ORANGE PARK – Katlyn Hammonds and Tanya Shaw are best friends with a passion for styling hair. Hairstylists are known for being creative, detail-orientated people and they can prove it.

The women were recognized for their work ethic, social media presence and business expertise by MY SALON Suite’s Elite Featured Member Program.

MY SALON Suite is a salon that provides both men’s and women’s beauty services. Just before COVID came to the United States, Hammonds and Shaw opened their salon in February 2020. Although lockdowns put their business on hold, they didn’t let the pandemic stop them from growing and creating loyal clients.

Hammonds and Shaw specialize in coloring hair and transforming people’s appearance with their hairstyles. When you walk into their salon suite, you’ll see an array of rainbow hair dyes in addition to their Instagram-worthy aesthetic.

Hammonds and Shaw are not afraid to branch out from natural hair colors and give someone a bright and vibrant new look.

“I love a good transformation. I love giving them extra confidence they get when they get out of the chair and they’re feeling good,” Hammonds said. “I think it’s that extra confidence you can give someone.”

The women have been friends since 2016. Shaw has been a hairstylist for 21 years, Hammonds for 11. Along with being friends, Hammonds and Shaw also work to build friendships with their clients through their creativity and passion.

“I just love being able to be creative and have that relationship aspect. I get to work and play at the same time, it’s a perfect balance,” Shaw said.

MY SALON Suite, located at 1801 Wells Road in Orange Park, is unique to other beauty businesses by letting their stylists be able to create their own suite or be partnered with someone else. That’s how Hammonds and Shaw met. The theme for Hammonds and Shaw’s suite was modern, upscale, design.

Shaw is originally from Jacksonville and also drew inspiration from there. 

“Every suite gets to have their own unique, individual personality. Our vibe is we wanted it to feel like you could be on a rooftop in any major city,” she said. “We love Jacksonville, it’s my hometown, so we have the skyline for our logo.”

Businesses in Orange Park can gain inspiration from Hammonds and Shaw’s perseverance and resilience despite the pandemic affecting their hair salon.

To learn more about Hammonds and Shaw or schedule an appointment, follow Tanya Shaw on Instagram @The_Payper_Doll or Katlyn Hammonds @kitkatcolorist.

Future clients can also schedule an appointment by calling (904) 800-9046.