Inspiring Conversations with Lenora Leathers of Savvy Salon KC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lenora Leathers

Hi Lenora, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started my journey in hair at just 13 years old, working out of my mom and dad’s home. Even at that young age, I built a loyal clientele that included employees from Children’s Mercy Hospital and the U.S. Postal Service, as well as my aunts, cousins, family, and friends from school. Eventually, I found myself doing hair for parents, their children, principals, administrators, and executives, all before I was even old enough to drive.

My mom played a huge role in shaping me into the businesswoman I am today. She taught me how to schedule appointments, work fast, and avoid overbooking—all essential skills that still guide me. My dad supported my passion by buying me my first mirror with a styling table and chair, along with organized drawers to keep my tools in order.

That early experience laid the foundation for what I’ve built today. After spending years behind the chair, working tirelessly, my husband, a Senior Business Development Consultant for the Missouri SBDC at UMKC, helped me step back and truly see the business side of what I was doing. With his guidance, I transitioned from just working in my salon to running and growing it as a thriving, structured business.

Now, I own a high-end, membership-based salon, and I’m currently in the process of trademarking a new name to take it to the next level. We provide an unparalleled client experience while fostering career opportunities for stylists. I also teach stylists how to master efficient techniques—like my One-Hour Sew-In—and help other salon owners transition from booth rental to an employee-based model. My journey has taken me from my parents’ home to national industry stages, like the Bronner Bros. International Beauty Show, where I share my knowledge with stylists across the country.

This journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it. I’m excited about what’s ahead—continuing to redefine the beauty industry, mentoring other business owners, and leaving a lasting legacy in the salon world.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
If this were easy, everyone would be doing it. But the road set before me has been intentional, shaping me into the business owner I am today.

Running a W-2 employee-powered salon, rather than a booth rental or commission-based model, has completely transformed my business. But the journey to get here wasn’t smooth. I had to remove toxic influences—team members stealing from the company, talking behind my back, and creating a culture of negativity. There were days I didn’t even want to walk into my salon because of the environment they had made. Clients and team members would go silent when I entered because they had just been gossiping about me. It was draining.

I reached a breaking point and called one of my mentors, who lives out of state. She asked me one simple but powerful question:
“Who owns the salon? You or them?”

That question changed everything. She said, “If they don’t belong there, fire them. Take back control of your business.” And that’s exactly what I did. I realized that I had been allowing the wrong people to dictate the energy in my space, and I refused to let that continue.

Letting go of those toxic individuals was one of the hardest but best decisions I’ve ever made. Since then, I’ve committed to hiring slowly, intentionally building the right team, and fostering a culture that aligns with my vision. Now, I’m not afraid to have hard conversations when needed. Because of these lessons, 2024 became our most significant growth year ever. My team is thriving, my salon is flourishing, and I’m leading from a place of confidence and clarity.

Even though they may try to copy what I’ve built, it speaks volumes that what I’ve created impacted their lives so much that they saw value in it and were inspired by it. They could never take the plan already laid out for me. What’s for me is mine, and no one can take that away. It’s a great feeling to know that I’m walking in my purpose, building something that’s not just successful but sustainable, impactful, and meant to last.

As you know, we’re big fans of Savvy Salon KC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I own and operate a membership-based salon that is redefining the beauty industry by creating a structured, employee-powered business model rather than the traditional booth rental or commission-based approach. My salon is designed for both clients and stylists to thrive, providing a luxury experience while also fostering career growth for beauty professionals.

What We Specialize In / What We’re Known For

We specialize in highly textured hair, offering expert care, styling, and extensions that prioritize hair health, versatility, and longevity. We are proud to be the salon of choice for clients with highly textured hair, ensuring they receive premium services tailored to their specific needs.

Our Signature Service: The Works!

Our signature service, The Works!, takes clients on a healthy hair journey and serves as the ultimate reset to help their hair thrive. This service includes:
✔️ Shampoo
✔️ Steam or deep conditioning treatment
✔️ End trim
✔️ A styled or natural look of your choice

All new clients receive a deep conditioning treatment and an end trim for free, ensuring they start their journey with stronger, healthier hair from day one.

What Sets Us Apart?

We do things differently—and it starts with teamwork. Unlike traditional salons where stylists operate solo, we foster a collaborative environment where no one has to do all the work alone. This means better service for clients, a more supportive atmosphere for stylists, and an efficient, well-run salon where everyone thrives.

Another key factor that sets us apart is our professionalism. At our salon, you don’t have to wait all day to be serviced, and we don’t overbook appointments. We value your time, which means on-time scheduling, seamless service, and an organized, experience from start to finish.

We also emphasize innovation—whether it’s through cutting-edge styling techniques, our One-Hour Sew-In, or the use of our own custom-formulated vegan hair products specifically designed for highly textured hair. Our products are made with natural, high-quality ingredients that nourish, strengthen, and protect hair beyond the salon chair.

What I’m Most Proud Of

One of the achievements I’m most proud of is our partnership with KU Medical Center, where our vegan hair products are included in textured hair kits provided to hospital patients who stay overnight. This initiative was born out of the need for high-quality hair care products that cater specifically to textured hair types, ensuring that patients have access to proper hair care during their hospital stay. Being able to make an impact in both the beauty and healthcare industries is something that means a lot to me.

What I Want Readers to Know

We are more than just a salon—we are a movement in the beauty industry, setting new standards for team culture, professionalism, and client experience. Whether you’re a client seeking top-tier hair services or a stylist looking for a fulfilling career, we offer something different: teamwork, innovation, professionalism, and a thriving environment built on excellence.

At the heart of what we do is a commitment to healthy hair—inside and out. From the specialized services we provide to the all-natural, high-quality products we create, everything is designed to nurture and protect your hair.

And we’re just getting started. We’re expanding this business model across Kansas City and beyond, bringing our innovative approach to more locations across the U.S. Stay tuned—there’s so much more to come!

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite childhood memories is my very first job at a hair store when I was just 15 years old. The owner, Ran Kim, knew I did hair, and instead of just having me work the store, she actually helped me build my clientele.

She would tell customers about my skills and even let me do their hair inside the store—without charging me anything! Not only that, but I was still getting paid while on the clock. She also gave me discounts on hair products, which I would buy and take back home across the street to use on my own clients.

Looking back, it was such an unreal experience—having my first job right across the street from home, working in a place that fueled my passion, and being given the space to grow as a stylist at such a young age. It was more than a job; it was a stepping stone to my future.

I’ll always be grateful to Ran Kim for believing in me and creating that opportunity. She was truly a gem in my life and played a part in shaping the career I have today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.savvysalonkc.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savvysalonkc/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/savvysalonkc/
• LinkedIn: Lenora Leathers
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hxpr6M9DGa8
• Other: https://giving.kansashealthsystem.com/team/623823