Ground Floor: New business Fresh Digs aims to give clients’ homes fresh looks

Courtney Johnston said she is happiest when she is doing something different with her hands every day.

For 14 years, Johnston found that daily creative outlet she needs through her work as a hairstylist.

'Doing a simple cut was fun, but what I really enjoyed was transforming someone with a cut and color - the challenge of creating a whole new look,” she said.

Fresh Digs, LLC, Johnston's new business, is all about creating fresh new looks. But instead of transforming her clients' hairstyles, Johnston is making over their homes.

'I've always had a passion for redoing things,” she said. 'The creative outlet is almost like therapy. I felt it was time for me to express that and get it out there.”

With the support of her husband - who she said is an excellent businessperson and her mentor - Johnston hung up her shears for good in February and launched Fresh Digs in March.

'It was time to re-sign the lease for the salon,” she said. 'I knew I either had to go on another year or take the leap.”

She began by reaching out to Realtors and offering to stage homes for sale.

'Staging sells homes,” she said. 'Staging includes everything from painting to curb appeal, not just throwing flowers in a vase for the dining room table.”

Johnston's services are not just for people who are trying to sell their homes, however. She said she will work with anyone who is looking to update their indoor or outdoor living space. Her services may include applying a fresh coat of paint, shopping for furniture and accessories, or simply rearranging what a client already has.

'Not everyone wants to restyle their entire home or buy all new decor or furniture to update their space,” she said. 'I will use as much as a client wants or doesn't want of their existing items. However, if their desire is to do a complete space restyle, no problem. My services are endless at this point.”

Johnston said her 14 years behind a styling chair gave her skills that have translated well to her new business.

'Working behind a chair, I learned that listening gets you a long way,” she said. 'If you are a good listener and ask plenty of questions, you are going to get a good result with a happy client.”

l Know a company or manager who has been in business for less than a year that would be ideal for 'Ground Floor”? Email francie.williamson@thegazette.com