It always surprises me how many salon owners don’t look for help when growing their business. It seems like such an obvious thing to do, yet when you’re caught up in the day-to-day, the obvious often isn’t so obvious.
Most salons are started by hairdressers – talented, hardworking professionals who have honed their skills and built strong client relationships. At some point, they decide to take the leap, open their own salon and build their own brand. However, running a successful salon isn’t just about being a brilliant hairdresser.
Suddenly, you’re responsible for recruiting and leading a team, managing finances, developing a marketing strategy and ensuring long-term profitability. You’re not just a stylist anymore; you’re a business owner. Because you’re ‘the boss’, everyone expects you to have all the answers, and, over time, you might even start to believe you do… but that’s a very dangerous place to be in.
Learn from someone who’s been there; the best mentors have walked the same paths as you. They’ve built teams, scaled their businesses, faced tough decisions and learned from their mistakes. Instead of figuring things out through trial and error – which can be costly and time-consuming – a mentor fast-tracks your learning by sharing real-life experiences.
A great mentor doesn’t just give advice; they hold you accountable. They help you set clear goals, challenge your thinking and make sure you stay on track. It’s easy to get lost in the daily grind, but a mentor helps you see the bigger picture and keeps you focused on growth.
I once had the chance to ask the owner of a successful salon group for advice. He agreed to give me 30 minutes to ask anything I wanted. At the end of our conversation, he laughed and said, “I knew you wouldn’t know what to ask me.” He was right. I didn’t know what I didn’t know. And that, in itself, was a lesson. A mentor helps you uncover blind spots and ask the right questions before you even know you need to.
Not all mentors are created equal. Choosing the right one requires thought and strategy. Look for someone who has already achieved what you’re aiming for: If you have one salon, find someone who has successfully opened a second. If you’re looking to scale, find someone who has built a salon group. Consider what specific guidance you need: If you struggle with finances, find someone with real-life financial expertise. If marketing is your weak spot, look for a mentor who excels in branding and client attraction.
Avoid choosing mentors based on personal relationships. Your mum, best mate or the person you chat with at the pub might offer well-meaning advice, but they may not have the experience or business acumen to guide you effectively.
In the early stages, you may find mentors willing to share their experiences informally. Networking events, business communities and even online content can provide valuable insights. However, as your business grows, investing in professional mentorship can be a game-changer. Many salon owners experience rapid growth followed by a plateau, unsure of how to move forward. A paid mentor can provide structured, focused support to help you break through those barriers and. accelerate your success.
You don’t always need a regular mentor; sometimes, you just need the right person to point you in the right direction. But be selective. Make sure the person you ask advice from is qualified to offer it. For example, I wouldn’t ask a bank manager how to run a salon – he might understand numbers, but he’s never managed a team of stylists or built a brand. Likewise, I wouldn’t expect an accountant to design a powerful marketing campaign. The key is seeking the right advice from the right person at the right time. And when you do, your business will thank you for it.
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