“My customers are family”
After many years of service and exquisite hair styling techniques, Lisa was awarded World’s Greatest Boss and World’s Greatest Stylist by Darline D’Amour, which hangs right behind Lisa’s station. D’Amour commented, “she deserved to be recognized for her hard work, skills, immaculate taste, and big heart.”
May 6, 2015
A hairstylist, an artist, an entrepreneur, a cook, a hostess, makeup artist Lisa George wears many daily hats and lives life fully as a passionate eccentric who loves to serve her customers.
Born in Saint-Patrick, Grenada, Lisa knew even at a young age that hair design rested in her future: “I remember when I was a little girl there was a career day at my school, and they had all types of professions displayed for us to look at and explore,” she said. “My teacher asked me what I wanted to be, [and] I told her simply I wanted to be a hairdresser.”
Many would think that of this as just a little girl’s frivolous dream, but not for George. With the help and support of her mom, George landed an internship with a local hairdresser as a teen, where she began her journey and learned the ropes.
George first moved from Toronto, Canada to the US in the early 1990s. Looking for work, she moved to Kennesaw in 2003, and struck up a friendship with her neighbor, Carme Jean Pierre: “As a favor, Carme asked me to wash her hair, so I did―in my kitchen sink. More of my friends asked me to do the simple things such as wash, dry, and flat iron their hair. I realized then that my kitchen sink wasn’t big enough for what seemed to be a real business. So in my basement I created a little workspace, with a sink, dryer and a really good curler and flat iron.”
Carme commented, “letting Lisa do my hair was the best decision I ever made.” George knew her calling had to be pursued and applied to Cobb Beauty cosmetology school in Kennesaw to become a licensed hairstylist.
George got her own chair at Legacy Salon in 2006, previously located on Old 41. Due to the owner retiring, George had to find another place to cultivate and sharpen her skills. So in 2008, she found Elyon Salon and established a name for herself and expanded her customer base. Older customers remained loyal and moved along with George to this salon located on Hickory Grove Street. However, her rented chair was not enough for a woman with a dream of her owning her own store. Her aspirations led her in November 2010 to purchase her own salon, Lisa’s Hair Design, located Cherokee Street.
Decorated with a classy interior, bright green and yellow accented walls, and chestnut cabinets, the store evokes a “homey” feeling that many clients have described as the core of George’s hair design. George says, “my customers aren’t just my customers, they are my family, so I treat them as so with love and respect, and quality service.” Her store provides a variety of services such as deep conditioning, color, cut and style, sew-in weave, relaxers, eyebrow wax, make-up, full bridal services and more with affordable prices and service that can’t be beat.
George’s dedication to her clientele goes above and beyond. On September 21, 2014, she continued her annual tradition of throwing a customer appreciation luncheon. The invitation was extended and not limited to family, friends, clients, supporters, and business associates to come celebrate being with George for so long and making her shop exceptional.
George says, “what you see now is only a piece of my vision, I plan on going even bigger with plans of a beauty bar for make up and back- room spa, the ideas are endless and I am only getting started.”
During this growth George has been able to raise two kids, Allisa age 10 and Maximus age 8, with her husband Steven George. Lisa loves owning her own store and says, “ I love being able to control my own schedule and be able to watch my kids grow up and be there for my family.”
Long time friend and client Miriam comments, “Lisa always brings something new. She changes you for the better. She colored into my hair, did eyebrows, let me borrow her own jewelry, because she wanted me to look pretty. She brings out the best of her customers. I haven’t changed hairdressers, its not just hair here…it’s the way you feel…it’s the friendship…it’s the sisterhood… It’s like we are a big family. You will never find that much passion and dedication anywhere else.”
Follow Lisa George on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lisas-Hair-Design-Salon/185845134954619?fref=ts
Instagram: @lisashds
