
Beauty Launchpad is spotlighting the winners of its Top 20 Salons contest for 2025! Sponsored by Wella Professionals, this contest spotlights innovative and unique salons that go above and beyond to provide stellar experiences for their clients and opportunities for growth for their hair pros.
Here, Kara Williams (@haircolorkilla) welcomes us to K Louise Boutique Salon in Philadelphia, PA, established in March 2015.
Q&A with Salon Owner
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is the backstory of your salon? What motivated you to start your business?
Kara Williams (KW): After leaving an education/stylist position at a large corporate salon, where I built a large following on my own, working for someone else didn’t seem right. Right before the boom of salon suites, I wanted a small studio to work alone and call my own. In Philadelphia, places like that didn’t exist to rent, so I ended up with a small storefront with myself and an assistant. My assistant grew to taking her own clients, and I hired another stylist who occasionally assisted me while growing her own book. They are both thriving, while I spend more time traveling for education than working behind the chair. My step-daughter has now just joined us as guest coordinator and starts cosmetology school this month!
K Louise Boutique Salon interiorCourtesy of K Louise Boutique Salon
KW: Glam luxury in a cozy boutique space! I love dark, relaxing vibes that feel fancy and upscale. I wanted the space to feel like and experience from the moment you walk in the salon.
BLP: What services do you provide your clients? Are any of these services signature and/or exclusive to your salon?
KW: Textured hair color is our main focus, and I'd like to say we are a premier destination in the Northeast. Regular clients travel from as far north as Connecticut and as far south as Virginia every eight weeks for color maintenance. It’s also not unheard of for people to fly in from Florida, Atlanta and even Canada for services. We provide quality mutual cultural hair care, with clients ranging from straight to highly textured.
BLP: What products are used/retailed in your salon? Do you have a personal favorite?
KW: Redken, Matrix, Olaplex, Mizani and Moroccanoil. I am a Matrix ambassador, Redken color and design certified stylist and Olaplex Pro Collective member. I pass on the education I’ve received from the brands to my team, and I have favorites from them all!
BLP: What makes your salon unique and stand out?
KW: In the age where clients are really over “Instagram stylists,“ we offer great customer service and old school beauty shop vibes you can’t get in a home or salon suite. We teach our clients about hair care outside of the salon and provide a place where you can truly relax and unwind, knowing your getting professional service and results from highly trained stylists. There really isn’t any hair we can’t do!
BLP: What takeaway do you hope clients have after a visit at your salon?
KW: The customer service is top notch, the styling services are high quality and the environment is clean, luxurious and relaxing. K Louise Boutique Salon staffCourtesy of K Louise Boutique Salon
BLP: What piece of advice would you give to a new salon owner?
KW: Don’t be afraid to build slow. Only take on what you can afford at the moment, and add on as you grow.
BLP: What changes do you want to see in the industry to help salon owners and hairstylists working in salons grow and thrive?
KW: More professional standards. Elevating pro stylists as the authority and not just allowing anyone who pays for it to have a suite or a booking site. Licensed professionals are still the best bet, and we should have more education on how to successfully run and survive in business.
BLP: What’s next for your salon? Do you have any goals for 2025?
KW: Elevating my seasoned stylists, and training up-and-coming students to be successful in the industry!
Follow the Salon
Website: klouisesalon.com
Instagram: @klouiseboutiquesalon