Bert Kirkland is the owner of Solos hair salon on the Southbank, across Hendricks Avenue from Reddi-Arts.
HOW MANY ARE ON STAFF?
“It’s just me. I had a big salon [Boyz & Company in Mandarin] for seven years, but I closed it to work by myself. I moved to this location last February.”
WHY DOWNSIZE?
“I was really burnt out on the salon and had lost my ability to focus on what I truly enjoy, the customers. I had 25-plus employees and had been doing hair for 17 years. I needed to change the dynamics of how I was doing it. I wore too many hats. With this business, all that [administrative work] is diminished. I can focus on my schedule and serving clients in a quieter, calmer environment.”
HOW’S BUSINESS?
“I work nine-hour days. I can take up to 17 [hair appointments] in a day but some days I might do only 10. I have about a two-week wait. Mary [Hagan, his only assistant and the reason why Solo is plural] is a licensed hair dresser who has been working with me for 16 years. She does a lot of the chemical processing.”
WHY PICK A
DOWNTOWN ADDRESS?
“The owner of this building is a childhood friend. Over drinks one night when I was deciding on making a change, she suggested I look at the downstairs of the house. There’s character to this building. This old house has heart and soul. It relaxes people. Originally, I was going to expand [the living room] but I couldn’t because of the codes. So, we did a big redecorate to fit this space. I came here because the space felt comfortable. I’m more of a destination.” Consequently, Solos does not take walk-ins.
WHY DOES HE ENJOY WORKING DOWNTOWN?
“Down here I’m able to alter my schedule to a traditional work week, so we’re open Monday through Friday. I’m also very close to my working clientele — the attorneys, secretaries and doctors. To see this area make a comeback is wonderful. To feel a part of that is nice.”
WHERE ELSE HAS HE STYLED HAIR?
“My first salon, which I had for two years, was Beranbé in San Marco. This is the fifth location I have worked in. The last three I have owned. I worked in construction years ago when I was 18 or 19. When I was 20, I started beauty school [Arlington Beauty Care].”
WHY CHOOSE
THIS CAREER?
“People encouraged me. I always had an interest in fashion so it seemed natural to move into that. Between People and Today, I keep track of star trends. The big trend now is straight hair. Everybody has a flat iron.”
HOMETOWN
Jacksonville.
WHERE DOES HE LIVE?
Avondale.
WHAT DOES HE LIKE MOST ABOUT HIS PROFESSION?
“The interaction with clients. This is a rewarding industry because you can make positive changes. Hair is an accessory people have everyday. Plus, I get to visit with a lot of interesting people. I have a great clientele that have been with me for years and follow me everywhere.”
HIS CLIENT BASE?
“Predominantly Mandarin, because I worked so many years out there. But my clients live everywhere. I have regular customers who moved away and still visit from Atlanta, Orlando and Lakeland.”
HOBBIES
Gardening, cooking and reading medical murder mysteries.
HIS PET PEEVE?
“Cell phones. People are so indiscriminate when they talk. It leaves us feeling obligated to be way too connected. Also, people that don’t have home phones. You can’t just leave a message for them. They’ll make them [mobile telephones] waterproof soon so we can shower with it. My beliefs go along with not wanting to be in a big, mainstream salon anymore.”
— by Monica Chamness