Today we’d like to introduce you to Brooke Whitt.
Hi Brooke, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I owe my career to my mom! She always believed I would love this industry, and of course, moms are usually right. I was in college, following a path that didn’t truly excite me, and she kept encouraging me to explore the beauty industry. The moment I gave it a try, I knew she was right—I fell in love.
I started my journey at a well-known, locally owned salon in Morristown, where I gained valuable experience. Within two years, I became an American Board Certified Haircolorist, a milestone that fueled my passion for growth. I knew I wanted more from my career, and while I made a few missteps in searching for the right salon, I eventually found my place in a high-end luxury hair spa in Knoxville. There, I had the privilege of working alongside talented stylists and educators, expanding my knowledge and building a loyal clientele.
Then, in December 2020, my coworker and I made a life-changing decision—we opened our own salon, Olive Hair Studio. Our name was inspired by the symbolic meaning of the olive flower: friendship, reconciliation, cleansing, healing, light, victory, richness, and above all, peace. Since then, we’ve grown tremendously, not just as hairstylists but as business owners, constantly learning and evolving.
In December 2023, I welcomed my beautiful baby girl into the world. More than ever, I’m grateful for my career and my wonderful clients. I know it sounds cliché, but I truly love what I do. Owning my own business has given me the flexibility to be present in my daughter’s life, and for that, I am beyond thankful.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Every career path comes with its struggles. After passing my American Board Certified Haircolorist exam, I spent a lot of time reflecting on my future and the direction I wanted to take. I decided to make a leap to another salon, but at that point, I hadn’t yet built the clientele needed to sustain myself. It was a challenging two years—I worked a second job to make ends meet until I finally found the right salon in Knoxville.
Working for a large company had its ups and downs. Starting over in my career was tough, but it was a worthwhile experience. Over the five years I spent there, I learned and grew immensely, taking numerous educational classes that elevated my skills.
Opening my own business came with its own set of struggles. Any small business owner can tell you—those first few years are full of learning curves. From mastering marketing to handling bookkeeping, it’s been a journey of growth and resilience. But through it all, the challenges have been worth it, shaping me into the stylist and business owner I am today.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in dimensional blonding and bridal hair, and I absolutely love enhancing fine hair with depth and richness. There’s just something about working with blondes—the more foils, the better! While I appreciate the modern, lived-in blonde look that’s trending, I’ll always have a soft spot for classic, dimensional blondes that make hair appear fuller and more vibrant.
Bridal styling has also been a long-time passion of mine. Recently, I’ve had the opportunity to work with more brides and bridal parties, and I truly love being part of someone’s special day. There’s nothing more rewarding than creating a style that makes a bride feel confident, beautiful, and radiant as she walks down the aisle.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Some of the most important people in my journey have been my husband, my best friend and business partner, and my family.
My husband has always supported me and my dreams. When we first met, I knew he wanted to join the military, and I always told him that no matter where life took him, I’d be here when he came home. He has been my rock throughout my entire career—helping me from the very beginning, encouraging me to keep learning, and even giving me some brutally honest feedback when I needed more training in men’s cutting (lol!).
Another person who has played a huge role in my success is my best friend and business partner. I know not everyone is lucky enough to have both in one person, and I’m so grateful that I do. She is, without a doubt, the most organized person I’ve ever met, and she keeps me on track. We met while working at my last salon, and we just clicked! I couldn’t have come this far without her. Our teamwork is something our clients always notice—they love the fun, energetic atmosphere we create when we’re working in the suite together.
Lastly, my family has been a constant source of support. They’ve told me time and time again that they’ve never seen me happier in my career than I am now, and that means the world to me.
Pricing:
- Haircut Service $50
- The Perfect Mini $180
- Pick-Me-Up $210
- Dimensional Dream $270
- Give Me All The Blonde $385
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.brookewhitthair.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brookewhitt.hair
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brookewhitt.hair
- Other: https://linktr.ee/brookewhitt.hair
