We recently connected with Jennifer Holmes and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer , thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

When it comes to taking risks, one moment that stands out to me is the decision to grow Blackbird Salon after being on my own in a suite for 5 years. Prior to that I was a commission stylist for 7 years. It might seem like a calculated business move on the surface, but for me, it felt like leaping into the unknown, driven by a vision that was deeply personal.

Here’s the backstory: I had been renting a suite, averaging solid sales, but I knew I had hit a ceiling. I had ideas, big ideas, about creating a space that wasn’t just a salon but a community — a place where clients could experience more than just hair services. I envisioned hospitality being at the heart of every interaction, from the moment someone walked through the door until they left feeling empowered and beautiful.

But with that vision came significant risks: signing a longer-term lease in a more expensive location, designing a space with 4 chairs, 2 shampoo bowls, and investing in a team that I believed in, but knowing that salon ownership comes with unpredictable challenges. On top of that, I was looking at financial projections, preparing for the cost of the expansion, and trying to secure the right location — and wondering if I was ready for this leap.

The moment I decided to go for it was pivotal. I had always believed in the power of creating something unique, but the weight of stepping away from the comfort of my smaller suite was enormous. I wasn’t just taking a risk financially; I was risking my brand, my relationships with clients, and the reputation I had built over the years.

How did it turn out? It’s still a journey, but so far, it’s been incredible. Blackbird Salon is more than I could have imagined. Yes, there have been challenges—hiring the right team, designing the perfect check-in experience, managing cash flow—but the reward has been in seeing the vision come to life. I learned that risk, when aligned with purpose and passion, can lead to something extraordinary.

It wasn’t just about opening a business; it was about creating an environment where people feel valued, seen, and cared for. And in the end, that’s been worth every risk I took.

Jennifer , 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’m Jennifer, the owner of Blackbird Salon, and I’ve been in the industry for over a decade. My journey into this field started out of a love for creativity and connection. The moment my career took off I fell in love with the feeling I was able to provide to someone that sat in my chair. The transformative power of a great haircut or color, not just in the way it can change someone’s appearance but also in how it can boost their confidence and make them feel truly seen.

Before opening Blackbird Salon, I was a commission stylist for 7 years. While I built a strong client base and honed my craft, I had a vision of creating something bigger — a space that was more than just a salon, where people could experience warmth, hospitality, and incredible service from the moment they walked in. That vision came to life when I took the leap and opened Blackbird Salon.

At Blackbird Salon, we provide a full range of hair services, from cuts and colors to treatments, with a deep emphasis on personal connection and client satisfaction. What sets us apart is our approach to hospitality. We believe every person who walks through our door should feel like they’re not just getting a service but an experience. Whether it’s the design of our salon, the professionalism of our team, or the attention to detail in everything we do, it’s all centered around making people feel cared for.

Our clients come to us for solutions that go beyond hair. We work to create styles that suit their lifestyles and personalities. For example, I’ve had clients who are working professionals needing low-maintenance but stylish haircuts, and others who want a bold change to express something new in their lives. We listen deeply to their needs and deliver looks that not only work for their everyday but make them feel amazing.

One thing I’m incredibly proud of is the community we’ve built. Blackbird Salon isn’t just a place for hair services — it’s a place where clients and stylists connect on a personal level. We’ve seen so many relationships grow, and being able to foster that environment has been such a rewarding part of this journey.

What I want potential clients to know is that Blackbird Salon is a space where they will always feel welcomed and valued. We take pride in creating a personalized experience for everyone, and we’re always looking to grow and improve. Our brand is built on hospitality, trust, and genuine care for every client who sits in our chairs.

At the end of the day, what sets us apart is our passion for both the craft and the people. We don’t just style hair — we create experiences, relationships, and confidence.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the most significant pivots in my career came when I transitioned from commission to opening Blackbird Salon. It was a huge leap, both professionally and personally, that required me to rethink how I approached business and life.

For 5 years, I worked comfortably in a rented suite with a steady flow of clients, but I always envisioned creating something bigger — a salon that blended hospitality with customized hair services. The shift from being an independent stylist to running a full-fledged salon with a team was a major pivot.

This change also came at a critical time in my personal life. As a mom of two children, now ages 6 and 8, I had to learn how to balance the demands of running a business while being present for my family. Over the last two years, I’ve made it a point to separate business from personal life. After business hours, it’s family time. I’ve had to practice putting the phone down, turning off the business mindset, and focusing on my kids because family is number one. It’s not always easy, especially when you’re passionate about what you do, and the constant guilt of not giving 100% to both sides can be overwhelming. But I’ve learned to prioritize what matters most and establish boundaries to ensure balance.

Another area where I’ve had to pivot is in managing my team. In this industry, I’ve learned that stylists come and go — some stay long-term, while others might only be with you for a year or two. I’ve made it a point to hire very slowly, taking great consideration who joins the team with a 4 step interview process, because the culture is the most important part of the business. When changes happen, it can be incredibly emotional, especially when you’ve invested in their education and watched their success unfold under your roof. Pivoting with these team changes is something I’m still learning, but it’s part of the journey.

Through all these pivots, I’ve realized that growth often comes from embracing change, whether it’s in the business, in your team, or in your personal life. And while it’s not always easy, the lessons learned along the way have shaped who I am today — both as a business owner and as a mother and wife.

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

One of the biggest lessons I’ve had to unlearn is that hustling 24/7 is the only path to success. In the early years of building Blackbird Salon, I believed that the harder I worked and the more I sacrificed, the more successful I’d become. And in many ways, that was true. Without those years of hustle, Blackbird wouldn’t be what it is today. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and it certainly doesn’t maintain itself. It takes constant effort and attention if you want your business to soar to higher heights.

Back when I was just starting out, I was working long hours, answering calls at all times, and thinking about the business nonstop. I felt that if I ever slowed down, I’d lose momentum. That mindset drove me forward, but as the business grew, I started to feel the toll it was taking on me personally, especially as a mom to two young kids.

Over time, I realized that while hustle is crucial in the early stages, it’s not sustainable forever. I had to unlearn the belief that success only comes from never turning off. What I’ve learned instead is the importance of setting boundaries, finding balance, and being present with my family after work hours. While the hustle built the foundation, maintaining success comes from balancing hard work with self-care and prioritizing what matters most.

There’s still a constant need to maintain and nurture the business if I want it to continue growing, but I now recognize that rest and balance are just as critical. The lesson for me has been learning that I don’t need to be “on” all the time for Blackbird Salon to thrive, and I’m a better leader—and a better mom—because of it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.blackbird-salon.com/
• Instagram: https://www.blackbird-salon.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theblackbirdsalon/

Image Credits

kelsey nicole photography