Today we’d like to introduce you to Kori Phylow.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I don’t remember learning how to French braid hair, I just always could. Before YouTube tutorials and Instagram reels, I was braiding my friends’ hair in elementary school like it was second nature. Beauty found me early, even when life was complicated. After losing my mom at nine years old, I learned everything beauty-related from my friends, trial and error, and pure instinct. My dad even trusted me to touch up a few crooked haircuts when I was still a kid — which, looking back, feels like the very beginning of my career.
As I grew up, so did my creativity. Hair turned into makeup, which turned into bathroom haircuts for friends who trusted me with their looks (and their confidence). At the same time, leadership was woven into my story; student council rep in third grade, senior editor of the yearbook, choir president, VBS leader, cheer captain… if there was a role where I could uplift others, I was there.
That’s when I realized something important: I was never meant to stop at “hairstylist.” Everything I do has always been about making people feel better, feel seen, and feel important. I love watching people win — cheering them on, pumping them up, and helping them step into their confidence. That’s my why.
Moving into a salon suite opened the door to endless possibilities, and boy do I truly mean endless. It gave me the freedom to create, lead, inspire, and build something bigger than myself. What started as a little girl braiding hair has turned into a career (or two) rooted in passion, purpose, and helping others shine.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
If I’m being totally honest, it hasn’t been a smooth road at all. I’ve learned just about everything the hard way, and perseverance should probably be my middle name. I’m a hard-working Capricorn who doesn’t just dream, I deliver. I’ve made major mistakes, pivoted more times than I can count, and learned lessons the long way around. But every misstep sharpened my instincts, strengthened my confidence, and shaped the business and mindset I have today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
With 15 years behind the chair and 10 years as a salon suite owner, I’ve built my career on equal parts skill, heart, and a little Headstrong magic. I’m the owner of Headstrong Salon, where I’ve created a space clients genuinely love — a one-on-one experience that feels personal, elevated, and unapologetically welcoming. Beyond the salon, I’m the founder of Headstrong Mindset, a business coaching platform designed to help independent hairstylists step into confidence, clarity, and profitability. I’m also the creator of the Hairstylist Survival Planner and the Hairstylist Coloring Book — because empowerment should be practical, creative, and fun. I also maintain the role as a Business Development manager and Educator for Leyton House Global – a Revolutionary Colouring
At the core of everything I do is a simple mission: to uplift, educate, and empower the people around me; one stylist, one client, and one bold move at a time.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Happiness for me looks like hearing my clients SPILL the TEA over an ice cold Dr Pepper Zero or strong coffee. You can catch me car singing on the daily, whether it’s country music or the K-Pop Demon Hunters soundtrack. I love writing, getting cozy in big fluffy blankets, and being silly with my son. My heart is fullest when I’m spending time with my fiancé, son and stepson. My sister is my soulmate, my dad is my best friend, I have incredible friends, inspiring mentors, and I walk through life knowing I have an army of angels in heaven backing me every step of the way.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Professional photos by Gemini Design Photography ATX
