Inspired by the blue waves of the ocean, by all that sparkles and shines, and all things beauty, an ambitious East Texas entrepreneur has made a name for herself amongst the bustling and busy vibes of Plano.
Karri Graves’s core philosophy stands behind the creation of her salon, which is helping women feel beautiful. Without care and compassion (and a touch of pampering), impacting her clients’ self-esteem and well-being becomes just a superficial facade.
“From the moment guests walk through our doors, they are greeted with a selection of beverages, including mimosas, wine, coffee, iced coffees, teas, and lemon water. We also bake fresh chocolate chip cookies daily, adding a personal touch to their visit and making them feel cherished. We care for our client’s hair with the utmost importance, utilizing organic products, stem cell therapy enrichments, and gluten free options for both hair and makeup. Ensuring the health of our clients and stylists is a cornerstone of our philosophy.”
With nearly 40 years of experience in the beauty industry, Karri has built a career focused on empowering individuals and promoting connections. “By fostering creativity and collaboration within my team, I've established an atmosphere that encourages innovation, enabling us to deliver extraordinary experiences and enhance the beauty community as a whole,” she reflects.
Lee Graves Salon is located directly across from The Shops at Willow Bend. Founded in 2019, it has experienced significant expansion in the past six years, growing from eight stylists to 30! With the introduction of a dedicated nail room and lash room, in addition to a bridal hair and makeup team that travels to create stunning looks for weddings and special events, Karri is able to offer an even broader range of beauty services.
When it comes to personal style, Karri believes that each individual instinctively knows what resonates with them from the moment they wake up. “For example, whether we are drawn to romantic elements like ruffles and lace, dramatic aesthetics with bold clothing and hair, or sleek chic looks, our style preferences are intrinsically connected to our identities.”
In today's world, we're surrounded and bombarded by fashion inspiration, especially through social media. Filtering through the noise is integral when choosing a personal style; it helps drill down what’s important to a person, and prevents him or her from being caught up in something that doesn’t truly reflect them. Seeking this simplicity in an era of overload is key.
“At our salon, we celebrate and enhance this individuality by recognizing and complementing our clients’ unique styles through tailored hair coloring and styling, and prioritizing the integrity of their hair. Through the use of organic products and by providing advice on healthy hair habits, we help clients feel beautiful and confident in their own skin.”
Part of being comfortable in their own skin also means understanding that different people have different definitions of beauty; this ranges considerably across cultures, ethnicities, and races.
“To me, beauty is a harmonious blend of our inner spirit and emotional well-being with our outward appearance, including our hair and makeup,” she reflects. “Many women express that they feel incomplete without perfect hair or a touch of lipstick, and this sentiment is not a negative; rather, it reflects a deep connection to self-identity. The desire to enhance our outer beauty often mirrors our inner feelings, creating a powerful interplay between how we look and how we feel. Embracing this connection allows us to cultivate confidence and authenticity, celebrating the multifaceted nature of beauty.
“As we look ahead to 2025, one of the standout trends I see emerging is the French bob, characterized by its soft, blunt cut that exudes effortless elegance. This style blends sophistication with a touch of playfulness, making it versatile for various face shapes and hair types. Additionally, we can expect to see a resurgence of natural textures, with an emphasis on embracing wavy and curly styles that celebrate authenticity. Long layers and curtain bangs will continue to be popular, providing movement and dimension without compromising on length,” adds Karri.
Bold color transformations, such as rich jewel tones and soft pastels, will also make waves, allowing individuals to express their personalities through vibrant hues. Lastly, personalization is key. Trends will increasingly focus on tailored styles that reflect individual identities, making sure that everyone can find a look that resonates with them.
But beneath these fashion trends is something else, Karri observes. “The hottest demand among our clients is for healthy hair, with a strong focus on maintaining its integrity throughout the transformation process. Anti-aging hair products enriched with collagen, designed to nourish and revitalize are popular, as are volumizing products crafted from natural ingredients like quinoa and protein that enhance the hair's fullness without compromising its quality.”
If you’re looking for a hair experience that puts “healthy” and “luxurious” at the forefront, visit https://www.leegravessalon.com/.
Karri Graves’s core philosophy stands behind the creation of her salon, which is helping women feel beautiful.
Bold color transformations, such as rich jewel tones and soft pastels, will also make waves, allowing individuals to express their personalities through vibrant hues.