Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannah Mills.
Hi Hannah, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I became a licensed cosmetologist in 2018. From there, I applied at Hustle and Blow when it was only just developing from a small intimate dry bar. In 2019, I had the opportunity to purchase Hustle and Blow at only 20 years old. I was scared and lost. I didn’t grow up with much money, so the thought of buying a business at such a young age and not really having anything was terrifying. I ended up buying it and it was the best thing I’ve ever done.
Fast forward to 2020, and we are in the midst of a pandemic. Wow, what a curveball I was thrown. I’m still trying to learn how to operate as a salon owner. We were closed for six weeks. I lost many team members and clients after reopening. After regaining some strength and sanity, I gained new team members and we had to operate under new guidelines. Despite all the chaos, Hustle and Blow won Best Salon in the Coastal Empire by Savannah News. I also personally won Best Hair Stylist by Connect Savannah. All thanks to our amazing community, team, and clients. 2020 was a rough year, to say the least, but it taught me lessons and skills that I’ll carry on into my career.
In 2021, I became a Buy Local Board member for our community. Buy Local’s mission is to support independent locally owned and operated businesses in the greater Chatham County area, to maintain our unique community character, provide continuing opportunities for entrepreneurs, build our community economic strength, and prevent the displacement of community-based businesses by national and global entities.
I enjoy connecting with local businesses and supporting them in any way I can.
This year has been one of the best so far. I feel like I have a dream team, an awesome clientele, and a fabulous community to do business in. I take a step back sometimes just to soak in all that has happened to me and for my business in just the last two years. I get emotional thinking of the 20-year-old girl scared to take a risk.
Hustle and Blow is now a full-service salon offering color, blowouts, extensions, makeup, weddings, and facial waxing. We are Savannah’s First and Only Certified Sustainable Salon diverting 95% of our waste from landfills and waterways. I want to give a huge thank you to my team and clients at Hustle. I wouldn’t be here today without each of you. I’m beyond grateful to be able to serve you.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not always been a smooth road. Being young definitely has its challenges! You sometimes are not taken very seriously in this industry. People think you don’t have enough experience to run a business. This is something I’ve learned to overlook over the years.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in Blondes! It’s my passion.
I am most proud of how much my business and I have grown. We have doubled our sales goals since I became the owner.
Being Savannah’s first and only certified sustainable salon diverting 95% of your waste is what sets us apart from other salons in our area!
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I have seven siblings from a blended family! I grew up in Effingham County and just purchased my first home there with my amazing boyfriend of three years.
Contact Info:
- Email: hustleandblowdrybar@gmail.com
- Website: www.hustleandblowdrybar.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hustleandblowdrybar/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hustleandblowdrybar
Image Credits
Stephanie Cintron Photography
