Laura Hartnett, the owner of GlowGal, has been a licensed cosmetologist for over 15 years. During this time, she has also become a mother to five children and has taken the leap of faith in opening up her own salon. We sat down to discuss how GlowGal has simultaneously fulfilled the community and her own life.
What was the inspiration behind GlowGal?
GlowGal came about in 2019 when I was going through a very difficult divorce. I was passionate about hair, using my art as therapy. The divorce took its toll, and I realized I needed to do something big to care for my family. I joined forces with my father, and GlowGal was born. We chose the name because I believe that when you feel beautiful, you radiate a glow from the inside out.
In what way would you say that GlowGal is more than a salon?
We are a movement. Our belief is that we assist you, the client, to feel like you look your best. Through our support, you step out of our doors with the confidence to tackle the next phase of your life. Coco Chanel said it best… “A woman who changes her hair is about to change her life.” And I like to add, “And others too.”
What challenges did you face in opening GlowGal?
Opening a salon amidst the adversity of divorce and a pandemic showed me just how wonderful a community I am fortunate to be a part of. We were set to open in March of 2020, but we were shut down on our opening day. It was a tough time for businesses, and service-based businesses even more so. It was through faith, family, and friends that we are not just here, but thriving!
I’d love to know more about your connection with your team.
My team of GlowGetters—Mattie, Emily, Janessa, and Hannah—have been working hard to create a positive work environment where we prove that kindness and patience mixed, with the excitement of your talents, can create endless possibilities. I am grateful to them for the laughs, the support, and their sheer dedication to building something so solid. Everyone who enters our doors feels the friendship.
How do you feel that your team’s connection helps with your client connections?
I believe in good American principles, and I have hand-selected a team that supports this. We care, and this is reflected in our consultations where we try to put ourselves in our clients’ shoes and really listen to their concerns. We offer innovative solutions based on our continued education so we can give you the most valuable service. Our passion for our art and for the relationship is expressed by our clients’ reviews.
What can the community expect from you, in terms of giving back?
We are planning on hosting events for back-to-school free hair services for underprivileged children in our area. We want to also raise money for them to have clothes they can be proud to wear and walk into their school on the first day feeling like they have the same opportunity as everyone else and belong there. We want to assist in the movement of marrying inner beauty with outer beauty, and that light will spread.