ABOUT THE OWNER
Patti Smith, first thought about a career in cosmetology at the tender age of 11, while accompanying her sister Irvena to the beauty shop. A curious and ambitious young girl, she was amazed at how well the beauticians styled her sister's coarse and thick mane. It intrigued and delighted her to watch how the beauticians worked, talked and could still have fun. Mrs. Smith remembers thinking, "I can do that".
While a student at Carver Vocational Technical High School, Smith, then just 14, started visiting and working at beauty shops. Named "Outstanding Student" in 1977 class, Patti graduated Cosmetology in 1977 and passed the MD State Cosmetology Board Examination on her first try, which is a rare accomplishment.
Patti's first real job and formal professional training came in 1977, when hired at Hutzler's Department Store downtown Baltimore, by S & L Glemby's International Beauty Salon. Patti became a history maker as one of three African-American stylists hired for the 1st time by Hutzler's via a rigorous interview process, in which Patti proved she could do both white and black hair.
In late 1977-early 1978, Hutzler's promoted new black hair care services through a display window of Patti's and another black stylist blow drying black clients. A full Press & Ad Campaign followed with specials & disco styles to attact Blacks to the store. Patti's first formal training was by S&L Glemby International through professional hands-on technical training seminars by visits of national S&L Glemby salon hair stylists. The Black stylist trained in cut and chemical techniques, and technical points on customer service/satisfaction, along with hands-on salon and hair professional etiquette.
S&L Glemby International later opened it's first "Black Hair Is" services/products line based on the growing clientele attracted by downtown Hutzler's. During her years at S&L Glemby International, Patti became the preferred hair stylist for diverse Hutzler's clientele due to her excellent customer service, business personality, and her technique in providing expert hair care. Patti competed with white stylists for white clientele. After Hutzler's, Patti worked with several local shops where conflicts presented when her h air care/styling expertise exceeded that of the owners. soon, this led her to make a decision to open her own business.
Class Cuts Beauty Salon is a family-oriented business. A salon business should reflect the people who patronize the business. It should be comfortable, and there should be "humor within a community-like environment".
The first Class Cuts opened at 4611 Edmondson Avenue in 1983. Although "people including my mom, wanted me to get a more secure career such as a federal job at SSA", hair care was my passion. Black hair care was at its beginning, and most women were not starting businesses", says Smith. After 2 years, the Edmondson Avenue area produced challenges, so Smith looked for a larger, bigger space. The shop relocated to 2013 N. Charles Street 1985. There for six years, Class Cuts Beauty Salon moved to 315 W. Madison Street in 1991, and was a business fixture in the Mt. Vernon area for 15 years.
Planned urban development along West Baltimore's central business district that would relocate or close that area businesses, led to Smith's final decision to move her business, elsewhere.
"Each time I make a change, I ge vibes and if I don't feel it, I get out of there. I was looking for a location that would be convenient for all my customers anywhere in the Fells Point, Federal Hill or southwest Baltimore UM area. I prayed about it, and I found my new location injust 3 days. I found convenience for my clients on regular transportation routes, local businesses, beltway access and available parking".
"It was meant to be...everything went smooth and I haven't lost one client. In fact, I have gained new ones in which was a blessing...as soon as I walked into the building, knew.....".
Story by: Jean Cooper
