Starting Over Strong: A Fresh Blueprint for Salon Owners and Aspiring Salon Founders

1. Trust Comes First, Always

Let’s cut to the truth: if your team doesn’t trust you, it doesn’t matter how talented or driven you are. Trust is everything. It has to go both ways, you trusting them, and them trusting you.

The biggest way trust breaks down? Making big promises and not delivering. We’ve all done it. You get excited about your vision and you want everyone on board. But if your actions don’t match your words, your team checks out.

Own your mistakes. Be honest when something didn’t go as planned. Ask your team for feedback. When you’re real, people will respect you, and they’ll start showing up in a whole new way.

2. Charge What You’re Worth (And Don’t Apologize For It)

If you know you’re great at what you do, your prices should reflect that. Clients don’t just pay for hair, they pay for experience, consistency, and energy. When your pricing reflects your value, the right clients will rise to meet it.

It’s not just about money. It’s about respect. Clients treat their appointments differently when they’ve invested in them. You’re also building a business that can support your life, your family, and the causes you care about.

When you charge with confidence, you inspire confidence. And when you lead with love and excellence, charging fairly is just part of the exchange.

3. Lead with Intention, Not Overwhelm

Running a team doesn’t mean doing it all yourself. Set up monthly group trainings instead of constant one-on-ones. Record them, organize them in a shared space like Google Docs or Basecamp, and let your training live on without burning you out.

If you’re still behind the chair full-time, this is your moment to choose. Are you here to lead, or to stay in the cycle? You don’t have to do everything. Delegate smart. Hire a salon coordinator or elevate someone on your team. Free up your time to lead.

Clear expectations are everything. Use role agreements. Track conversations. Set goals that are measurable. Growth doesn’t happen by accident, it’s a system.

4. Build a Brand, Not Just a Booking System

Think bigger than services. Open a Shopify store. Start selling the products you already recommend. Target local buyers. Each sale is a potential new client, and a reminder of your brand in their life.

Here’s an idea: slip a salon gift card into each product shipment. That product order just turned into a salon visit. You can even offer subscription options for your best sellers. Clients get convenience, you get recurring revenue.

You’re not just a stylist. You’re a brand builder. Start showing up like one.

5. Get Clear on Your “Why”

This part matters more than anything: Why are you doing this?

If you’re starting this salon to prove something to an old boss or to anyone else, pause. That energy burns out fast. You need a vision that lights you up and pulls you forward. One that’s big enough to include your team’s dreams too.

Not sure what that vision looks like yet? Try this: take a full day, no phone, no distractions, and go on a long walk. Bring a notebook. Write down what matters. What you want. Who you want to become. That kind of clarity is rare, and it’s where real leadership begins.

This Is Your Time to Build It Right

You’re not starting over. You’re starting smarter. With experience, with perspective, and with purpose.

The Level Up Academy exists to support salon owners like you, those who are ready to lead with intention and build a future that actually feels good to live in. You don’t have to figure it all out alone.

Ready for more tools, strategies, and support?
Visit NickMirabella.com and explore The Level Up Academy. Your next level starts now.