The 3 Mistakes I Made as a Salon Owner (And How I Fixed Them)
Opening a salon is a dream for many hairstylists, but let’s be clear—owning a salon and working behind the chair are two completely different things. You can be an incredible stylist and still struggle with the reality of managing a team, keeping clients happy, and running a business that doesn’t drain you mentally, physically, and financially.
When I opened my salon, I had the skills, the vision, and the determination—but I also had to learn some hard lessons along the way. In Episode 121 of The 5-Minute Podcast, I shared three of the biggest mistakes I made as a salon owner and how I turned them around. If you’re planning to open a salon or want to tighten up your current business, these lessons will save you time, money, and stress.
Let’s get into it.
Mistake #1: Not Setting Clear Boundaries with My Team
One of the hardest transitions from hairstylist to salon owner is going from peer to leader. When I first started hiring a team, I wanted to create a fun, drama-free, collaborative space where everyone felt comfortable. But in trying to make things feel like a family, I forgot one critical thing—boundaries.
I let small things slide because I didn’t want to seem too strict.
I avoided tough conversations because I didn’t want to create tension.
I assumed my team would naturally share my work ethic and commitment to the salon.
And that’s where I went wrong. Without clear boundaries, you create confusion. Your team doesn’t know what’s acceptable, what’s expected, or where the line is between professional and personal.
How I Fixed It:
Established clear policies. I documented everything—attendance policies, commission structures, performance expectations, and salon procedures. If it wasn’t in writing, it wasn’t real.
Had direct conversations. Instead of hoping things would improve, I started addressing issues head-on. Avoiding difficult conversations only makes problems worse.
Separated friendship from leadership. You can have a great relationship with your team without losing authority. I learned that being respected is more important than being liked.
If you’re running a salon, remember: You set the tone. If you don’t establish boundaries, your team will create their own—and it won’t always align with the business you’re trying to build.
Mistake #2: Underestimating the Importance of Client Experience
Early on, I was so focused on the operational side of the business—hiring, marketing, and keeping the salon running—that I lost sight of what truly matters: the client experience.
I assumed that because my team was talented, the work would speak for itself. But a great service isn’t enough to keep clients coming back. The little details matter:
How does a client feel the moment they walk in?
Is the space clean, welcoming, and organized?
Are they greeted with warmth and attentiveness?
Does every stylist follow the same standard for consultation and customer care?
At one point, I realized we had clients leaving without rebooking and not coming back. It wasn’t because of the hair—it was because the experience wasn’t memorable.
How I Fixed It:
Refined our client journey. From the way a client was greeted to the follow-up after their appointment, every touchpoint mattered.
Set higher standards for consultations. I made sure every stylist was trained to provide in-depth, personalized consultations so clients felt seen and understood.
Added value beyond the service. I introduced complimentary beverages, personalized product recommendations, and a more luxurious atmosphere to elevate the client’s overall experience.
The reality? A flawless silk press or sew-in isn’t enough. People remember how you made them feel more than they remember the service itself.
Mistake #3: Trying to Do Everything Myself
This one almost took me out. When I opened my salon, I felt like I had to do everything. I was behind the chair, managing inventory, handling social media, training staff, dealing with client issues, and keeping up with marketing. I was burnt out, overwhelmed, and on the edge of breaking down.
What I failed to realize was that delegation is a skill. As the owner, your job is to create the vision and set the structure—not do every single task yourself.
How I Fixed It:
Hired support staff. I brought in an assistant to handle admin work, social media, and day-to-day salon management. This freed me up to focus on leadership and growing the business.
Trained my team to take ownership. Instead of micromanaging, I started empowering my stylists to take responsibility for their own client experience and marketing efforts.
Outsourced where necessary. I invested in automated booking systems, a virtual assistant for social media, and an accountant for finances.
When you try to do it all, you end up doing nothing well. The best decision I made was learning to let go of control and trust my team to handle their responsibilities.
What You Can Learn From My Mistakes
If you’re running a salon—or thinking about opening one—take these lessons seriously:
✅ Set boundaries early. Your team needs leadership, not a best friend. Create structure and be clear about expectations.
✅ Prioritize the client experience. The details matter. If your salon isn’t memorable, clients won’t stay loyal.
✅ Delegate before you burn out. You can’t do it all. Build a team, use systems, and focus on growing the business—not running yourself into the ground.
These shifts transformed my salon, my business, and my peace of mind. If you want to hear more about these mistakes in detail, listen to Episode 121 of The 5-Minute Podcast now:
🎧 Listen Here: https://youtube.com/@thestylistcorner?si=zVfB0aHEaLOhp5Qq
And if you’re serious about growing your career and learning from salon owners who have been there, you need to be inside The Stylist Corner Exclusive Membership.
✅ Access in-depth business strategies
✅ Join a community of ambitious stylists
✅ Get ongoing education to elevate your career
Join now at The Stylist Corner and start building a salon (and career) that works for YOU.
Warm regards,
Danie Wilks
The 5-Minute Podcast Host and Mentoring Coach
