We were lucky to catch up with Annique Krause recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Annique thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?

When I moved to a new state, I didn’t have a single connection, which was both daunting and motivating. I knew I had to make my own opportunities, so I turned to social media as my launchpad. I created a business page and started posting consistently—showcasing my work from my previous salon in Indiana, sharing hair tips, and really putting my personality out there. I’d spend hours fine-tuning my content, from before-and-after shots to little reels of styling tricks, and engaging with anyone who showed interest.

One day, I posted a transformation video that really took off. A local woman commented, saying she loved my work and had been looking for a stylist who understood her curly hair. We exchanged a few messages, and before I knew it, she had booked an appointment. I remember the thrill I felt when I saw her name pop up on my online booking system—my first official client who came to me through nothing but my online presence.

The day she walked into the salon, I was nervous but incredibly excited. I wanted her to leave feeling amazing, and more than that, I wanted to prove to myself that this move and all the work I put into marketing myself were worth it. After her appointment, when she looked in the mirror and smiled, I knew I’d done it. Not only did I get my first client in Tennessee, but I made a genuine connection with someone who trusted me without a personal referral.

When she handed me that first dollar, it symbolized so much more than just a transaction—it was validation that I could build something from scratch, no network needed. That moment was a huge turning point for me, and I’ll never forget it.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I started my journey as a stylist back in 2017 when I moved to Indiana. I saw it as the perfect opportunity to start fresh and dive into a career that would be both fulfilling and fun for me. It wasn’t just about cutting and coloring hair—it was about finding a craft that allowed me to make a real impact on people’s lives.

Today, I own a salon where we provide a full range of services, but personally, I’ve niched down to specialize in lived-in color, custom haircuts, and hair extensions. What makes my work unique is that I approach each service with the goal of enhancing my clients’ confidence. I believe when a woman looks good, she feels unstoppable—and that positive energy helps her set out to achieve amazing things. That’s why I don’t just see myself as a hairstylist; I see myself as someone who helps women reclaim their power and self-assurance.

When I moved to Tennessee, I didn’t know a single person. I started from the ground up, using social media to connect, showcase my work, and build a reputation. It was tough, but I’m most proud of the community I’ve created here. I took a leap of faith to open a business in a place where I had no roots, and I’ve built something that I truly believe is special.

What sets me apart is not just the technical skill I bring, but the experience I create for each client. From personalized consultations to ongoing support, I prioritize my clients’ goals and ensure they leave feeling like the best version of themselves. At the end of the day, I’m proud that I’ve had the guts and grit to build something beautiful from nothing, and I want potential clients to know that if they’re looking for a stylist who sees them as more than just a head of hair, then they’re in the right place.

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

started by focusing on consistency and authenticity. I posted regularly to show off my work—before-and-after transformations, hair tips, and behind-the-scenes content—so people could see what I was capable of. But it wasn’t just about showcasing the technical side; I made sure to share a bit of myself too. I talked about why I love what I do, my journey, and the values I bring to my business. This combination helped me build trust and allowed potential clients to feel like they already knew me before they even sat in my chair.

Engagement was key. I didn’t just post and disappear. I spent time responding to every comment and direct message, asking questions, and reaching out to people in my area who might be looking for services. It wasn’t just about selling; it was about starting conversations and building real connections. Over time, this helped me grow my following and convert online followers into loyal clients.

For those who are just starting to build their business, my advice is to stay patient and consistent. Don’t get discouraged if your audience isn’t growing overnight. Focus on creating content that showcases your work and personality, and be intentional about engaging with others. Show your passion, be helpful, and share your knowledge openly—that’s what draws people in. Remember, people are not just buying a service, they’re investing in *you*. If you can make them feel seen and understood, your business will grow in ways you never imagined.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the ‘by-the-book’ approach I was taught in beauty school. When I first started, I followed every rule, placement, and sectioning pattern perfectly because that’s what I thought made a ‘good’ stylist. But once I started working with real clients, I realized that the standardized methods weren’t always producing the looks my clients were asking for, especially when it came to achieving that ‘Instagram-worthy’ hair everyone dreams of.

I had to shift my mindset and start thinking more creatively, embracing risk and trusting my instincts. Creating a lived-in color or a custom balayage isn’t just about following a formula—it’s about envisioning the final look and adapting techniques to each individual’s hair type, texture, and personal style. I learned to throw out the rigidity and focus on the artistry behind it. This transformation in my approach not only elevated my work but also built my confidence as a stylist.

It wasn’t an easy transition. At first, it felt like breaking the rules, and I worried about whether it would work. But over time, I realized that truly beautiful hair doesn’t come from being formulaic; it comes from breaking away from convention and treating each client as a unique canvas. That’s when I started producing hair that not only looked amazing in photos but made my clients feel truly seen and special.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sandsolco.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annique.hair
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandsolspringhill
• Other: Google: https://g.co/kgs/Jb6GNve