love to ask a hairdresser what their favorite thing to do is (cut or color) and my answer is always “talk to people!” The best part of my job is the friendships I have built with these women over the years. I really believe that my success has come from mutual trust, respect and fun we have together. Some of my clients have been with me my entire career, we know so much about each other’s lives. I get excited to catch up when they come in, and I think that’s what keeps them coming back.

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 touched on it a little already, but I think what sets me apart from others, and what I’m most proud of, is the relationships I have with my clients. I thoroughly enjoy spending hours with each of them! I love women, I’m such a “girl’s girl” so curating a clientele of strong females was my dream. If you’re one of my clients you can expect a few hours of pop culture, gossip, trauma dumping, therapy and bonding all rolled in to one appointment. It’s taken me 6 years to build this client list, weeding out the people who drain my energy or aren’t a good fit. I’ve had my fair share of difficult clients, especially when I was building my books. It can totally ruin your day, make you question your ability and give you a good case of imposter syndrome. But now I’ve got my dream job with my dream clients and I LOVE going to work.

Superficially, I have made a name for myself with brunettes. I love to do all colors; blondes and redheads are fun but I think brunettes are so picky about their hair and I have taken a special interest in them. Maintaining depth while adding dimension and keeping them feeling brunette is a tricky line to toe. As a brunette myself I get it, and I love giving them their dream hair!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh my gosh, I feel like I live a totally different life these days! In my previous life I would’ve said brunch on a patio, walk the Beltline and end up at the Buckhead bars with a late night visit to Johnny’s Hideaway. But these days I’m a mom of two littles, living in the suburbs and my perfect weekend is margaritas on a patio and extending the happy hour to a friends house; our kids run wild and we drink wine until the overly tired meltdowns start. I need someone to show ME the best time ever in Atlanta, I’m out of the loop!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband has been my biggest supporter from day 1! I used to be in a corporate 9-5 job with a salary but have wanted to do hair since I was 15. When I was moving states to marry my now husband he encouraged me to take the big risk and go to hair school. We were just dating at the time and he covered all of our bills while I took a year off for school. He is my longest client!

Instagram: @whitneystackhousehair

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.