Meet Kaci Hasson | Salon owner & educator

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

Hi Kaci, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Opening up my business was something that was necessary for myself… I had an assistant at the time and the salon culture at my previous salon home wasn’t able to provide a spot for her to grow and learn the way I knew she needed to be successful and mold her into the hairstylist she dreamed to become… I was already commuting two hours a day to get to this salon and work on my clientele, so I decided the time was now or never to open my own salon. I would be able to 1) benefit by being closer to home (20 mins) and 2) create a salon environment that had room and the positive work environment that would be conducive of the growth and learning experience my assistant and future assistants needed to learn. Floridas funding for cosmetology prevents up to date and personal education on actual things these stylists will be doing out in the field. Opening up my own salon, I am able to personally train and educate these stylists to help them feel confident and ready so that when they are licensed, they have a salon home with me and also the skills to succeed. The salon culture I strived to provide would allow them to comfortably grow in a positive atmosphere that wouldn’t block their creativity.

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 grew up a tom boy that came from a family with three children. My father was a forester that raised all three of us out in the Florida forests. Throughout all of my schooling years, I was heavily bullied. Especially on my apperance. Once I started high school, I colored my own hair for the first time, pink. As soon as I went to school the next day I was overwhelmed with the positive attention I was getting because of my hair. Suddenly kids were complimenting me for the first time in my life. I continued to color my hair every color under the rainbow all. thought out high school and ultimately was one of the main factors that drove me to join the industry. I want to inspire other young women that you can use your hair to express yourself and us as women, find a lot of our confidence through our hair. If I’m able to make one, bullied young woman feel recognized and beautiful… my career has been successful.

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 live in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. I would start off by taking her to the old sugar mill ruins in town and do a little hiking through out Florida woods. We would then make our way down to “down town” which is Flagler Ave, we would do some shopping in the local boutiques and art galleries… stumble into my fave hole in the wall Cafe Verde for some lunch and sangria. Walk on the beach which is not far of a walk at all! New Smyrna is known for hosting more small, locally owned businesses over franchises and corporations.

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?
my grandmother… Frankie Davis. Fellow salon owner, and stylist of over 67 years. I grew up in my grandmothers salon, she was a huge inspiration to me and a huge reason on why I joined the industry. My grandmother is currently in her mid 80’s and she is still full time behind the chair.

Website: instagram.com/kacidoesmyhair

Instagram: instagram.com/canvasbeautyco

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

Image Credits
@feliciaaprilphotography @_makeupbyalex