Hair By Liz Fanopoulos

10 “unpopular” salon owner opinions after 5+ years of owning one 🖤🗝️

Some of these probably aren’t really that “unpopular” but they’re definitely things I’ve become more sure of the longer I’ve been in the industry and have been running a booth rental salon.

I care more about the right people than the most people!! I used to always want the next big news, and now I care more about consistency, than constantly chasing the next big thing. I value professionalism which I feel some times we have lost in the industry, standards, sustainability, and how a salon actually FEELS day to day than how impressive it can look from the outside. The internet is deceiving.

For me, it’s never been about being the biggest, the busiest, the loudest, or constantly proving that what I’ve built is successful. ✌️

I believe you can give independent stylists freedom without having zero expectations. I think culture can be peaceful instead of just performative. And I think growth only makes sense when it actually makes the business better not just for the sake of being loud.

These days, I’m less interested in doing what looks impressive and more interested in building something that works really well for a really long time. Sustainability is the key.

As an owner or stylist do you agree or disagree with these ?!👀

I really feel like we’ve lost the art of communication & basic consideration not just in the hair industry, but as people unfortunately.

As a salon owner, I’ve had people schedule interviews and completely no-show with zero communication?!🤯 Now, while trying to hire a nanny, I’ve experienced the same thing people making plans, knowing I’ve blocked out time, & then just not showing up or at least letting me know?!

And I also think technology has changed this more than we even realize. Scheduling apps + online booking have made everything so convenient which absolutely can be great but I also think when you can book, move, or cancel something with the click of a button, it can start to feel less personal. Like there isn’t an actual person on the other side who reserved that time specifically for you.

That’s actually one of the reasons I’ve personally never used online booking behind the chair. The communication that happens when someone books an appointment matters to me. There’s a relationship and a mutual chat that we’re both setting aside that time.

Maybe becoming a mom has made me notice it even more because my time feels SO valuable. If I arrange childcare, move things around, get kids ready, or block out part of my day for you, time matters.

Things come up. Plans change. People change their minds. That’s 100% ok. You’re your own person & not tied to anyone else. We ALL have s**t.

What really irks me is forgetting that there’s another human being on the other side of those plans whose time matters just as much as yours does.

We’re all on our phones CONSTANTLY. Send the text. Make the call. Say, “Hey, I can’t make it.” It takes 30 seconds & shows basic respect.

Whether it’s your stylist, your client, a potential employer, an interview, an appointment, a friend whatever it is I really think we need to get better at communicating again. TRULY communicating.

Convenience is great, but it shouldn’t replace consideration. Your time matters, your day matters & so does everyone else’s. Common courtesy has become uncommon and it saddens me.

What are your thoughts on this? Do you guys deal with this in your life currently?

Backstage yesterday doing hair before the show. 🤘🏼🎸🥁✂️ Simple Plan Bowling For Soup
Thanks for the trust it was such a fun day. 🤍

Show hair for mackenzie carpenter tonight ✨💕🤠 Loved getting this girl stage ready!!

blonde summer vibes for ev ☀️🌻