Lamar Welcomes New Business

When you step into James' Hair Artistry in Lamar, Missouri, you're stepping into the second chapter of a business already serving clients in nearby Nevada. Building on the success of his first salon, owner and stylist James Taylor has expanded to Lamar, creating another space built around confidence, self-expression, and helping people feel their best.

For James, beauty has always been about more than appearance. After spending nearly a decade in healthcare, including nursing, he transitioned into cosmetology with the same passion for caring for others.

"As a hairstylist, you still help people, just on a different spectrum," James said. "It plays a big role in confidence and self-esteem, and that plays a big role in mental health."

That philosophy inspired James to create welcoming salons where clients feel comfortable, heard, and confident. Along with hair services, the Lamar location also features a nail artist, tattoo artist, and massage therapist, creating a one-stop destination for self-care and self-expression.

Turning Vision into Reality With Support From New Growth

Like many entrepreneurs expanding into new territory, James reached a point where his vision needed structure. That’s where the New Growth Women's Business Center became a key part of his journey.

Working with Business Counselor Sydney Lee, James developed a business plan that helped him take his idea of a second location in a neighboring town and turn them into a clear, actionable roadmap. He described the process as grounding, especially when it came to understanding the financial realities of expansion.

“It helped lay out everything from the foundation up to see if this was something I could realistically do,” he said. “It gave me clarity.”

James also received a microloan through New Growth, allowing him to remodel the of building and create the space envisioned. For James, that support meant freedom to grow intentionally rather than out of pressure or uncertainty.

“If I wouldn’t have connected with New Growth, I don’t think I could have made this happen,” he shared. “There’s no way.”

He described the lending process with Kim Carter as straightforward and supportive, noting the collaboration between his business plan development and the loan review process.

“The business plan helped lay everything out,” he said. “Kim went over everything, asked questions, and it was fairly simple overall.”

Lifting Others Through Community and Growth

While building his business, James is very passionate about lifting up others in the industry. His approach to leadership is rooted in collaboration over competition, and in creating space for stylists to grow into their strengths.

“I feel like stylists should build each other up,” he said. “If I have someone come in wanting something I’m not comfortable with, I’m not going to pretend. I’m going to refer them to someone who can do it well.”

For James, that mindset isn’t about loss. It’s about integrity and building community.

He is especially passionate about supporting newer stylists who may feel overwhelmed early in their careers. He encourages ongoing education, hands-on learning, and confidence-building through mentorship.

“When I bring someone in, I tell them: if you have questions, ask me,” he said. “We should be supporting each other.”

Rooted in Purpose, Growing With Intention

At its core, James’s vision is about more than opening a salon in Lamar. It’s about building a place where people feel better when they leave than when they arrived, whether they are clients or fellow stylists.

A key part of that journey, James shared, has been learning the importance of asking for help when it’s needed—whether that’s guidance on business planning, financial structure, or simply having someone to turn to when things feel overwhelming.

And that vision is now taking shape in the heart of Lamar.

Ready to book your appointment with James Taylor Hair Artistry?

Schedule here: Appointments | James' Hair Artistry or visit him at 807 Gulf St., Lamar, MO right around the corner from the square.

Growing Stronger Together

James's story is a reminder that rural entrepreneurs don't just build businesses, they build stronger communities. Starting and growing a business, especially in rural, takes determination, but it also takes access to the right guidance, connections, and resources. With New Growth in his corner, James has been able to move his vision forward and invest in the future of downtown Lamar.

When a rural business succeeds, the benefits reach far beyond its front door. New businesses create jobs, bring needed goods and services closer to home, strengthen local main streets, and give people more reasons to live, work, and invest in their communities. That's how stronger rural economies are built—one entrepreneur, one business, and one success story at a time.

Want to learn how New Growth can support your business journey? Email wbcinfo@newgrowthmo.org or call 417-282-5936.

If James's story inspires you, please consider making a donation to New Growth. Your support helps provide business coaching, training, access to capital, and the connections rural entrepreneurs need to turn ideas into thriving businesses. Together, we can help more people like James create opportunity, strengthen local economies, and ensure rural communities continue to grow for generations to come.

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