VALDOSTA, Ga. – Downtown at Studio One Twelve Salon, “the girls” are gathered around in a circle to reflect on the last few months. It’s a little chilly outside and they’re all looking spiffy and camera ready, their hair and makeup just so, and their individual stations reflecting each one of their personalities in the gorgeous old building on Hill Avenue.
With exposed brick and tin-tiled ceilings, the renovated historical address makes for a perfect spot to build a new brand with a big vision.
On August 10, 2019, the doors opened at Studio One Twelve – a dream made manifest by longtime hair stylists Brooke Starr and Nancy Evans. Both had a burning desire to set in motion something different, and special, to fit the new paradigm of empowered, individual women entrepreneurs in 21st century Valdosta.
Since then, Studio One Twelve Salon has grown in leaps and bounds, adding more stylists and services in December which now include a full spa with massage therapy, manicures and pedicures.
“It took a couple of months to see a significant amount of growth,” said Nancy Evans, co-owner of Studio One Twelve. “But once we started getting more involved with the downtown community, it all just took off. It’s where it’s happening.”
Being part of downtown has fit their business model by making diversity a top priority.
The team are experienced. Mary Milan has been in the business for 26 years and started out in a tiny salon at Moody Air Force Base before joining Anthony & Company, where she made a name for herself during a four-year period.
“It was big…and I’m happy to move back to a smaller salon,” Milan said, adding, “This is so much like a… sisterhood. Ever since I got here they’ve made me feel at home.”
“You are at home,” the group clucked and ahhed and ohhhed supportively.
“Everyone here has their specialty,” Brooke Starr said. “And we all work together. If someone comes in and they want something specific that we think one of us might be better at, we don’t mind recommending them.”
This sisterhood vibe matches the downtown vibe and they often work along with Valdosta Main Street and fellow businesses in the area to help promote one another.
“That’s one of the best things about working here is that there’s a lot of room for personal growth,” Lara S., who specializes in blow-outs, said. “We know each other’s strengths and work together, which is really not typical for a salon. Even though we have specialties, we all do it all, but some of us might do something a little bit better.”
Each of them have at least ten years of experience and “know what works,” they shared. They are always collaborating creatively, and there is the air of art mixed in with the classic salon setting. The girls point out that working together has made it easier to be a woman, a mother, with the various challenges that come with those labels.
“I’d rather be working with a group like this, a family,” Lara S. added. “Someone to rely on.”
“Our clients get the best of all of us when they come in,” Stacey Prescott chimed in.
“Our vision was to create energy to feel welcome, to empower female entrepreneurs from all different cultures,” Brooke Starr said. Starr has been Kix Country’s “Dixie Diva” for years, dreaming of the day she could own her own business. Salon One Twelve was something she prayed on, leaned into her faith to manifest. “What makes us different is each person is their own business. Every suite is its own business.”
A few days later Brooke Starr reflected on her Facebook page.
“I worked late tonight and after my last client left I took some ‘me’ time. I walked around the salon, listened to my boots on the hardwood floor, and it was nice to be by myself and breathe everything in. I broke down in tears and praised God. It’s still unreal. My business partner and I were asked recently what’s been the best part of owning a business? We both replied that it’s amazing to see our vision become a reality. We wanted to create jobs. We wanted female entrepreneurs to take that leap of faith and become their own businesses. That’s what makes us different. Our stylist do not just rent a chair, they have their own suite, and have business licenses along with State Board Licenses. They are truly business owners. They are truly entrepreneurs. I’m so proud to see how each stylist has decorated her suite, and made it her own. It’s so important to lift each other up, pour into other women, and watch them grow. #ironsharpensiron
