Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauryn Williams.
Hi Lauryn, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my journey in Houston, where I moved for hair school and completely fell in love with the industry. The city shaped me in so many ways. I just loved working in high fashion, music videos, editorial work, and runway fashion shows for Houston’s up and coming. Being surrounded by such a rich mix of cultures, events, and celebrations, it really taught me how powerful hair and beauty can be in bringing people together.
One of my most impactful experiences was working at Vanity Salon in the Galleria area, where I learned that strong salon culture starts with leading by example and working alongside your team.
After leaving Houston, I explored different paths in the industry before opening OAK BRUSH Salon. Building a positive, inclusive salon culture has been the biggest challenge and the most rewarding part. We’ve created what I like to call “this must be the place”, a space where there’s truly a stylist for everyone in a welcoming space.
Today, I feel fulfilled. I’ve built a career and environment I genuinely love, where I can support my team, stay connected behind the chair, and create a space where stylists can thrive. Not many people get to say they love going to work, but I do.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like most people in this industry, I started at the bottom and worked my way through a lot of uncertainty, long hours, and figuring out where I truly fit.
One of the biggest challenges has been building and maintaining a strong salon culture. It’s not something you can force, it takes consistency and leading by example every single day. On top of that, I didn’t come from a business background, so a lot of running a salon has been based on what I’ve learned through experience over the years. That’s definitely come with its difficulties.
At the same time, that challenge has been incredibly rewarding. Having the drive to become a better boss and run a more thoughtful, sustainable business has shaped everything I do. Looking back, those struggles really helped refine my vision and have allowed me to build something that feels super authentic for both myself and my team.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At the core, I’m a hairstylist and salon owner, but my work has really evolved into building spaces where both clients and stylists feel seen and supported. Behind the chair, I specialize in creating lived-in, wearable hair that fits each individual, not just trends, but something that works with their lifestyle, texture, and personal style.
What I’m most known for, though, is the environments I’ve created with in salons. We’ve built what I like to call a “refreshing approach to hair”. There’s truly a stylist for everyone, and that inclusivity is something we’re really proud of along with the welcoming salon environment.
What sets me apart is my focus on culture and longevity. I’m not just focused on great hair, but on creating a sustainable career for myself and my team. I’m most proud of building a salon where people genuinely want to come to work, can afford to live in our town, and feel like they’re part of something bigger.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I would say adaptability has been the most important quality in my success. This industry is constantly evolving, and my path definitely hasn’t been linear. I’ve had to step into different environments, learn what works, and be willing to pivot when something didn’t feel aligned.
That openness is what led me from Houston to where I am now, and ultimately to creating OAK BRUSH. It’s also what continues to shape me as a leader being willing to listen, evolve, and build something that truly supports both my clients and my team.
A big part of that growth has come from my love for community. I genuinely enjoy connecting with other business owners and creatives, sharing what I’ve learned, and encouraging people to build businesses in the right way and not by mistakes like I did! I didn’t have a traditional business background, so everything I’ve built has come from experience, trial and error, and learning as I go and that’s something I’m really passionate about passing on.
For me, success isn’t just about what I’ve created within my own walls, but how I can contribute to a stronger, more supportive community around me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.oakbrushsalon.com
- Instagram: @oakbrushsalon
