We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Erin Rush a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Erin , appreciate you joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

With years of experience in various salon models— from traditional multi-staff salons to owning a blended salon—I saw firsthand how the role of solo salon entrepreneurs was changing. They now have more opportunities but also face the challenge of managing not just their craft, but the business side of things too. Many talented stylists struggle with operations, marketing, and maintaining a profitable, structured business. I saw the need for personalized training to help salon owners navigate these challenges.

As the industry evolves, especially with the rise of digital tools and platforms, I noticed a gap in support for solo owners navigating new roles. That’s when I saw the value of offering both 1-on-1 and group training to help salon Pro’s embrace the business side with confidence. Running a successful salon business requires more than just client care—it requires a solid operational foundation and I am thrilled to share this experience with the every day stylist, newly emerging stylist, or even a seasoned stylist that is wanting to evolve with our industry.

1-on-1 training allows me to address each owner’s unique challenges, whether it’s managing time, finances, or client relations. Group training, on the other hand, creates a collaboration where salon owners address salon culture, team strategies, build consistency, and allow team to learn from a different voice. Both approaches are designed to empower salon professionals and salon owners to optimize their operations and thrive in today’s salon world

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

My personal salon journey started in 2010 at the Ohio state school of cosmetology. I opened my first blended salon space in 2011 in Worthington Ohio. That experience allowed me to work alongside a diverse range of professionals—established stylists, educators, new talent, and experts across various specialties. Over the years, I’ve collaborated with hairstylists, barbers, nail technicians, lash artists, even energy workers, and massage therapists. Today, my personal client services operate out of Sage and Soul Studios in Clintonville Ohio, a space I co-own with Courtney Price. Courtney operates under No.18Salon and specializes in bridal and event hair and makeup styling. She even offers premier travel services with her own team. Together, we’ve built a collaborative space that offers short and long term leasing solutions to licensed salon and spa professionals.

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

The importance of building trust through consistency and attention to detail. First and foremost, creating a reliable, predictable experience helps clients feel secure in choosing you again and again. Consistency in service quality, appointment timing, and follow-up communication fosters loyalty and keeps clients coming back. I’d also recommend focusing on the small touches that make clients feel valued and comfortable—whether it’s offering amenities like Wi-Fi or refreshments, or remembering details about their preferences. These personalized touches show clients you genuinely care, transforming their experience from a transaction into a relationship. Finally, communicate a clear brand message across booking and digital presence. Clients are more likely to stay loyal if they know they can easily find an appointment time or get notified of last-minute openings. This kind of accessibility signals that their needs are a priority, building confidence and word-of-mouth referrals that naturally grow your business.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

Client relationships and brand loyalty come down to executing a well-thought-out formula. Business is about creating systems and practices that support every aspect of the client experience, ensuring it’s seamless, personal, and consistent.
For me, this starts with structured communication systems—automated appointment reminders, post-service follow-ups, and easy access to online booking with a waitlist feature. These systems ensure clients feel prioritized and confident that they can connect with your services whenever they need. Having a reliable structure for each appointment also helps create a high standard of care. By establishing clear practices for each service, you’re able to focus on delivering a consistent experience, with those small, personalized touches that make clients feel special. Brand loyalty is earned through reliability, trust, and attention to detail, and having strong systems in place allows you to uphold those qualities consistently.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.SelfCareConcierge614.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selfcare.concierge/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559675992616
• Other: https://www.sageandsoulstudios.com

Image Credits

Vicci Photo Co : Victoria W