Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brittney Clifton. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Brittney, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?

I jumped into Salon Suite ownership about two years after I passed my cosmetology boards. So it’s safe to say I took a pretty big risk in my career. I had a small clientele base and I was still learning how I like to operate behind the chair, but I knew I would be able to grow and thrive on my own. It was a major adjustment after only working under employers for the entirety of my career, so there were plenty of things I did wrong in the beginning.
If I had the chance to go back and start over I have to say the first thing I’d do is learn how to advertise myself. I knew it was something I had to do anyway, but doing it right is what made all the difference in growing my business in the salon. Keeping up with trends and knowing what my target audience is going to want to see from me is why I’m able to bring in as many people as I do now. I wish I would have done it off the bat.
Another thing I would have done differently is trust in my ability. I blame it on still being somewhat new to the industry, but I used to fold under the pressure of having people rely on me for the way they ended up looking when they left. Now I know that being in charge and having a certain confidence is why my guests respect me and trust in what I can do for them.
There’s more things I probably would have done differently, but learning from my errors is what got me to where I am now. I’m beyond grateful for that.

Brittney, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I used to cut all the hair off my dolls growing up. I even remember in preschool I would play hairdresser and just brush my teacher’s hair, I thought I was so cool! Eventually dolls turned into actual mannequins meant for practice.
I had an opportunity to become a shampoo assistant at a local salon about a year after I graduated high school. A few months after I started working in the salon I also began going to Cosmetology school. I was exactly where I wanted to be and doing what I loved.
By the time I graduated beauty school I had started working at a different salon under an apprenticeship. This is where all the real education started for me. I was learning new techniques, when and how to apply them, how to talk to real clients and building relationships with them! And that was my absolute favorite part. Creating unique connections with each guest is what made me fall even more in love with my craft.
Eventually after some time working behind the chair I decided that being in a Salon Suite is what I wanted to do. And it completely changed everything for me and my guests in the best way!
Doing the hair is obviously what brings people to me. I offer a variety of services from hair cutting to coloring. I love to perform mostly any coloring service, but my absolute favorite is blonding. Anything from balayages, lived-in blondes, brondes, all over blondes. I’m good at it! And my guests know if someone needs their hair blonde, I’m the one to come to haha!
I’m also realistic. Not everyone can come in and leave the same day with the exact hair they’re wanting, but that’s another reason my guests know they can count on me. I am always up front and honest about what can be done the day of the appointment. I always make sure to have in depth consultations to make sure my guest and I are on the same page, visually and thoughtfully.
My guests are why I love what I do so much. It started out with hair, and it’s turned into so many awesome relationships that I’ve gotten the pleasure of creating. And I look forward to many new guests in my chair!

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to change my perspective on how making mistakes behind the chair affected me.
I used to think that I couldn’t mess up or that I had to be perfect for my guests or they would leave me and find someone better.
I had to teach myself that through making mistakes and just being up front about them while they’re happening is what gains the trust of anyone who sits in my chair.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Being able to use social media platforms to advertise my business has changed the game for me.
I would post a hair picture here and there every few days/weeks, but my numbers weren’t growing so I decided something needed to change.
I ended up taking a course on social media marketing, and once I implemented all that I learned into my own platforms I saw a huge difference within just months.
I create really fun content that showcases my work and my personality. My guests also love to stay connected to me through social media as well, so it’s a win win for everyone!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @brittliftshair
• Other: TikTok- @brittliftshair

Image Credits

Brittney Clifton