DEFINING HER STYLE

SCHOOL OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & PUBLIC SERVICES EDUCATION

How a Cosmetology graduate built her business from the roots up.

Becoming a business owner — and running her own salon studio — was not always on Marlee Wharton’s radar. However, as someone committed to developing her passions, Marlee found great success in her professional pursuits after graduating from the CVCC Cosmetology program.

Her story begins a few years ago, when she worked 9-5 hours at a local restaurant to support her son while he attended Pre-K. She did her best to work during the day, so that when evening rolled around, she could stay home and be there for her son.

It was a job that she enjoyed, because it allowed her to serve others, to meet new people in the community, and to continue showing support for her family. As she got to know her customers better, she would engage in longer conversations with some of the “regulars”, who occasionally asked Marlee what plans she had for the future.

One day, the question caught her off-guard. She wasn’t certain of her plans, but she knew what she didn’t want to do—go to school during the day, work during the night, and miss spending time with her son.

These customers had a connection with CVCC, and they encouraged Marlee to explore the college’s degree programs. This meant Marlee had to decide which path she wanted to take. While she did think a counseling degree would be a good idea, Marlee also held a lifelong interest in Cosmetology.

It was evident from a young age that Marlee held talents in hair design and cosmetics. She used to practice hairstyles with her older sisters. By the time she was eight, she knew how to French braid; by the time she was twelve, Marlee started coloring and highlighting; by the time she turned fourteen, Marlee worked her first wedding event.

After much consideration, and with the help of her family, Marlee decided that she could launch her dream career through CVCC’s Cosmetology program. She invested much time and effort at the college, connecting with resources such as career advising, the Financial Aid office, Enrollment Management, and other individuals who were eager to help. From day one, she felt excited that she could begin her college education without leaving the community she called home.

“It was exactly what I thought it would be,” Marlee shares. “I went to school during the day, my parents watched my son, and I went straight to work in the afternoon, with two jobs between six days a week.”

“I did two semesters at CVCC, took a semester off...and this time was enlightening as to the opportunities I had at CVCC.”

It was a rough road, managing personal responsibilities as well as a class load, but

Marlee was determined to finish strong. She returned to CVCC after the gap semester and was introduced to Donna Vann, the current Department Head at the CVCC Cosmetology Center. Ms. Vann encouraged Marlee to graduate—so by 2019, Marlee finished her degree and immediately worked with clients at a booth rent salon.

Marlee realized what would make her studio different from others: a passion for offering safe spaces to every client, employee, or visitor who walked through her doors.

The SBC put her in touch with Mountain Bizworks, a local company who assists with business plans. Marlee received a Bizworks business mentor, worked with realtors to find the right brick-and-mortar location, and applied for a grant through the City of Hickory.

After a year of building clientele and her portfolio, She was encouraged to visit the CVCC Small Business Center (SBC) and connect with Jeff Neuville, former director of the CVCC Small Business Center. She had no clue where to start, but she spilled her ideas and waited eagerly for feedback.

“I told them I really wanted to be in a part of Hickory, because I’m seeing how much it’s growing,” Marlee recalls. “I’ve lived here my whole life...I can spread love, and joy, and give my employees a safe space to work that will help them grow their own clientele. I can also give safe spaces for clients who might not feel ‘safe’ in other places.”

Her efforts paid off, and in May of 2022, Marlee established High Noon Studios. After her success, Marlee reached out to Donna Vann to see if she knew any talent who could come to work at High Noon. Ms. Vann introduced her to CVCC alumna Taylor along with current Cosmetology instructor Asia.

More than one year later, High Noon Studios functions as a successful booth rent salon. It currently employs five stylists and one esthetician.

And day-to-day, Marlee gets to do what she loves: Help people gain confidence in themselves. “Sometimes people come in for a really big change,” Marlee explains, “and they want my help to bring it out of them. Watching someone see themselves for the first time and break out of their shell is always the best. I love the creative aspect [of styling] and a detailed project, but I love the full service of bringing a client into themselves.”

Photos provided by High Noon.