Aurora South Salon, the winners of our birthday giveaway mini brand session, proved that great photo shoots can come in small packages.
Meet Bekah Tutwiler and Kendal Harler – the dynamic hair duo behind Aurora South Salon, a wellness-focused hair salon in South Charlotte.
WAAAAAY back in July we hosted a Mini Brand Session giveaway to celebrate our second birthday. These ladies won that giveaway and, y’all, we could not have been more excited to get them in front of our cameras. Happy Birthday to us indeed!
The giveaway included:
- 90 min of active shoot time
- Pre-shoot strategy meeting
- 1 shoot location
- 25 total assets (photo & video combined)
Don’t let that 90 min shoot time deceive you. These ladies brought their A-game. They prepared the salon perfectly and were so comfortable in front of our cameras. Their preparation plus our shoot planning prowess meant we were able to pack quite a punch in this session, despite the “mini” shoot time.
Everything about this session – from the salon aesthetic, to the cooperation of clients, to the background playlist – was to die for. We were able to capture:
- the steps of their processes
- the “girlfriend vibes” atmosphere they create for their clients
- their gorgeous salon space
- headshots and team shots
- the emphasis on wellness, not only for their clients’ hair but for their clients themselves
Oh, and did we mention that Bekah and Kendal are STUNNERS themselves?
See what we mean? Seriously. Come on. But, enough of our gushing. We could do that for days. Let’s hear more about Aurora South from Bekah and Kendal themselves.
Aurora South – The Interview
Tell Us More About Aurora South
“We are expert stylists with a combined 17+ years of experience who not only specialize in extensions and color but also in maintaining the utmost care for each clients hair. We pride ourselves in having a high level of care for women and wellness and believe women deserve a salon experience that leaves them feeling not only beautiful but refreshed and uplifted.”
What Do You Love About Your Job?
From Bekah – “I always loved playing with hair, being creative with it and making people feel good. It’s such a fun career and the trends are always changing. I loved that I could make great money and work fewer days, set my own schedule and be a mom at the same time. I love that my clients are down to earth women but work hard, have lives outside of work and also love to take care of themselves. Its important to me that clients feel comfortable and not judged for anything they tell me. I hope they feel fuller when leaving my chair.”
Who Is Your Ideal Client & What Pain Points Do You Solve for Them?
Working wife/mom, age ~30-40, who “enjoys health and fitness but also loves a good cheat meal and loves being outside on weekends with friends or family. Someone who would typically shop at free people, anthro or nordstrom but has effortless style.” We love clients with longer hair and who gravitate towards a “lived-in blonde” for color. Really listening to our clients and hearing what they want is important to us. It sounds silly, but a lot of clients mention that they didn’t feel like their previous stylist ever listened to them or educated them on maintaining their hair health.
What’s the Best Business Advice You’ve Ever Been Given?
“That it’s ok to turn people away who aren’t in line with your brand.”
What’s the Main Thing That Has Helped Grow Your Business?
“Definitely Instagram and a lot of referrals/word of mouth. Also, we’re pretty good at getting people to talk about themselves and open up. That makes our clients feel like we are their girlfriends, not just their stylists.”
If you started your business over today, what would you focus on first to help you grow?
“Creating more content and also maybe having a more streamlined referral program.”
What resources or assets have helped you up-level your business?
“Thrivers Society course has helped a lot. Also apps like Plann, Capcut, and Instagram of course.”
Thanks, ladies! You were an absolute DREAM to shoot. Your style, knowledge, and genuine passion for your clients’ wellness is an inspiration. Keep doing your good and important work!
Learn More About Aurora South
Check out this video to get a glimpse into the Aurora South Experience.
Keep up with Bekah, Kendal, and all things Aurora South on The ‘Gram.
Mini Brand Session Details
Clients: Bekah Tutwiler & Kendal Harler, Aurora South Salon
Location: Aurora South Salon (Sola Salons Studios building, Pineville-Matthews Rd, South Charlotte)
Brand Photography and Videography: Harmonie House Images
To see more of the beautiful imagery we created together for their mini brand session, visit our Aurora South Brand Gallery here.
Like what you see? We’d would LOVE to do the same for you. Follow the Inquire button above to start the conversation!
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