Today we’d like to introduce you to Albano Kurti.
Hi Albano, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I moved from Albania ten years ago and started my career in hair as an apprentice. I had a lot to learn, but I was determined to grow, develop my craft, and create something meaningful through hair.
Over the years, I built my career step by step, constantly pushing myself creatively and professionally. Today, I’m proud to own my first salon and to be building FOLIE into more than just a salonit’s becoming a brand centered around beauty, art, fashion, and creativity.
Looking back, going from an apprentice to a salon owner and founder of FOLIE feels incredibly rewarding, but I still feel like I’m only at the beginning of what I want to create.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely wasn’t a smooth road. I moved from Albania and started from the very beginning as an apprentice, so I had to build everything step by step. There were years of learning, long hours, self-doubt, financial pressure and moments where I questioned whether I was on the right path.
Opening FOLIE brought a completely new level of challenge. I was no longer just responsible for my own workI was building a team, creating a brand, renovating a space, making major decisions, and carrying the pressure of making the vision succeed.
But I think those struggles shaped me. They taught me patience, discipline, resilience, and how much I’m capable of. Looking back, I wouldn’t remove the difficult parts, because they are a big part of what made FOLIE possible.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a hairstylist, artist, and the founder of FOLIE. My work is centered around creating beautiful, elevated hair, but also around the experience and emotion that comes with it. I specialize in color, blonding, transformations, and creating looks that feel polished, modern, and very personal to each client.
What I’m most proud of is building FOLIE into something that represents more than a traditional salon. I want it to be a creative space where hair, fashion, art, and culture can come together. We’ve started creating events and visual experiences that push beyond what people normally expect from a salon, and that has become a big part of the brand.
What sets me apart is that I don’t look at hair only as a service. I see it as a form of art and a way to create confidence, identity, and emotion. I’m always thinking about what’s next, how we can make the experience better, and how FOLIE can contribute something different to the beauty industry.
I’m proud of how far I’ve come, but I’m even more excited about what FOLIE is becoming.
What does success mean to you?
I define success as balance. Of course, I want to build something meaningful, be financially successful, and continue growing FOLIE, but success to me is bigger than business.
It’s being proud of the work I create, being a good husband and father, taking care of the people around me, and continuing to grow without losing who I am in the process.
For me, real success is being able to look at every part of my lifefamily, work, relationships, health, and personal growthand feel that I’m giving each of them something meaningful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Foliesalon.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foliesalon?stkn=ZDRzM3l5bnhxcmJy
