Brianne

We know passionate, artistic, and charismatic people drive the beauty industry. No matter where you are in your career, whether the ink hasn’t dried on your school contract or you are thinking about hanging up your shears and contemplating what is next.

Let the questions begin! When will I graduate? What salon do I fit into (a few times until you find your dream team), when will I build a career and FINALLY start making money? What if I want to become an educator? For which company? What is next in my career? When will I retire? What is the next chapter after I hang up my shears? The questions are endless. 

I have asked myself these questions at every phase of my career for the last 23 years behind the chair, and 15 of them as a salon owner. The beautiful thing is, that the beauty industry has many positions, avenues, and opportunities available! From becoming an educator to owning your salon OR both, you can always explore and discover what drives you. A career demands strategy and stability. Too often, stylists find themselves burning out from long hours, physical strain, and emotional exhaustion. So why not start today? Why not sit down and envision where you are headed, not just now, but in 5 10, or 20 years from now? What does that feel and look like?

Like any demanding career, hairstylists, tend to put themselves last. They miss meals, stand on their feet all day (in stylish but perhaps uncomfortable shoes) while working long hours, overcommit their time, and then wake up and do it all over again! Although the demand will always be there because, let’s face it, the World isn’t growing its hair out and going gray anytime soon, it’s simply not sustainable. 

We need to consider our mindset. Here is where a planned career path comes into play. How you attain where you want to go and maintain it is a powerful goal. It’s exciting and revitalizing, but it can also be a bit intimidating. Trusting yourself and your decisions for your future will ensure you have a long and successful career path. 

Here are a few things to consider when planning your career path goals. Research what opportunities are available in the beauty industry. Which paths do you resonate with the most? Talking to someone who has been in that role for a respectable amount of time can give you a wonderful insight into what you may experience in that position. Another suggestion is to find companies that align with your principles. Do you resonate with their mission and values? Lastly, having a support team that will guide you during the ups and downs is important. Mentors and coaches have immeasurable value. They think objectively, push you to ask the right questions, and hold you accountable. True growth and guidance will lead to your successful career path. 

This marks the beginning of a promising career journey. Along the way, you’ll encounter challenges, triumphs, and everything in between. While the path ahead is undeniably beautiful, it’s crucial to recognize that, without a solid plan, it can also become unnecessarily drawn out. Congratulations on the beginning, or next part, of your journey! I wish you all the best paths to growth and success!