Meet Zana Cook | Salon Owner, Haircolor & Microlink Specialist

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

Hi Zana, career-wise, where do you want to be in the end?
Ah ! This is the question that I think most hairstylist don’t have the real answer to until they’ve been behind the chair a while and really have some experience. My end goal is to go into education and management full time. I realized a couple years ago after hiring my first assistant that I actually loved teaching and helping others grow. I love to lead because it keeps me motivated and inspired. Sooner than later, I want to come from behind the chair at least 80%, maybe down to like once a week just because I love my client relationships and what I do so much. My goal is to have a chain of at least 3-4 boutique salons within the next ten years. I think I’d like to keep my salons small because I always loved an intimate environment and too many people in one place always gave me anxiety! I love organization and I’m
Very structured so I think keeping my teams down to like 4-5 stylist, and 2 salon associates is ideal.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have been a hairstylist for over 12 years, with different experiences at various salons around Atlanta and now I own a business called Z Chic Salon + Extensions. I had just never worked in a salon that I felt was built for a long-term relationship and so I wanted to create that for myself and for anyone who I hired on my team. Honestly I feel like entrepreneurship is overrated, yeah it’s fun sometimes, but not everyone is built to take risk, some of us need something more stable and more promising. So I created Z Chic Salon + Extensions! We are a boutique salon specializing in natural hair and hair enhancements. We aim to create an intimate experience with each of our guest that creates happiness and inspires confidence. Right now we are in the scouting phase of looking for new talent in the area and structuring the associate program. What sets Z Chic salon + Extensions apart from others is that we have created a guaranteed career path plan for new stylist coming out of cosmetology school. What we offer our employees is an opportunity to learn from our current stylist, earn a smart salary that also allows them to plan for the future, make a desirable income and teach new associates as well. Included in our career path is a 401k program, a profit sharing invitation, vacations and continuing education. We believe that the company’s integrity is a priority as our customers deserve to be serviced in a relaxing, professional environment and our team deserves honesty and respect. Teamwork is our strongest asset at Z Chic Salon + Extensions because it guarantees that our guest are always #1.

I think the most important thing to know about Z Chic Salon + Extensions is that it was created with love. Love of our guest relationships, love of teamwork, love of hair art and love of education. The hardest part (and still hard) is maintaining structure and organization while still making time to be behind the chair with guest because we are still in our growth phase. Soon come the days when we can delegate a little more !!

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.
I can be a big kid ! So I love anything with games, the new PuttShack Is dope. It’s like this indoor Putt lounge with all these cool themes and DRINKS!

I always have a good time as Whiskey Mistress in Buckhead. Great Music, good food and more drinks ! Can’t go wrong.

The belt line and Ponce City market have some cool shops and little food places too. Taking walks, scooting or biking is always fun on a sunny day here.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My cosmetology teacher from high school, Mrs. Fowler taught me the beauty in relationships and so many things about hair. She and I were actually very close. I love her, saw her every day Of my high school career ! My two mentors @Meghann_monroe and @Darius_Boone !
I worked for each of them for years and it was an amazing experience. Meghann really taught me the fundamentals of beauty business and introduced me to a lot of the people who are now some of my clients. She instilled in me the opportunity to be fearless and really pushed me to be self sufficient. Darius taught me a lot of what I know about business as well. He has really transformed his brand over the years from a luxury hair designer and continues to inspire others for a living. I still study both of them to this day!

Website: Www.zchicexperience.com

Instagram: @zchicsalon

Facebook: Facebook.com/zchicsalon