We recently connected with Gretchen Amrein and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Gretchen , thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

I decided to open willow and waves salon during the pandemic, well I wanted to open April first 2020. I am so glad I pushed through, it’s been almost 5 years of running a salon and it has been such a blessing.
There have been many lessons along the way from growing a team, to starting almost from scratch when stylists left. Clients leaving and new clients coming in. Learning new skills and carrying products that respect the earth and the clients health.
I think anytime you do something different and try to stand for what you believe in it’s a risk well taken.

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 have been a hairstylist for 24 years, I have taught for 2 brands, and I run a salon that supports stylists while they grow their own individual business.
I believe strongly in healthy living and well being. Including positivity effecting clients and each other.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Honestly word of mouth is still powerful, if you earn trust people will share your story. Also Instagram is helpful for visuals of what to expect.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

When clients leave it’s not personal most of the time, it’s just time for a change. I have changed along the way and needs adjust on both sides.

Contact Info:

• Website: [email protected]
• Instagram: @willowandwavessalon

Image Credits

Blk photography