Shane Archer, 34, owner, Grow-A Shane Archer Concept

Shane Archer drew inspiration for his business's name from what he wasn't encouraged to do: to grow and be creative. With his successful business as an example, he now encourages his employees to be creative.

He started Grow-A Shane Archer Concept about nine years ago, and the salon has expanded to a bigger location and added more employees. In 2022, his salon was recognized among 2022 Salons of the Year. His is the only salon in the state to be named on the list.

When you reflect on your career so far, which achievement stands out most?

Making my dream of owning my own business come true and within five years growing to a new location with triple the space and staff. Also, all the accolades we have won since opening such as Cityview Best of the Best, Salon Today 200, Salon Today Top 10 Salon, L'ANZA's #1 account in North America, Pinnacle Impact Award and now 40 Under 40, to name a few.

What is the greatest professional obstacle you’ve had to overcome and how did you overcome it?

All salons had to shut down in 2020 from March 22 until May 1, during the pandemic. In order to reopen, we had to change our way of thinking and of doing business. We pulled together as a team and continued to make people feel beautiful after reopening during hard times. Also during the pandemic, we built a bigger and better location, which we have been in since September 2020.

What will you focus on in 2023?

My focus will be continued growth for myself, my team and the business. We are also focused on raising funds to build a house for Habitat for Humanity beginning in June 2023. We want to continue to give back to the community. It has been a huge focus of Grow since opening and will continue to be.

What is your biggest professional dream?

I want to teach, enable, promote and foster growth and professionalism not only in our team and community, but the beauty industry as a whole. I am just getting started!

What mistake did you learn the most from?

I know it sounds cliché, but I used to sweat the small stuff. I have learned that life happens, we learned that through the pandemic, but at the end of the day, we are all so lucky. We have so much to be grateful for, and I have learned to focus on that more and more.

What motivates you?

Helping others achieve their health and beauty goals while growing my team, business and the community.

What is the most overrated piece of business advice you’ve heard?

If you're not first, you're last, by Ricky Bobby.

What trait do you most want in a co-worker?

Kindness, creativity, integrity and willingness to learn.

What about Knoxville would you like to improve?

I would like to see more businesses (especially more salons) get more involved in community outreach. There are so many opportunities and people that have customers that could be of assistance to the many organizations that need help.

What don't people know about you?

I was fired from my first job as a hairdresser. I have learned so much since then, including how not to run a business.

• Family: Husband Jerry Wilkerson Archer, mother Rebekah Edgemon McCulloch, sister Rachel Archer Sigmon, brother-in-law Chris Sigmon, brother Aaron Archer and sister-in-law Abbie Archer.

• Years worked at current company: Seven

• Degrees and certifications: Licensed cosmetologist, Reuben Allen College; licensed cosmetology educator, Tennessee School of Beauty Platform Artist; Pinnacle Business Award winner; Cityview Best Salon winner six years in a row; Cityview Best Colorist and Stylist multiple years; Salon Today top 10 in the United States

• Community involvement: Debbie Helsley campaign treasurer; Butterfly Fund of East Tennessee board member; Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation; Wesley House Community Center; Office on Aging Senior Companion Program; Fantasy of Trees; East Tennessee Children's Hospital; Make-A-Wish; Junior Achievement

This Q&A has been edited for length and clarity. 

-Areena Arora

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Knox News 40 Under 40 awards: Shane Archer, Grow-A Shane Archer Concept