Celebrity hairstylist Carly Bethel spent years honing her cutting, styling and extension skills, and was ready to venture out on her own. Enter Vol. II Hair Studio in Nashville, TN, an elevated and cozy space where clients can get the best in color, cuts, styling and extensions. Bethel shares more on the space and her epxerience opening a salon during the pandemic.
What’s your background in the beauty industry?
Since I can remember, I have enjoyed the beauty industry. It wasn’t until after graduating with my marketing degree that I attended cosmetology school to do hair professionally in LA. I then assisted world-renowned celebrity hairstylists. My intention was to expose myself to as many elements as possible within the hair industry. This allowed me to learn both the salon environment and the editorial aspect. Assisting gave me access to learn from the best, travel and attend events to become the stylist I am today. It was challenging, but well worth it. Through this exposure, I learned how to run a freelance business and develop my niche: haircutting, styling and extensions. Currently, I still do both salon and celebrity hairstyling, but that’s what I love about this industry. No two days are alike!
What inspired you to open your own salon?
It was a dream of mine to open a studio. I believe your environment has a tremendous impact on your day-to-day life, so I wanted to create a space that not only brought me joy but my clients as well. I think it was the right time because my husband and I had been patient for years looking for the right opportunity and once we set foot in Nashville, it just felt right. We knew it was where we wanted to raise our family and open Vol. II Hair Studio. Of course, I wouldn’t suggest starting a business during a pandemic, but I believe because of this, it gave me the ability to take time to build out my space as well as cultivate relationships in Nashville and build clientele.
Where did the name come from?
Vol. II Hair Studio's name represents the idea of giving my clients that 2.0 version of themselves. When clients leave Vol. II Hair Studio, I want them to feel like they have leveled up, refreshed their hairstyle and have more knowledge on how to maintain their 2.0 look between their hair studio visits. The name also represents a second chapter for me.
Describe the space for us. What was the design process like?
I wanted to create an elevated, upscale yet cozy and inviting space for our clients. I love interior design and I am a creative, so I was definitely looking forward to this process! I partnered with JL Design (@jldesigntn) to help my vision come to fruition. I wanted to create a chic yet comfortable space for us to work in. We pulled a lot of decor from CB2 and shelving from West Elm. We had amazing custom florals designed by Lillian’s Floral Studio that adds warmth to the studio and are even customizable per seasons. Our chic stylist chairs are from Minerva Beauty and comfortable shampoo chairs are from AGS Beauty. Some great light fixtures that help designate different sitting areas in the studio from Lamps Plus. The original flooring is a distressed concrete and I think it adds so much character. We used Sherwin Williams Highly Reflective White for our paint color to make our tall walls feel as bright and big as possible but added a moody vibe to the bathroom by blacking it out with floor to ceiling to appliances. Overall, it was so incredible seeing the vision come to life.
What is the experience for a guest like, from point of entry to finish?
This is exactly what I think of when I try to encompass an overall customer experience. I am very observant even when I enter other businesses. The moment you walk into Vol. II Hair Studio, you’ll feel a sense of peace. The chic ambiance and comfort of the salon chairs will allow the client to step away from their daily tasks and take a moment for themselves. Upon arrival, a stylist will greet them and offer a beverage option. A comfortable seating area, magazines and Wi-Fi are available while waiting. Once in the stylist chair, the stylist and client will discuss the hair goals. During the service the clients are offered amenities like a chilled or warmed lavender-scented essential oil hand towel, an eye mask, a variety of drink options and a phone charger. We want our clients to enjoy each step of the process. When leaving, the stylist will review the steps necessary to maintain the look between appointments and, if needed, schedule the following appointment.
Which services are offered? Any special touches that set Vol. II apart?
We offer exceptionally talented independent artists who support their own clientele alongside me. The current stylists are Lorien Meillon, a colorist and extension specialist, and Ashley Wahler, a color and balayage specialist. I specialize in haircutting, styling and extensions. At Vol.II Hair Studio, we believe education is critical to continue to grow your skills and that there is plenty of space for everyone. Throughout the year, we hold hair education courses, which can range from color, cuts, extensions, general business and more. If you aren’t able to attend in person, there is a digital course available at www.carlyxhair.com/kajabi. We hope to provide more digital courses throughout the year.
Which products do you carry?
We carry Davines and Ouai. It’s important to send our clients home with the products that allow them to maintain a salon look. These brands have a range of products that serve a variety of the clients’ needs.