Running a Hair Salon Solo | Freelance Forum

As more and more stylists are choosing to go solo and enjoy the freedom of self-employment, the traditional salon model is undergoing a profound transformation. Driven by a desire of greater autonomy and a better work-life balance, these independent professionals are redefining the industry. In the first of a new Freelance Forum series, we speak to Kerry-Ann Buckell, owner of KB The Hair Studio, about her solo move.

Had you always planned to go freelance?

Opening my own salon wasn’t part of the plan; it came from a place of necessity and resilience during one of the hardest chapters of my life. After leaving a toxic working environment while recovering from cancer surgery, I chose to put myself first and rebuild my future. When I found a small available space, a voice in my head told me to try. That leap of faith changed everything. In just six months, I launched a private 1:1 luxury salon suite, and soon after expanded into a second space to support other independent stylists.

Did you have any fears or doubts before going out on your own?

My biggest fear was simply whether I would be busy enough. Leaving a traditional salon means leaving behind footfall, familiarity and a built-in network of clients, so I worried about whether people would actually follow me. I wondered if I was really ready to run my own business, manage everything myself and carry that level of responsibility. Looking back, those fears were completely natural, but they didn’t need to control me. In reality, my clients not only followed me, but they supported me more than I ever expected.

What’s the biggest thing you’ve gained creatively since working solo?

Confidence. When I was starting out, I would often ask other stylists for their opinions before making decisions, especially when it came to colour. Working solo meant I no longer had anyone to lean on in that way. This felt daunting at first, but it actually pushed me to trust my own knowledge, instincts and experience. Over time, I’ve been able to develop my own creative identity, and that has been incredibly empowering.

How has going solo changed the way you work with clients, if at all?

It’s changed the experience more than I ever imagined. Many of my clients have told me that they actually prefer seeing me in a solo setting. The experience here is private, calm and luxurious. Clients get my full attention, my energy and my care without any distractions.

What’s been the most unexpected upside of working alone?

The biggest surprise has been how much busier I am! I genuinely expected things to slow down, but the opposite happened. Having my own brand, space and identity has actually attracted more clients, more opportunities and more recognition than I ever had before.

What’s one thing people don’t talk about enough when it comes to working alone in this industry?

Support, especially when it comes to mental health. As stylists, we wear so many hats – we listen, we counsel, we motivate, we problem solve and we absorb a lot emotionally from our clients. Yet, when we have a bad day ourselves, we often feel like we have to mask it, swallow it and show up regardless. Working alone can make that even harder because you don’t always have someone there to offload to.

Was there anything you had to unlearn after leaving a traditional set-up?

Absolutely! I had to let go of the belief that you need a big team around you to be successful, and that a smaller, more private space can be just as powerful.

Looking back now, what advice would you give to someone considering stepping out on their own?

Go for it. You truly can’t grow unless you’re scared. Leaving what’s familiar is never easy, but if something in your gut is telling you that you’re meant for more, trust that feeling. Building KB Hair Extensions and opening KB The Hair Studio has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding journeys of my life, and I wouldn’t change it for anything.