On Fairmount Avenue, nestled within the vibrant Fort Worth cultural district, is Maven Fort Worth Hair Co., an art deco duplex-turned-salon catering to a growing list of the city's rising power players. Wunderkind hairstylist Whitney Kilpatrick founded Maven to reinvent salon culture and resolve industry pitfalls she experienced firsthand. Her innovative business model relies on stylists' collaboration to deliver top-notch service. At Maven, the salon operates as a team with shared values and goals, and every team's success depends on the support of its captain. Whitney takes that position seriously, promoting her staff's skill development, mental well-being, and education from the front.
"It's all about leadership, right?'" Whitney says. "Maven means 'expert,' and education is a big part of our client relationships. Our stylists develop hair care routines, explain each step, manage problem areas, and hype clients up throughout."
That last part matters the most to Whitney, who values character over technical ability during the hiring process.
"I can teach someone about hair," she explains. "Humans need to feel seen, heard, and valued, so I put that in our mission statement and regularly revisit the salon's core values with stylists."
Stylists at Maven also hone their skills through weekly performance reviews, quarterly one-on-ones, and intentional career development to advance their careers.
Whitney acknowledges that her rigorous training and all-for-one ideology are not for everyone; truthfully, it's a fact she embraces, but the salon's impressive growth speaks for itself.
After a mere two years, Maven surpassed $1 million in revenue and boasts 20 stylists, with another location planned for 2026.
"I wanted to share my success with other hair stylists, specifically women," Whitney explains. "I started teaching my methods to other businesses and launched an e-commerce platform."
The platform has two parts. Shop Maven features curated accessories and the salon's hair and skin care favorites. Maven University provides education and consulting services for salon owners looking to modernize their businesses and foster healthier workplace environments.
"I'm fully living my purpose and passion," she says. "And I know how rare that is."
Although, Whitney wasn't always so self-assured. Despite securing a cosmetology license at just 17 years old and gaining employment at a prestigious local salon after graduating high school, she could not fully commit to the beauty industry.
"I had a lot of naysayers around me," she remembers. "I thought I needed college to be successful."
However, it was a notion she quickly abandoned after learning she outearned her business professor.
That's not to say Whitney isn't continuing her education. Maven sends stylists to an international academy every year thanks to its partnership with an Italian color line.
"One year, we went to Rome, then Barcelona," Whitney says. "This year we're going to London.
Overseas, Whitney learned about toxic ingredients and the potentially harmful consequences for clients and staff.
"The FDA bans about 50 ingredients, while the EU bans around 1,300," she says. "We want to protect not just our clients but also our team, who handle these products daily."
The salon exclusively carries products manufactured in the European Union, where stricter ingredient regulations ensure the highest safety and quality standards.
Maven also educates clients on proper hair care between salon visits. Every new client receives a welcome gift, including a Hair Care 101 card outlining essential hair health tips.
One of the biggest mistakes Whitney sees is improper shampooing.
"You should only shampoo your roots and condition from mid-lengths to ends," she says. "Shampooing your ends dries them out, and putting conditioner on your scalp makes it greasy."
A color-safe shampoo is essential for those with color-treated hair, and a deep conditioning mask once a week will combat sun damage and environmental pollutants that cause fading.
Clients should also be wary of heat styling.
"Your hair cuticle is like shingles on a roof," Whitney explains. "A fatty acid layer holds the shingles together. That layer has a boiling point of 320 degrees. If you use hot tools above that temperature without a heat protectant, you're literally boiling your hair."
Beyond topical care, Maven educates clients on the role of nutrition in hair health.
"Your hair grows from the inside out, so what you eat is crucial," says Whitney. "A diet rich in fatty acids, vitamins, and whole foods will have a bigger impact than any product."
Whitney says basic hair care maintenance between salon visits can significantly prolong the life of a cut, reducing unsightly damage like flyaways, frizz, and fading. She recommends scheduling an appointment every 8-10 weeks.
Maven offers a Hair Savings Account (HSA) membership for clients looking to simplify their beauty budget.
"It's 'girl math' at its finest," Whitney laughs.
Members make monthly or bi-weekly deposits into their account for a credit towards future services. They also receive free birthday haircuts, discounted blowouts, and retail product discounts.
Conveniences like the HSA are all part of Maven's commitment to the client experience, setting a new industry standard. Whether you need tips for hair care, a salon that values integrity, or an empowering beauty community, you've come to the right place. Because at Maven, good hair is just the beginning.