We were lucky to catch up with Amber Hopson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Amber, thanks for joining us today. How did you scale up? What were the strategies, tactics, meaningful moments, twists/turns, obstacles, mistakes along the way? The world needs to hear more realistic, actionable stories about this critical part of the business building journey. Tell us your scaling up story – bring us along so we can understand what it was like making the decisions you had, implementing the strategies/tactics etc.

When I started my salon in 2011, it was in a salon suite. I wasn’t just chasing a dream—I was surviving. After working for 8 different salons prior and being a single parent, I needed to build something stable, something that would provide for my child while also making an impact. From the very beginning, my salon was more than just a place to get hair done. I wanted it to be a judgment-free space where women of color could embrace their natural beauty, feel empowered, and receive expert care tailored to their textured hair.

The Early Days: Growing a Business from the Ground Up
In the beginning, it was all about hard work and consistency. I had to establish myself in a competitive industry, build a clientele, and prove that my services were worth the investment. I focused on internet marketing. I started a YouTube page in 2006 which gave me exposure to everyone around the world. Also, I made it a point to continue my education, even after Cosmetology school: continuously refining my techniques, and ensuring that every client left my chair feeling confident. Yelp and other social media platforms became my strongest marketing tool, and slowly but surely, my business grew. I out grew the salon suite and moved to a brick and mortar where I was able to hire more talented hairstylists.

Breaking Through: Expanding Beyond the Salon Chair
One of the biggest turning points came when I realized that my impact didn’t have to be limited to the people who sat in my chair. That’s when I decided to create my own hair care line, with Curly Kinky Cool as my signature product. Developing a product line was no easy feat—I had to research the right ingredients, perfect my formulations, and find reliable manufacturers. But once it launched, I saw firsthand how powerful it was to give my clients a way to maintain healthy hair at home.

I also elevated my service offerings with The Silk Press Deluxe Package and The Signature Curly Cut, which allowed me to charge premium rates while delivering expert-level results. These services set my salon apart and increased my revenue per client, making it possible to scale.

Overcoming Challenges: The Recession, COVID-19 & Business Pivots
Like any entrepreneur, I faced major obstacles along the way. The recession made it harder for people to justify spending on self-care, and then COVID-19 hit, shutting down in-person services entirely. Instead of waiting for things to improve, I made strategic pivots:

Digital Education & Content Creation – I launched an educational platform on Podia, helping beauty professionals sharpen their skills while creating a new income stream.
Retail & E-Commerce – I focused on selling my hair products online, making sure my clients had access to quality hair care even when they couldn’t visit the salon.
Operational Adaptability – Post-pandemic, I invested in automation, hired a bilingual front desk team, and focused on expanding my target market to include Latina women and all curly-haired women.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I started doing hair at a young age, first styling Barbie heads, then moving on to neighborhood clients. Encouraged by my natural talent and the demand for my skills, I made the decision to go professional and enrolled in Santa Monica College’s cosmetology program. After earning my Cosmetology License, I partnered with my mentor, Lolita Goods, conducting hands-on hair extension workshops across Southern California. That was the first spark of Hair Escapades.

I spent years hustling, working in various salons, learning the ins and outs of the business while facing rejection, setbacks, and lessons that only real-world experience can teach you. But I refused to let anything hold me back. I eventually rented a salon suite in Sherman Oaks, CA, and after four years of building my clientele and brand, I took a leap of faith and opened my own storefront—the upscale Hair Escapades salon known today.

What Hair Escapades Offers
At Hair Escapades, I believe in more than just hair services—I create an experience. The moment you step through the doors, you’re welcomed by tranquility, professionalism, and an aroma that makes you feel right at home. Unlike many salons filled with the scent of burnt hair, Hair Escapades has a refreshing, invigorating atmosphere that complements the high-end service clients receive.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

In 2006 I started my YouTube channel called Hair Escapades which highlighted my life behind the chair. It showcased my journey and gave me global exposure. My advice is to be consistent posting quality content. You don’t need expensive equipment. Learn how to use editing platforms to create your content.

Can you open up about a time when you had a really close call with the business?

The covid pandemic hit my business hard because my salon had to shut down for a long period of time. Luckily, I was able to get approved for business grants and loans to keep my salon alive and to pay my employees.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hairescapades.com
• Instagram: @hairescapades
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@hairescapades
• Yelp: Hair Escapades