Hidden Gems: Meet Lenora Leathers of Savvy Salon KC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lenora Leathers.

Hi Lenora , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m Lenora Leathers—wife, mom of four, and CEO of Savvy Salon, a high-end textured hair salon in Kansas City we recently won Best Business in Kansas City by the KC People’s Choice Awards.

I started out behind the chair, but today I no longer do hair. I’ve shifted into full-time leadership and ownership, building something I never saw growing up: a W-2 employee-based salon in an industry that’s overwhelmingly built on booth rental and commission.

Most salon owners are overworked and overwhelmed, stuck in the grind of managing a business while still doing clients every day. I knew I wanted something different—for myself, and for my team. So I created a space where stylists are hired, trained, and empowered with full-time careers, benefits, structure, and team culture. Since running my business this way, I no longer carry the burden or stress that once came with trying to do everything myself.

Savvy Salon is more than a beauty business—it’s a safe, affirming space for women with textured hair to be seen, celebrated, and cared for. With the recent passing of Missouri’s CROWN Act, which protects natural hair in schools and workplaces, our mission feels even more timely. We help women wear their hair with confidence in a space that honors their beauty and identity.

Today, I’m focused on growing our team, expanding the brand, and building something that creates opportunity and legacy for generations to come.

My journey has been far from easy—but it’s been worth it.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not—it hasn’t been a smooth road. There have been plenty of struggles, both personal and professional. Transitioning from a stylist to a full-time CEO was one of the hardest shifts I’ve ever made. Letting go of what felt familiar behind the chair, to step into leadership and trust others with my vision, required a different level of faith, maturity and mindset.

Building an employee-based salon in an industry dominated by booth rental and commission was another huge challenge. Many people didn’t understand what I was trying to do—or told me it wouldn’t work. I had to build systems from scratch, manage payroll and HR, and learn how to lead a team through growth and conflict. There were moments where I questioned if I had made the right decision.

Personally, I’ve had to juggle being a wife, a mother of four, and a business owner. There were seasons of burnout, financial pressure, and feeling like I had to carry everything on my own. But through prayer, support, and perseverance, I kept going.

The struggles made me stronger. They taught me how to lead with grace, build with intention, and protect my peace while staying committed to the vision.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At Savvy Salon KC, we’re not about the independent suite life—and we say that boldly. While it works for some, we believe people need people. Women in this space need each other. They need community, accountability, and a space that uplifts—not isolates. That’s the culture we’re creating here.

We’ve built a team-based environment where stylists are supported with all the tools, products, and training they need to thrive. But it goes deeper than that—we also hold each other accountable. We’re committed to professional and personal growth, and that means having the hard conversations when needed. We don’t play about gossip. In fact, we have a no-gossip policy in our salon. We don’t sit around talking about each other, and we definitely don’t talk about our clients. There’s already enough of that happening in the world—we’ve chosen to model peace. And my prayer is that the peace our team feels inside the salon carries with them into their lives outside of work.

We’re also changing the narrative around the salon experience for clients. Culturally, many of us grew up spending entire days at the salon—waiting hours because our stylist double- or triple-booked appointments. We don’t do that here. At Savvy, we don’t overbook, and we don’t keep clients waiting all day. Your time is valuable, and we honor that.

We also believe in shared clients, not personal ownership. There’s no “my client” mindset at Savvy. These are our clients. Every stylist is trained and certified in the same techniques so you can sit in any chair and get the same high-level experience. That consistency builds trust and gives our guests freedom—something most salons don’t offer.

This is what sets us apart: structure, peace, professionalism, and a true commitment to redefining what a salon experience should feel like—for both the team and the guest.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Yes—just one more thing I hold close to my heart: representation matters. As a Black woman entrepreneur leading a high-end salon in Kansas City, I know how powerful it is for our clients to walk into a space where their natural beauty is celebrated and cared for. We proudly focus on highly textured hair and have built an environment where guests don’t just come to get their hair done—they come to be seen, valued, and respected.

Follow us on all socials at @savvysalonkc, @lenoraleathers, and my husband and co-founder @rickeyleathers to stay connected. We’d love to see you at the salon soon! First-time guests receive something special when they visit, so call us at 816-207-6181 or schedule online at savvysalonkc.com.

We’re just getting started—and we’re so excited about everything that’s ahead. 💫

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Savvysalonkc.com
• Instagram: @savvysalonkc @lenoraleathers @rickeyleathers
• Facebook: Savvy Salon KC
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenora-leathers-507809127