Why I Fired My First Employee—And What I Learned About Running a Business

Hiring your first employee is a major milestone as a hairstylist and salon owner. It’s exciting, nerve-wracking, and a sign that your business is growing. But what no one tells you is that firing your first employee is just as much a learning experience—if not more.

In Episode 119 of The 5-Minute Podcast, I break down the hardest lessons I learned when I had to let go of my first team member. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. And if you’re a hairstylist looking to grow your business, these lessons will save you time, stress, and money.

Let’s get into it.

1. The Business Mindset Shift: It’s Not Just About Hair Anymore

When you start hiring, you’re not just a stylist anymore—you’re a business owner. And that shift in mindset changes everything.

I hired my first employee because I needed help. I thought that as long as someone could do great hair, they’d be a great fit for my business. That was my first mistake.

What I learned:

• Skills matter, but work ethic, reliability, and alignment with your brand matter more.

• Your business is your name, your reputation, and your livelihood. Keeping the wrong people will cost you more than you realize.

• If someone isn’t a good fit, no matter how talented they are, they will drain your energy and stunt your business growth.

Hiring isn’t just about finding someone to fill a spot. It’s about building a team that strengthens your business.

2. When Your Intuition Speaks, Listen

That gut feeling you have about a person? It’s rarely wrong.

I ignored my intuition for too long with my first employee. I made excuses.

• Maybe they just need more training.

• Maybe I need to be more patient.

• Maybe they’ll change.

The reality was, the red flags were there from the beginning. The inconsistency, the lack of accountability, the disregard for salon policies—I saw it all, but I waited too long to act.

What I learned:

• The longer you ignore the problem, the bigger it gets.

• Your business is your responsibility. No one else is going to step in and fix the issue.

• Letting someone go is often best for both parties. Keeping the wrong employee will limit your business’s potential and create unnecessary stress.

If something feels off, don’t wait for proof—trust your instincts and take action before it costs you more than just frustration.

3. Firing Is Never Personal—It’s Business

Letting go of someone is never easy, and at first, it felt personal. I worried about how they’d take it, how it would affect the salon, and if I was making the right decision. But the truth is, firing someone isn’t about emotions. It’s about protecting the business you’ve built.

What I learned:

• Your responsibility is to your business, not someone else’s feelings.

• You can fire someone professionally and respectfully, but you can’t avoid it when it’s necessary.

• Letting someone go doesn’t make you a bad person. It makes you a strong business owner.

The best way to handle it is to:

• Be direct and clear.

• Keep it about business, not personal feelings.

• Move forward without guilt.

If You’re Running or Growing a Business, Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’re growing your brand and thinking about hiring—or struggling with an employee you know isn’t the right fit—take these lessons seriously.

• Make business-minded decisions, not emotional ones.

• Listen to your intuition and trust your instincts.

• Remember, your business comes first, and tough decisions are part of leadership.

If you’re serious about building a hairstyling business with real strategies, you need to be in The Stylist Corner Exclusive Membership. Inside, we cover how to scale, manage a team, and build a profitable salon without the unnecessary stress.

Join the TSC Exclusive Hairstylist Membership today.
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Want the full breakdown of my experience firing my first employee? Listen to Episode 119 of The 5-Minute Podcast.

Catch up on the full podcast playlist here:
The 5-Minute Podcast

Learn from my mistakes, make smarter moves, and build a stronger business.

Warm regards,

Danie Wilks

The 5-Minute Podcast Host and Mentoring Coach