Today we’d like to introduce you to Whitney Cates.
Hi Whitney, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
From Roots to Radiance: My Journey to L² Studio
I’ve always believed that beauty is more than what we see—it’s how we feel, how we connect, and how we show up for ourselves and others. My journey in the beauty industry started with a simple passion: helping people feel confident and cared for. I never imagined that years later, that same passion would lead me to build L² Studio—a place rooted in empowerment, community, and heart.
The very first spark was lit by someone close to home—my uncle. He was the first stylist I ever looked up to and the first person to show me that this industry could be a path of artistry, connection, and purpose. Watching him work, create, and build relationships with his clients left a lasting impression on me. His love for what he did inspired my own, and I’ll forever be grateful for the example he set.
As a military spouse, my journey came with constant change. Each new duty station meant uprooting my life and starting from scratch—rebuilding a clientele, adapting to different communities, and learning how to grow no matter where I was planted. It wasn’t easy, but it shaped me. Every challenge taught me resilience. Every new client taught me something different. And over time, I didn’t just become a better stylist—I became a mentor, a leader, and someone who knows how to build connection and trust wherever I go.
In the early days, it was just me, a chair, and a dream. I worked long hours behind the chair, constantly learning, evolving, and shaping a vision of a salon that wasn’t just about services, but about soul.
That dream grew stronger with every person who sat in my chair and trusted me not just with their hair, but with their story. I saw the need for a space where women could come as they are, feel seen, supported, and walk out not only looking their best but feeling stronger, too.
So I took a leap and built that space.
L² Studio—named after the two greatest joys in my life, my sons, Lucas and Landon—is more than a salon. It’s a tribute to family, to hard work, and to every woman who has ever been told she wasn’t enough. We are women-owned, community-driven, and proudly rooted in Tipton County. We support other small businesses, believe in clean beauty, and make it our mission to empower every client and team member who walks through our doors.
Today, I look around our space filled with laughter, creativity, and transformation, and I’m grateful. Grateful for the journey, the growth, the setbacks that became lessons, and the incredible community that helped make this dream a reality.
And this? This is just the beginning.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road definitely had its bumps, but every challenge taught me something that helped shape both my career and my character. Being a military spouse meant moving often, and with each move came the task of starting over—rebuilding a clientele, establishing new connections, and finding my place in unfamiliar environments. It was tough, but it also taught me resilience, adaptability, and how to build meaningful relationships quickly.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that growth often comes from discomfort. Those experiences pushed me outside my comfort zone and forced me to become more creative, more confident, and more intentional with how I approach my work and leadership. Over time, I went from focusing solely on the chair to realizing my calling as a mentor and business owner.
All of those experiences—both the hard ones and the heartwarming ones—helped lay the foundation for what L² Studio is today: a place built on empowerment, connection, and community.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work is rooted in precision, creativity, and a deep understanding of how to enhance each client’s natural beauty. I specialize in hair cutting, dimensional color, and sculpting brows that truly complement an individual’s facial structure. Whether it’s crafting a transformative haircut, creating seamless color blends, or designing the perfect brow shape, I approach every service with an artist’s eye and a stylist’s expertise.
Hair cutting is one of my strongest passions—I love creating shapes and movement that work in harmony with a client’s texture, lifestyle, and features. Color is where I get to bring dimension and personality to life, whether through rich brunettes, bold vivids, or soft, sun-kissed tones.
When it comes to brows, I’m known for my precision. I take the time to study each client’s bone structure and muscle movement to shape brows that truly elevate their look. It’s not one-size-fits-all—every brow I sculpt is custom-tailored and designed to frame the face beautifully.
What sets me apart is my attention to detail and my commitment to education—not just for myself, but for the stylists I mentor. I believe the foundation of great work is a combination of technical skill, creative vision, and the ability to listen and understand what someone really wants.
At the end of the day, I’m most proud of the trust my clients place in me to help them look and feel their best—and that’s something I never take lightly.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What we love most about Munford is the true sense of hometown pride and community spirit. It’s the kind of place where neighbors still wave, lend a hand when it’s needed, and show up for one another—whether it’s during a local event, a fundraiser, or simply supporting a small business.
There’s something special about living and working in a town where people genuinely care. Businesses here don’t compete—they collaborate. We lift each other up, share resources, and celebrate each other’s wins. That kind of support is rare, and it’s one of the biggest reasons we’re proud to be rooted in Munford.
At L² Studio, we’ve felt the love from day one—and we’re committed to pouring it right back into the community that has embraced us like family.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.l2studiosalon.com
- Instagram: L2studiosalon
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/l2ssalon
Image Credits
Maddie short photography
