Today we’d like to introduce you to Coriena McCann
Hi Coriena, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have been doing hair for 10+ years and have had the honor of working in all aspects of the industry. Whether it was working at a salon in Beverly Hills and working with icons like Priscilla Presley and Barbara Streisand, working on set with Dolly Parton here in Tennessee, doing set work for CBS studios, or working as an educator for stylists in the greater Knoxville area; I’ve always had the dream of creating my own space. One that provides the things I’ve seen missing in the industry and embracing the ones it does right. I now have my own salon suite and would one day love to expand to a full salon.
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?
I have had a very unconventional career in this industry. I went to an Adult School of Cosmetology in the evening and worked two jobs during the day and got started when I was only 18 years old. When I finished school I knew I wanted to assist to better build my skills before taking clients behind the chair. I was living outside LA and woke up at 5am each morning to commute to Beverly Hills (until I later moved to Santa Monica). I was given the opportunity to also do set work, and although I love doing that part time or when needed, I loved the work behind the chair in the salon so much more. I worked as a server in the evenings and assisted during the day to pay rent and bills. Eventually I built a full clientele and was able to drop my server job and only focus on hair. My business was growing until COVID hit. That was so hard for LA hairstylists. Unemployment wasn’t offered to business owners so I went a month until the government had that figured out, making root kits at home for clients to pick up just to help me survive. It was than that I made the big decision to move to Tennessee. After 9 years of doing hair I had to completely start over building clientele as well as work as an assistant to prove myself once again. I worked hard and was willing to take challenging appointments and clients others wouldn’t work on, and from there my growth skyrocketed.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Luna Loft Salon?
Luna Loft is the cozy little salon suite located in downtown Knoxville next to all the breweries and shops you love. I make sure only to work with products and brands that are sustainable and ethically sourced. This is something I am personally very passionate about. I provide a genderless booking system for my clients as well as an hourly pricing. I believe this takes the unpredictability of cost out of the equation as well as create an inclusive space for those in the nonbinary and trans community. Making those within the LGBTQ+ community feel not only safe and comfortable, but feel like their best selves is something I make a priority in my space. I also provide a free consultation and haircut for those in the process of transitioning. Showing the world your true self is already so challenging (especially in the South), I never want cost to be a reason someone can’t truly embrace how to present themselves.
At the Loft you’ll find an environment that focuses on self-care, putting the clients vision first, and the creative eclectic aesthetic we all love about Knoxville. I have always believed that hair is our way of becoming who we are. It has the power to give us confidence, affirm our identity, and be a medium of self-expression and joy. Luna Loft is a space that embraces autonomy, listens to the client, and leans into the playfulness and creativity of hair.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
There’s so many things I’ve learned along the way! I think comparing yourself to other stylists is an easy trap to fall into in this industry. Focus on you, your growth, what you love to do, and the relationships you create with clients behind the chair. If you’re new you don’t feel as good as a more seasoned stylist, if you’re a stylist that’s been in the industry you can easily be intimidated by young stylists attention to trends and feel like you should know more. No matter how long you’ve been doing hair, comparison can put you in an unhealthy headspace with your career. No ones growth is linear. Celebrate your growth!
Pricing:
- $80 per hour
- $50 product fee for color appointments
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lunaloftsalon.com
- Instagram: @_hairbycori_
