Catherine Hackworth isn’t just in the business of doing hair, she’s in the business of creating confidence.
Thirty years of experience doing hair has taken Hackworth across the world, meticulously studying her craft. Her passion for doing hair started when she was a little girl, and her drive for success led to her graduating first in her cosmetology class.
Hackworth continued to invest in her education with the desire to become as well-rounded as possible. She took her studies overseas to Paris and Great Britain, learning and growing along the way. From styling elaborate bridal updos to working as a platform artist for the luxury hair care brand Jhirmack, Hackworth says that there isn’t anything she can’t tackle.
After moving to Tucson in 2018 following three successful salon ventures, she opened Studio Tucson Salon in January of 2021. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, success was uncertain.
“I didn’t have a clientele when I opened,” Hackworth said.
Operating out of a garage space before heading to her permanent location, Hackworth quickly built up a loyal clientele by offering private appointments. She said that during the pandemic, her clients were looking for a feeling of safety, which she was more than happy to provide. Her business savvy shone through during a period of uncertainty for small businesses.
As the clouds of the pandemic continue to lift, her business only continues to grow. Her immaculately clean salon evokes feelings of luxury. Hackworth said her salon is designed to be upscale but not intimidating, which rings true in every aspect of her design. Her dedication to providing her clients with the best is evident in the shelves stocked with organic hair care products.
Following a personal health scare, Hackworth restructured her business around her philosophy of a healthful restart. She said that Studio Tucson Salon is service-oriented, not product oriented. Good mental and physical health start from the outside, including the products people use on their hair, according to Hackworth. She focuses on creating a pressure-free environment for clients to make the best choices for themselves, their hair and their health.
Hair color, specifically color correction, is Hackworth’s specialty. Her goal, she said, is to help people, and that help is apparent in the transformations she creates. She never turns a client away and emphasizes building trust during moments of insecurity. By building strong bonds with her clients, her correction services create stunning transformations.
Hackworth said she likes to partner with her clients, and those partnerships have enabled her to maintain a 98% client retention rate. Her “look good, feel good” mindset attracts clients seeking a personalized experience, one that Hackworth is more than eager to provide.
“I need purpose in my life and I love making people happy,” Hackworth said.
Her ability to connect with others creates an empowering space where clients are able to “let their hair down”, literally. She works tirelessly to create a peaceful environment for clients and says that she makes sure they know they will be listened to. Hackworth has gifted Tucson a luxury boutique salon experience at fair prices, constantly striving to offer her clients the healthiest experience possible.
“Anything worth having is worth working hard for,” Hackworth said.
To book an appointment at Studio Tucson Salon, visit their website at studiotucsonsalon.com to see their full menu of services.