Today we’d like to introduce you to Misty Krant.
Misty, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve been in the beauty industry for over 20 years, and my journey definitely wasn’t linear .I started as an independent contractor at a time when the salon industry didn’t offer much in terms of work-life balance, culture, or long-term career growth. I loved the creativity of the industry, but I knew there had to be a better way to build a business where both artists and clients could truly thrive.
Before opening Harlow Beauty and Hair Salon, I opened a small four-chair studio called Halo. It was one of my first real lessons in entrepreneurship and taught me a lot about leadership, resilience, and the importance of culture.
In 2015 I originally opened Tarver Hill Salon with a business partner . Along the way, we experienced a lot of ups and downs, from navigating different brand partnerships to the challenges that came with operating as a hybrid salon model. Over time, we experienced a slow walkout of several independent contractors, which forced me to really reevaluate the kind of culture and business I wanted to build long term.
In 2021, I bought out my business partner and fully rebranded – that’s when Harlow Beauty was born . That chapter became a major turning point for me – both personally and professionally , and allowed me to create a salon rooted in strong culture, transparency, growth, and a true team environment, with the vision of creating a luxury salon experience without ego – a place rooted in community, transparency, sustainability, and growth.
Being the solo owner of Harlow Beauty allowed me to build a strong education and leadership culture, and develop systems that allowed the salon to grow beyond just passion alone.
Like many salon owners, I learned the hard way that creativity doesn’t automatically equal profitability. Learning financial structure, partnering with brands and coaches who understood the business side of beauty, and focusing on systems completely changed the trajectory of the salon. Even through challenges like the pandemic, buying out my business partner in 2021, and rebuilding parts of the business, we continued to grow.
Today, Harlow has been recognized Five times as a Salon Today Top 200 salon, and I’m incredibly proud of the culture and team we’ve built. More than anything, my journey has taught me that success in this industry isn’t just about great hair — it’s about leadership, resilience, relationships, and creating a space where people genuinely feel seen, supported, and inspired.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a smooth road, and honestly, I think that’s what shaped both me and the business the most. Like many entrepreneurs in the beauty industry, I started with passion and creativity, but I quickly realized that talent alone doesn’t prepare you for the realities of running a business.
One of the biggest struggles early on was learning how to balance being an artist with being a leader and business owner. I went through difficult partnerships, experienced the loss of key team members, and had moments where I questioned whether I should keep going. There were times where I had to rebuild trust, rebuild culture, and essentially rebuild parts of the business from the ground up.
The pandemic was another major challenge. We had just expanded the salon right before COVID hit, and suddenly we were forced to shut down for nearly two months. Like many salon owners, I had to make incredibly difficult decisions while trying to protect my team, clients, and business all at the same time. Coming out of that season stronger required a complete shift in mindset around systems, finances, leadership, and sustainability.
I also learned that creating a healthy culture takes constant work. As the company grew, I had to evolve personally -setting boundaries, implementing systems, and learning that servant leadership doesn’t mean carrying everything alone. Some of the hardest moments became the greatest lessons in resilience, communication, and accountability.
Looking back, I’m grateful for the struggles because they forced me to grow into the leader I needed to become. They also shaped the foundation of Harlow and the values we stand on today.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Harlow Beauty is a luxury salon in Austin, Texas, built around the idea that beauty should feel elevated, personal, and welcoming -never intimidating. We specialize in hair color, blonding, balayage, and hair extensions of all types. We carry our own branded hair extension line as well.
What sets Harlow apart is our culture. We are known for creating a high-end experience without ego. From the consultation to the finished result, our goal is for every guest to feel seen, heard, educated, and cared for. We believe luxury is not just about the service itself – it is about trust, transparency, consistency, and how someone feels when they walk through our doors.
We are also very education-driven. Our team is constantly growing, training, and refining their craft so we can offer modern, customized results while still protecting the health and integrity of the hair. We use level-based pricing, thorough consultations, and transparent communication so guests understand their options and feel confident in their beauty investment.
Brand-wise, I am most proud that Harlow has become more than just a salon. It has become a community. We have built a culture where artists can grow, clients can feel safe and beautiful, and sustainability matters. Being Austin’s first Green Circle salon is something we are incredibly proud of, because it reflects our commitment to doing beauty in a more responsible way.
At the heart of Harlow, we want people to know that we care deeply. We care about the guest experience, the team experience, the details, the education, and the long-term relationships we build. Our brand is rooted in beauty, but it is also rooted in people – helping them feel confident, supported, and like the best version of themselves.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happiest is building meaningful connections and creating spaces where people feel genuinely seen, valued, and supported. That applies both in my personal life and through Harlow.
As a salon owner, there’s something incredibly fulfilling about watching someone walk in carrying stress, insecurity, or exhaustion and leave feeling lighter, more confident, and more themselves again. Beauty goes so much deeper than hair or services for me — it’s about how people feel.
I’m also happiest when I’m watching people grow. Whether it’s my team stepping into leadership, gaining confidence behind the chair, or achieving goals they once doubted were possible, those moments mean everything to me. Seeing people realize their potential is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
Outside of work, my family brings me the most joy. I’m an Austin native, a wife, and a mom to three amazing kids, and some of my favorite moments are the simple ones – time together, traveling, laughing, and creating memories. As my kids have grown into adulthood, I’ve learned to really appreciate those moments even more.
At this stage of my life, happiness looks a lot like purpose, connection, growth, and gratitude. I’ve been through enough challenges to know not to take any of it for granted.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.harlowaustin.com
- Instagram: @harlowsalonaustin
- Facebook: Harlow Beauty and Hair Salon
- LinkedIn: Harlow Beauty and Hair Salon
- Youtube: Harlow Beauty and Hair Salon
- Yelp: Harlow Beauty and Hair Salon
