Trained by some of the world’s finest hair stylists in a storied career that includes stints in Paris, New York City, Los Angeles and other posh locales in California, Michele Coulter is bringing her boundless talents to the heart of Milton, Georgia.
Enamored with the business since she was 22, Coulter explored the art of her craft under the guidance of global giants Frédéric Fekkai and Jacques Dessange and, locally, Jamison Shaw. “I always knew that I really loved this business. It’s a wonderful feeling to help someone look their best, especially for special occasions,” says Coulter, owner of Michele Coulter Salon. Coulter opened her first salon in Buckhead at 27 years old. “All of my former bosses taught me something. I learned so much, and I respected them all,” she says.
Throughout her years in the business, she has worked with a variety of celebrities, including Tom Glavine, the former Hall of Fame baseball pitcher; former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin; and actresses Bridget Fonda and Julia Ormond.
Born and raised in Atlanta, Coulter is known for her trend-setting styles, color and French cutting techniques. She stays ahead of emerging trends by closely following European influences, fashion, home décor and the work of stylists from around the world.
“I always stay up on the trends, but I believe in the classics as they always come back. I think it’s important for hair to look healthy and that it suits the person’s lifestyle. I’ve always considered the client’s face shape, the health of their hair and the time they have to spend daily on styling,” Coulter says.
After graduating from beauty school, Coulter began her career at the iconic Jamison Shaw salon in Atlanta. “After assisting Jamison, I assisted his daughter, Candy Shaw,” she recalls. After a few years working in Atlanta, including time at the Buckhead salon, Coulter moved to California to further her training. She eventually co-founded City Salon in Huntington Beach.
“I was then very fortunate to train at Jacques Dessange Salon, and after that I was one of 30 salon owners in the United States to get to work with Frédéric Fekkai, the New York celebrity stylist,” she says.
Coulter’s work in the Big Apple also included time perfecting her craft at the widely respected Bumble and bumble salon. “Of course, I still hone my craft so that I can offer my clients the latest looks while still maintaining my classic way of cutting. Natural looking color remains my number one priority. That is always a must,” Coulter says.
The Michele Coulter Salon is upscale and trendy but not pretentious. Clients enjoy jazz in the morning and evenings, and house music during the day. The salon uses only the finest hair color and products, including Kérastase Paris, Oribe, R+Co and Glo Skin Beauty.
Divorced and living with her daughter, who is also involved in the business, Coulter has a friendly working relationship with her ex-husband, who is also the salon’s photographer. “My daughter has absolutely amazed me. I am so proud of the way she took to the business side so naturally; it reminded me of myself when I started,” Coulter says.
Two of the people on Coulter’s most admired list are her father, who she says is a great businessman, and Oprah Winfrey, who Coulter describes as self-made, hard-working and of high morals. “Oprah did a lot to help others as she became successful. I very much believe in giving back to others in my industry who are coming up behind me,” she says.
Her plans moving forward include opening a second salon in a yet to be determined location, and allowing more time for her passions, which include traveling and car racing, watching Formula One racing, snow skiing and boating.
“If I won the lottery, I would still do hair,” Coulter says. “I enjoy helping people, the conversation is always fun, and I am very comfortable with my clients. It’s also very satisfying to see someone looking fantastic and know you played a part. What woman doesn’t want to feel fabulous and sexy?” *
Ellen Uribe is an award-winning journalist and a communications expert. She is a sought-after speaker, participating as a moderator and panelist at numerous industry events, conferences and broadcast outlets. She has contributed to Vanity Fair, Palm Beach Life, The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Women’s Wear Daily and Time Magazine.
Michele Coulter and her daughter, Alexandra Coulter
