How Salon Owners Can Build Thriving, Scalable Businesses

Running a salon isn't just about creating beautiful hair — it’s about building something bigger than yourself. In Episode 55 of The Mirabella Mindset Live, I dove deep into how salon owners, hairstylists, and suite renters can create thriving, scalable businesses by leading with intention, developing strong teams, and committing to continuous personal growth.

If you’re tired of feeling stuck behind the chair, overwhelmed by team management, or wondering how to scale sustainably — this one’s for you. Let’s break it down.

Your Team Reflects You

First and foremost: Your team responds to how you show up for yourself.

If you want a high-performing, high-integrity team, you have to embody those traits every single day.

Ask yourself:

• Are you delivering the client experience you expect from your team?
• Are you modeling the attitude, hustle, and professionalism you want duplicated?

Remember: "If you build the team, the team builds the business."

From Behind the Chair to Coaching and Mentorship

The goal of salon ownership isn’t to work harder — it’s to buy back your time by building a team that can carry the business forward.

This requires a shift:

• From stylist to coach
• From service provider to mentor
• From operator to visionary

The salon should run efficiently without you physically being there. If it can’t, you don’t yet have a business — you have a very demanding job.

The "Camcorder Method" for Building Training Systems

One of the most practical strategies I shared is the Camcorder Method:

Document everything you do. Over the course of a year, record the way you:

• Consult clients
• Perform services
• Handle tricky situations

These recordings become an internal catalog for your team, ensuring that your expertise isn't trapped in your head — it’s documented, teachable, and scalable.

Lead Proactively, Not Reactively

Don’t wait for problems to pop up. Share your knowledge constantly.

When I had tricky client situations, I would pull my team members over and say:

"Hey, when you face this situation, here’s what I do — and here’s why it works."

Being proactive means your team is prepared before problems even arise.

Leadership Starts With Self-Development

If you notice gaps in your team’s skills or attitudes, it’s often a reflection of a leadership gap.

Hard truth:

"If you're seeing inadequacies in your team, it's because you're inadequate as a leader."

That’s why personal growth — reading, coaching, mentorship — isn’t optional. It’s the oxygen mask you put on yourself first so you can lead others effectively.

Stop Overlooking Your Google Business Page

Yes, social media is important. But remember:

When people are ready to spend money, they don’t scroll Instagram. They Google.

Optimize your Google Business Page. Post regular updates. Collect reviews. Make it easy for people to find you and choose you.

Managing Your Time = Managing Your Energy

The excuse "I don’t have time" is almost always false.

"The fact that you don't have time is just an excuse... you just don't manage your energy right. You waste time is what the problem is."

Dedicate your working hours to either:

• Serving clients, or
• Actively growing your business (marketing, content creation, recruitment).

Nothing else.

Recruiting (Instead of Waiting)

Stylists won’t magically find you — you have to go find them.

Ideas:

• Host free classes at your salon
• Engage stylists on social media
• Build a magnetic brand that draws the right people in

Recruiting should be an ongoing process, not a last-minute scramble.

Starting Small, Thinking Big

If you're a solo stylist dreaming of ownership:

• Hire an assistant first to grow your revenue and free up your time.
• Start with a modest, affordable location.
• Cover the rent yourself at the beginning — don't rely on stylists you haven't hired yet.

Build strong foundations. Expand smartly.

Building a Winning Salon Culture

Culture doesn’t happen by accident. You need:

• A clear mission statement
• Defined core values
• Systems that uphold those values
• Regular 1:1 meetings to "inspect what you expect"

Leadership tip: When problems arise, ask yourself — is this a "people problem" or a "process problem"?

Communication and Collaboration

Create space for real conversations. I recommend monthly check-ins with structured questions (I have a "12 Questions" template — DM me if you want it!).

Encourage collaboration over competition by investing in your team's education and leadership development.

Inspiring, Not Just Motivating

Motivation fades. Inspiration lasts.

"The only way to motivate them is to inspire them, because motivation dies."

Lead by investing in your own growth and setting an unshakable example. Help your team see how self-development benefits their goals, not just yours.

Spotting and Growing Future Leaders

Give your team members responsibility — with a clear definition of done — and see who naturally steps up.

• Who takes initiative?
• Who solves problems without needing hand-holding?
• Who earns trust from their peers?

Those are your future leaders.

Incentives that Actually Work

Generic bonuses don’t always hit the mark. People are motivated differently — some love public recognition, others prefer gifts or private praise (yes, this ties back to "The Five Love Languages").

Mix it up:

• Tiered commission structures
• Hidden competitions (like rewarding the most consistent poster)
• Personalized recognition

Final Thoughts

Owning a salon is about so much more than cutting hair. It’s about building people, building systems, and building a brand that stands the test of time.

If you want to grow beyond the chair and create a business that runs without you — it all starts with leadership. And leadership always starts with YOU.

Next Steps

• Reflect honestly on your leadership style.
• Implement the Camcorder Method.
• Create a clear mission and core values.
• DM me "grow" if you want my salon growth playbook, or "leader" if you want help leveling up your leadership game.

You’re closer than you think. Let’s build it together. 🚀

 

Watch Full Podcast HERE