Today we’d like to introduce you to Ursula Franklin.
Hi Ursula, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
My name is Ursula Chambers Franklin, and I am a licensed cosmetologist for 16 years and a licensed cosmetologist instructor for 6 years. I have loved doing hair since I was a little girl. I was a hairstylist for everyone, young and old, in my neighborhood growing up. Shortly after graduating from high school, I got pregnant with my first son at age 20, so I went into the medical field as a PCT. Then at 22, I had my 2nd son. Now a single mother, of 2 boys I was working as a phlebotomist 3rd shift at local hospital. The hours at the hospital became too much, so I got job working as a retention specialist for a local cable company. Although it was a job providing well for me and my 2 boys, I was still not fulfilled as a person on my job. I was still doing hair on the side with early and late hair appointments and I loved every minute of it. So in February 2007, I decided at age 27 I wanted to be a licensed cosmetologist. That day I quit my job and enrolled in hair school. The journey was long but very rewarding.
I excelled as a student. I had some of my work published in 2 magazines, I had a write-up in the local newspaper, and I also won 3 big competition’s while attending Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology in Spartanburg, SC. After graduating in March 2008,I started working at Salon 24. That’s where I began to grow my clientele and I began my career as a Licensed Cosmetologist. I worked at Salon 24 for about 8 years. My family dynamics changed within those 8 years, from a family with just me and my 2 boys to now a Husband and 6 kids. So I decided to go to school for my instructor licenses. After passing the course, shortly after I got the opportunity to be an instructor at Paul Mitchell the School Greenville, in July 2016. I learned a lot at Paul Mitchell. Having to teach future professionals forced me to go back to the basics as a cosmetologist and refine my professional skills in the beauty industry. I grew a lot as a professional and a person who desired to be a Salon owner one day. On March 1, 2022, I said my goodbyes as an Instructor at Paul Mitchell the School Greenville, and on April 13, 2022, I opened the doors to my Salon, Salon 1227. I have a Salon suite inside of Salons by JC on Woodruff Rd.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
For the most part, it has been a smooth ride and very rewarding. There have been a few challenges and some uncomfortable moments along the way but I am a firm believer that nothing is a struggle or is just a coincidence. No matter good or bad things happen to prepare you for your next step. I always tell my friends and family, “GET THE LESSON” So with the challenges or the uncomfortable moments I just kept going and kept being intentional about what I wanted and no matter what I was going to get THROUGH IT. When you love what you do, and it’s a true passion, the challenges and uncomfortable moments are just a part of your growth in becoming better.
As you know, we’re big fans of Salon 1227. What can you tell our readers who might not be as familiar with the brand?
I am the proud owner of Salon 1227. Although braiding is my first love, Micro locs are now apart of my specialty. My services include Micro loc installs, Micro loc reties, traditional loc, starter locs, loc maintenance, loc styles, coloring locs/micro locs, Silk press, Natural hairstyles, color, haircuts, deep conditioning treatments, and box braids. I also teach braiding classes and Micro loc classes. What sets me apart from the rest is that when you come to Salon 1227, you are coming for an Unforgettable Experience. Peaceful and a welcoming space to relax and unwind, all while getting your hair done. As your stylist, I am educated and knowledgeable when it comes to hair and my desire is for all of my clients to walk away with healthy hair no matter the style. I will teach you what products best work for you, and I can help you customize a plan for your hair care needs, all while doing that promptly. No matter what hairstyle you want as your stylist, I will customize the experience with information and tips that work best for you.
What matters most to you?
Doing hair for is more than just doing hair is about building relationships with my clients. I keep the lines of communication open, I am honest and upfront with their concerns about their hair care needs; if there is something I can’t do, I can let them know, and we come up with something else. Education is also very important, so I am constantly educating my clients on the things they need to know about their hair journey. What matters most is that I give all of my clients an Unforgettable Experience. There are no two clients alike and no two appointments that go the same way, but something that will always be the same is the Professionalism, Peaceful environment , authentic personality, and great customer service that I will ALWAYS provide at Salon 1227.
Contact Info:
- Website: Salon1227.com
- Instagram: salon_1227
- Facebook: Salon 1227
- Yelp: Salon 1227
Image Credits
Jatoya Lanisha, for the head shoots Black blazer
