Owning and Running a Salon: Is It Worth It? By Jenni Tarrant

When I began to write this article, I started to think about the lessons I have learned; the lofty and challenging goals I have kicked; the days that nearly broke me; and the many celebrations that have been part of my 17 years as the owner of Bond Hair Religion. I sat back and asked myself honestly, ‘Has it all been worth it?’ My immediate response was, ‘100% YES!’ This sounds a bit like I am retiring, but I assure you, I am still going strong!

The challenges that come with being solely accountable for so many things in business has given me invaluable wisdom. I have learned more about myself than I ever imagined - and that's the key, right there. Running a business and achieving success all rests on your beliefs and values in life, and they evolve and are honed over time - largely by learning from your mistakes.

I became a salon owner when my boss of 10 years approached me with the opportunity to buy what was then called ‘Classics of Kingston’. All I could think of was, ‘Why me?’ She recognised the potential in me, and after considering all the pros and cons, I decided to take the leap. What a leap it was - straight into the frying pan! In the first year 80% of the team left with their clients - as often happens with change in ownership of a small business - and the salon had become financially unsustainable. I shed soooo many tears back then.

I had to find staff immediately which led to me employing a number of unsuitable stylists and probably managing them poorly due to inexperience. Bankruptcy loomed, and my anxiety felt overwhelming. My first 12 months in business was a baptism of fire. That's when I reached into my foundation value of determination. I picked myself up and made some critical decisions to turn things around. I chose to stop listening to people who expected - even wanted - me to fail, stopped the pity party, and focused on the future. I started with small goals as stepping stones, and with every achievement, no matter how seemingly insignificant, my confidence grew and so did my business. Bigger goals started to feel within reach, and the business as a reflection of myself, surged forward.

What do you do when your successful business consistently runs like a well-oiled machine? You keep on pushing. To stop evolving is to stagnate and die so I choose to continuously expand personally and professionally. I dedicated time and resources to raise awareness of various groups of vulnerable people in my community. I chose to eradicate the salon’s contribution to landfill and put hundreds of hours each year into creative hair collections with my team. People started to recognise just how many goals I was kicking and how high I was kicking them, so I entered some awards to get peer feedback on everything I was doing. As a result, I have received state and national recognition for training, environmental sustainability, community contribution, and different business awards including management style and customer care. The pinnacle so far is winning the AHIA Australian Salon Business of the Year Award in 2015, 2017 and 2021, and receiving an Order of Australia Medal for humanitarian activities and contribution to the Australian hairdressing industry in 2021.

One of the deepest beliefs I have is that every hurdle we face in business or life gives us an opportunity to reflect and reevaluate how to move forward. My secret to being a successful business owner is this: work on yourself because your business is a reflection of yourself. The way you personify your values and beliefs directly informs every aspect of how you operate from the culture of your team, and the way salon guests are treated, to the decisions you make and the risks you take. You must adapt to change - which is much easier if you are the one choosing which changes to make. You must own your mistakes so your team will do the same and learn from them. You must, must, must continue to grow - not in a way that makes you feel burdened, but in ways that make you feel proud and joyful about what you are choosing to create.

Keep in mind that without your team you are one person in a very large rental space. Focus on honing your communication skills and mentoring your team so you can have a bond between the members. Allow them to contribute to their workplace in ways that align with your vision. Take the time to feedback and help each individual to flourish through professional education opportunities and by polishing their soft skills. You teach people how to treat you so be prepared to ‘invite’ salon guests who are disrespectful to your team members to go to another salon.

Is it worth it? You bet. I am grateful for it despite the many tough times. I am proud of the women I have become; I am proud of the business I have grown, and I am excited to be using my business as a vehicle to challenge myself and bring me more wisdom and joy. Each person associated with my salon has taught me something - even if the lessons were painful at the time - and I am thankful to them. When I think back to that unexpected meeting with my old boss on that Saturday after work, I could have never imagined the course my life would take.

Here’s to celebrating the past, focusing on the present, and surging towards goals for our exciting future.

Jen xx