We recently connected with Tracy Hanson and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Tracy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

Throughout my career I’ve built deep, lasting relationships with clients—some for more than 15 years—seeing them every 6–8 weeks to transform hair and share life’s milestones and hardships. One of the most impactful parts of my work is supporting clients through hair loss, including chemotherapy, often in their homes; these moments reveal how closely appearance can be tied to a person’s sense of self and the profound trust clients place in me. I have had the honor of comforting clients in these difficult times and have seen how small acts of compassion—a kind word or an optimistic presence—can lift spirits. I often personalize the cut and color of wigs to help clients who’ve lost all their hair feel and look like themselves again.
These experiences have shown me that hairstyling goes far beyond aesthetics—at its core, it’s about connection, care, and being present for someone when it matters most.

Tracy, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a proud third-generation Santa Barbara local. Growing up, I watched my dad’s entrepreneurial ventures with curious eyes, unknowingly absorbing lessons that would shape my future. The seed of business ownership was planted early, though it would take years to grow, hidden beneath the more immediate realities of becoming a teen mom and raising three kids before I could legally rent a car.

At 25, I found myself in the medical field—a career that checked the “helping others and paid vacation” box but smothered my creative spirit. Each mundane day felt identical to the last, and my restlessness grew impossible to ignore. Not quite a midlife crisis, but definitely a quarter-life awakening that whispered, and eventually screamed: “Don’t give up… There’s more to your story than these ugly scrubs.”

I traded job security for beauty school, swapping my steady paycheck for student loans that made ramen noodles seem gourmet. The mom-guilt of long hours away from my kids was real, but in those moments when giving up felt easiest, I reminded myself that the best gift I could give them was showing how to push through when life gets difficult.

I knew from day one I wanted to be more than an average stylist—I wanted exceptional. Eighteen years of practice, coffee-fueled early mornings, and more than a few “learning lessons” later, I’ve been fortunate to build a reputation for creating beautifully natural-looking color and precision haircuts that enhance each client’s unique features. My signature highlight technique creates that perfect sun-kissed, lived-in look that appears to have come from days at the beach rather than hours in my chair. In our casual Santa Barbara community, where closets overflow with yoga pants and jeans, my style philosophy embraces effortless beauty. My favorite compliment? When someone stops my client to ask who does their hair—or better yet, mistakes my work for actual genetic good fortune.

Looking back, I’m so grateful I tuned out those well-meaning warnings from people insisting I was taking too big a risk. I’ve noticed that dream crushers are often the same people who hit snooze on their own ambitions. My salon became more than a workplace—it transformed into a sanctuary with a confessional booth with better lighting, where clients feel safe to share everything from engagement stories to divorce papers.

After selling my first salon, I channeled everything I’ve learned throughout the years into Indie Beauty Collective—a calm space that’s beautiful, luxurious, and functional. What sets us apart is creating an environment where both clients and stylists feel supported, alongside our exceptional mastery of advanced cutting and dimensional color techniques. We focus on continued education to bring the latest trends to our community while maintaining that signature Santa Barbara effortlessness.

Balancing business ownership with raising my 12-year-old and caring for my mother with early-onset dementia has taught me that multitasking isn’t just a skill—it should be an Olympic sport. These experiences shape how I approach my business: creating a place where people leave feeling connected to our little beauty community and the most beautiful version of themselves. I believe deeply in women supporting women, which is why our salon culture celebrates every client’s and stylist’s unique journey and strength.

My journey might be what happens when stubbornness meets opportunity, sprinkled with a healthy dose of caffeine and determination. I remind my now adult kids that perfect work often waits just outside your comfort zone, requiring only the courage to take that first terrifying step.

If you’re looking for a more personal, and restorative salon experience, we would love to meet you!
Visit Indie Beauty Collective in person at the Paseo Nuevo Mall or connect with us on Instagram: @indiebeautysb or @sbhairartist

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

To fund my salon dream, I spent three years ruthlessly cutting unnecessary expenses and saving diligently. I knew I didn’t want to begin my entrepreneurial journey burdened by large loans, so I worked six days a week, directing all additional income toward building Indie Beauty Collective. My daily Starbucks runs became automatic transfers into investments that eventually funded much of my salon’s furnishings—proving small, consistent sacrifices and patience can manifest beautiful results.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is fueled by a mission to create a sanctuary where clients feel seen and celebrated, and where stylists can thrive and expand professionally with genuine care and support. While nurturing this community, I’m also showing my four children that transforming a passion into purpose isn’t beyond reach—that following your calling reveals the deepest fulfillment. Their witnessing of my journey is my most meaningful legacy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://IndieBeautySB.com
• Instagram: @sbhairartist, @indieBeautySb