The Personal Economy: You Can Do More Than Just Cut Hair
Nick MirabellaIn a time where economic uncertainty looms and many industries are facing volatility, the hair and beauty industry remains a quiet powerhouse. But are salon professionals truly tapping into all the opportunities at their fingertips?
Nick Marabella says no—and that needs to change.
In a live, no-fluff session, Marabella dismantled the limiting belief that hairstylists, colorists, and beauty pros are confined to just "cutting hair." He introduced a bold and liberating concept: The Personal Economy—a framework designed to help beauty professionals unlock new income streams, scale their influence, and ultimately gain financial and personal freedom.
The Three Pillars of the Personal Economy
At the heart of Marabella's message is a powerful framework: Service. Products. Knowledge. These are the building blocks of a thriving personal economy.
1. Service: The Foundation
This is where it all begins—your core skill. Cutting, coloring, styling, nails. The craft that brings clients through the door.
But Marabella challenges professionals not to stop here. This is your starting point, not your ceiling.
“If you cut hair, you think all you can do is cut hair... You could do so much more than that.”
2. Products: The Hidden Goldmine
Once you've developed mastery in your craft, there's a natural extension into products. Whether it's retailing in-salon, launching your own Shopify store, becoming an affiliate marketer, or creating your own line—products create passive and recurring income potential.
“As you become a master at cutting hair, coloring hair—whatever the thing is that you do—then you have products that go hand-in-hand... you become a brand.”
Marabella even encourages professionals to look at their unique service combinations. Got a signature formula that works magic? That could be a product.
3. Knowledge: The Asset You’re Sitting On
Your experience is valuable. You’ve learned through trial, error, and dedication. Share it.
Whether it's through coaching, virtual masterclasses, salon education sessions, or paid mentorship, turning your knowledge into an offering can elevate your brand—and your income.
“You can do in-salon classes, virtual classes, courses, coaching, or mentorship. Education works.”
Why Now Is the Time to Build Your Personal Economy
Marabella points out the often-overlooked strengths of the beauty industry:
- It’s recession-proof. People still need their hair done, even during downturns.
- It’s growing. Every year, more professionals enter the industry.
- It’s underserved. There's a major gap in business, leadership, and mindset mentorship for stylists and salon owners.
“There’s a lack of leadership and guidance to help people become successful in both their craft and their business.”
From Chair to CEO: Marabella’s Own Journey
What makes this message hit even harder is that Nick Marabella lives it.
Starting behind the chair, he experimented with online businesses, built a Shopify store selling salon products, and eventually developed coaching programs and courses based on his knowledge. His personal economy now includes:
- Multiple salon locations
- A thriving e-commerce business
- Coaching, community, and course-based income
“Now I have revenue coming from services, online product sales, and mentoring programs. There are layers in each sector.”
How You Can Start Right Now
Feeling fired up but unsure where to begin? Marabella offers practical mindset shifts and strategies you can implement today:
🔑 Pick One Idea and Run with It
Too many ideas can lead to inaction. Choose one that excites you and commit to it fully.
“Take one idea that excites you the most and don’t stop until that idea has traction and is making you money.”
🔑 Use Social Media as a Tool, Not a Distraction
You don’t need a fancy content plan—just document your journey. Your work, your process, your wins.
“Creating content isn’t that difficult—you literally just document what you’re doing.”
🔑 Invest in Education and Mentorship
From social media to content marketing, product development to leadership—keep learning. Follow people like Gary Vee, Alex Hormozi, and yes, Nick Marabella himself.
“How much have you invested into your own education?”
🔑 Consider Ownership, But Be Strategic
Thinking about opening your own salon? Marabella advises starting small, exploring alternative spaces (not just suites), and only partnering when roles and communication are clearly defined.
🔑 Build a Brand That Travels
Want freedom? Build a skillset and a personal brand strong enough that you could move anywhere and still stay booked.
“I could move anywhere in the world and stay busy doing services—because of my brand, network, and experience.”
Final Thoughts: You’re Sitting on a Goldmine
The hair and beauty industry isn’t just about style—it’s about potential. You already have the skills. The clients. The community. What you need is the vision.
The Personal Economy is about owning your future. It’s about going beyond the chair and stepping into the role of CEO, creator, and educator.
So… what’s your next move?