Change is a natural part of both life and business, and as entrepreneurs, we often find ourselves at crossroads where tough decisions pave the way for growth. For me, that moment came when I realized it was time to close my salon studios — a choice shaped by my experiences as a business owner, the evolving beauty industry, shifting family priorities, and my desire for a more balanced, fulfilling life.
In this blog, I’ll share my journey — not just to reflect on what led to this decision but to serve as a guide for anyone considering opening their own salon studios. I’ll walk you through the challenges I faced, from wearing too many hats to navigating a changing market and balancing family needs. You’ll also find actionable tips and insights to help you decide whether this path is right for you, as well as strategies to set yourself up for success.
Let this blog be a source of inspiration, reflection, and practical advice, no matter where you are in your journey.
One Person, Too Many Hats
As a small business owner, I wore every hat imaginable. I was the business owner, head of operations, graphic designer, interior designer, property manager, salon manager, social media manager, and so much more. I did tenant tours, handled communications, managed building maintenance, painted walls, cleaned spaces, resolved conflicts, laundered towels, marketed the business — you name it, I did it.
⭐ Tip: Ask for help! Even if you feel capable of doing it all, delegating tasks to trusted professionals prevents burnout and creates a more sustainable business.
While I am deeply grateful for the support, helping hands, and words of encouragement I received over the years, the lack of a solid team meant I was constantly pouring from an empty cup. After years of juggling these responsibilities, I found myself burned out. The reality is, one person can only go so far, and I knew it was time to make a change.
Decreased Bookings and a Visionary Shift
The beauty, wellness and creative industry is ever-changing, and with that, so are the demands on businesses. Over time, I noticed a decrease in client bookings — a shift that not only reflected industry trends but also revealed a need for me to pivot.
⭐ Tip: Embrace change as an opportunity. Shifts in bookings or market trends often indicate a chance to evolve. Listen to your market and explore new possibilities.
This presented an opportunity to explore other areas of my business that I was passionate about but didn’t have the capacity to pursue while running the salon studios.
Additionally, my vision had evolved beyond the traditional salon studio rental model. I dreamed of cultivating a vibrant creative coworking space — a dynamic hub where beauty and creative professionals could collaborate, innovate, and grow. However, bringing this vision to life required a significantly higher volume of bookings and resources. Balancing these ambitious goals with the realities of running the business on my own was unsustainable.
Letting go of the salon studios was a difficult decision, but it allowed me to redirect my energy toward creating something more meaningful for my community.
Evolving Family Needs
As time passed, my family’s needs changed, prompting a reevaluation of my priorities. Balancing the demands of running a business with family responsibilities became increasingly challenging. As a mother to a young daughter and a new caretaker for family members facing health challenges, my ability to give my full attention to all aspects of life began to stretch thin.
⭐ Tip: Honor life’s seasons. Your priorities may change as your family’s needs evolve, and that’s okay. Adjusting your business to fit your life doesn’t mean stepping back — it means stepping into alignment.
Closing the salon studios provided me with the flexibility to focus on what mattered most: being present for my family while creating something that aligned with both my personal and professional goals. This shift has not only improved my work life balance but also reaffirmed the importance of building a business that supports my overall well being.
Embracing Wellness for Balance and Creativity
Throughout this transition, I’ve come to understand the vital role wellness plays in sustaining both creativity and purpose. Here are some practices that have been transformative in my life:
Yoga and Stretching: For grounding, stress relief, and mindfulness.
Journaling: A reflective practice for setting goals and exploring emotions.
Gardening: Expanding my plant collection and reconnecting with nature.
Writing: A creative outlet for storytelling and sharing ideas.
Videography and Editing: Capturing moments and crafting meaningful content.
Herbal Teas: Creating peaceful rituals to nurture tranquility throughout the day.
⭐ Tip: Schedule time for wellness just as you would for a business meeting. A healthy you equals a healthy business.
These practices have given me the clarity and energy to approach life and business with renewed purpose.
New Ways to Empower My Community
Closing my salon studios was not an end but a transformation. I’ve channeled my energy into offering resources that directly support the growth and success of entrepreneurs like you. My goal is to share practical, actionable tools and create a space for like-minded individuals to connect, learn, and grow together. Here’s a closer look at the various offerings you can expect, all designed to help you thrive in your business journey.
Free Business Blogs: Regular blog posts with actionable advice on topics like business foundations, time management, scaling your business, and balancing work and wellness. Click here for more.
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Free Mentorship and Coaching: Personalized coaching and group mentorship with experienced business owners and retired entrepreneurs, offering strategies for growth, feedback, and real-world advice.
Done-For-You Guides, Templates, and Courses: Ready made templates and courses on marketing, leadership, team building, and digital product creation to save you time and help you build your business with ease. Click here for more.
Networking and Collaboration Opportunities: Access to a community of entrepreneurs for collaboration, live calls, meet-ups, and ongoing support through group messaging to foster learning and connection.
Workshops and Classes: In-depth workshops on leadership, branding, marketing, business planning, and service offerings to give you the tools and skills to succeed in business.
Business Funding and Professional Services: Resources to help you access business funding, grants, and loans, along with professional services like accounting, legal, and marketing support to grow your business.
These offerings reflect my mission to inspire, educate, and empower others to thrive.
Before You Open Your Own Salon Studios
I can’t end this blog without sharing tips for those considering opening their own salon studios. While my journey led me in a different direction, I learned a great deal along the way. Here are my top recommendations:
Build a Strong Team: Surround yourself with professionals who can handle management, operations, construction/maintenance and support services.
Invest in Tenant Management Software: A critical tool for seamless rent collection, scheduling, and communications.
Choose an Ideal Location: Accessibility and foot traffic matter. Ensure your location suits your target clientele.
Understand Your Profit Margins: Be thorough in calculating your expenses and pricing to ensure long term profitability.
Create a Detailed Budget: Account for maintenance, utilities, marketing, and unexpected costs.
Master Time Management: Delegate tasks and create systems that allow you to focus on your vision.
Always Be a Student: The industry evolves constantly. Stay updated with trends, business practices, and skills to stay ahead.
Stay True to Your Vision: Whether you envision a traditional salon or a creative co-working space, let your purpose guide your decisions.
Closing One Chapter, Opening Another
Closing my salon studios was one of the hardest decisions I’ve made, but it was also the most rewarding. It allowed me to step into a more fulfilling chapter of life and business while creating resources that truly make a difference.
If you’re standing at a crossroads, remember that sometimes the most challenging decisions lead to the greatest transformations. Trust your vision, prioritize your well being, and know that letting go can make space for something extraordinary.
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