Meet Paul Knoff of Knoff Hair Studio in Downtown Fort Worth

Today we’d like to introduce you to Paul Knoff.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Going into senior year of high school, I had every intention of pursuing a career in the medical field. More specifically, I was going to be an anesthesiologist. I had everything lined up. AP Calc, AP Gov. AP Chemistry, AP physics, Diseases and Disorders, Anatomy 1, Anatomy 2, and of course, the easiest English course available because writing has never been my thing.

Just two days before starting senior year, I got this crazy Idea in my head. I wanted to be a hairstylist. All AP classes were soon traded for all available art classes, ranging from the normal drawing class all the way to the art of cooking. Diseases and Disorders became personal finance. As for Anatomy, well it stayed Anatomy because science is my jam.

Form, Lines, Color, structure, and balance became a part of my life. I saw hair as living art, so these concepts became my arsenal of tools. I ate, breathed, and slept art. I had found my calling, and cosmetology school could ‘t come fast enough.

One other area I excelled in was my personal finance class. I went on to receive the “shining scarlet award for businesses.” This award was only given twice a year. I was surprised. After all, out of all of the business classes, and the people in business clubs, he chose me. A kid in personal finance. Obviously, my teacher saw something I didn’t, because frankly, I didn’t see this class extending beyond creating a personal budget. This class went on to be the most important foundation of my business.

After graduating high school, I attended the Aveda Institute in the cosmetology program. 1550 hours and two state board tests later, I finally had my license.

I began my career at an Aveda Salon. After working there for five years, the salon abruptly closed. It was then that I was forced into opening Knoff Hair Studio.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
In all honesty, it has not been a smooth road. Working in a salon, I became spoiled. I never had to market to clients. As long as I did my job, and made my clients happy, I was able to maintain them. I just waited for the salon to put people in my chair. On my own, it’s a different story. I’ve had to learn how to let people know I exist. In fact, I’m still learning. There are so many ways to use social media to reach people, and it’s constantly changing. I have realized it’s about being true to your self and your brand. I now enjoy it, instead of dread it, but I’m still finding the way to get my work out there.

Another area I struggled with was finding a location. The first place I settle into was because of comfort. It was half a block away from my now-closed salon. However, after being there a short while, I started searching for someplace new. I was just resisting there. I wasn’t growing there. I needed a place to thrive. Now that I’m at Novak, I have a great support system and a team that push me past my comfort zone. I have so many mentors that I can seek guidance from.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Knoff Hair Studio – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
As of now, I run my business independently. I do hair color, hair extensions, and haircuts. I have put a lot of time and energy into hair color. While at the Aveda salon, I became Red Chocolate Certified under celebrity stylist David Adams. A majority of my color business is women trying to blend or cover grey hair. I also do a lot of blonding and correcting color. I love being able to work with guests and to help them achieve the look that they have in their head.

Sometimes our “first date” or initial consultation will take 45 min. It’s the usual tell me about yourself, your history, your expectations, and your goals. Most of the time there’s a connection, but sometimes there just isn’t that spark. I always use the analogy that were “dating”. In every relationship communication is key. I let guest know they can to come to me in all honestly with any and all concerns. They will be heard. That’s what I’m most proud of.

I’m also very proud of the environment I create within my space. When you’re in my chair, you have my full attention. However, you can answer your phone or answer that work email, or just close your eyes. It’s your time so use it how you need to.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I’m talking with another stylist about merging our business together. We’re looking at expanding our space and bringing in a person or two to train. We’re currently working on our business plan with a mentor and taking our time to get it right. I’m very excited because I really respect this individual and we have such a great work chemistry. It a blessing from God that I have the chance to work with her. There are a lot of big and exciting plans in the works with that.

Contact Info:

• Address: 250 West Lancaster Ave, Fort Worth TX, 76135
• Phone: 817-592-4247
• Instagram: Hairguru

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