This Stylist Proves Nothing Can Hold Her Back

When customers walk into the South Dakota Great Clips® salon, there’s a good chance they’ll be greeted by stylist Courtney. Regardless of their attitude when they enter the salon, Courtney’s customers always leave with a great haircut and a big smile, because she is one of those people who can’t wait to make someone’s day.

Courtney was born with a clubfoot, which is a congenital birth defect that causes a child’s feet to face inward and upward, making walking difficult – and painful. Following the amputation of her leg, Courtney received a prosthetic. The surgery needed time for healing, and the prosthetic required major adjustments, which meant Courtney had to take one day at a time as she returned to work.

“Courtney is one of the most highly motivated people I know,” says Great Clips® franchisee Katie Underwood. “She started off working behind the chair for a few hours at a time, then would sit at reception to give her body a break. It was amazing.”

At under 5 feet tall, Courtney needs a special stool to cut hair. If a customer asks about it or makes a comment, Katie says Courtney will crack a joke about it, which makes everyone smile. “Every customer who sits in Courtney’s chair leaves the salon happier,” Katie says. “She’s a day brightener for everyone. Our salon team is inspired by her, too. She’s bubbly and keeps us all laughing.”

The feeling is mutual. When Courtney and her husband moved out of town, everyone thought she might leave the salon, too. But Courtney says her co-workers are like sisters to her, so she makes the hour-long drive to and from work, rather than finding a new salon job closer to home.

“When my team comes to my Great Clips® salon, I want them to feel safe and happy – and have fun,” says Katie. “We’re a family. That’s why Courtney drives so far. Everyone is here for each other. We are a tight group!”

Throughout her recovery, Courtney’s goal was to get back to working eight hours a day, and she recently achieved it. Katie says Courtney is even volunteering to fill shifts and take on more hours. “She goes above and beyond,” Katie says. “She is a motivational force, for sure. We’re lucky to have Courtney.”

If you want to join a great team, locally owned Great Clips® salons are looking for talented stylists and barbers like you! Find an opening near you.

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ALL GREAT CLIPS© SALONS ARE INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED BY THIRD PARTY FRANCHISEES. FRANCHISEES, NOT GREAT CLIPS, INC., ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL HIRING AND PERSONNEL MATTERS AT THEIR INDIVIDUAL SALONS.