Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Julia McCauley. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Julia, appreciate you joining us today. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?
I love being a business owner. When I first started cosmetology school, I thought I would work for myself by the time I was around thirty. Well here I am at twenty-two, running my own business, completely in charge of every decision I make. I do sometimes think “what if I had a regular job,” it’s hard not to. I have lots of clients that work from home, so they just bring their computers to their appointments and work while I do their hair. They get to go to hair appointments, a coffee shop, sometimes even vacation, all while continuing to work and generate that income. Who wouldn’t want that? But I know myself, I LOVE what I do. My partner reminds me all the time that I get to do my hobby for a living, how amazing is that? Running a business comes with its own set of challenges, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Julia, 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 am a hairstylist based out of Fort Worth, specializing in color and curls. I started in the industry about five years ago when I got a job working at a hair salon as a receptionist where I instantly fell in love with the craft and knew I wanted to be a part of it. I think what sets me apart is the experience my clients have while in my chair. I always loved getting my hair done when I was younger, so I know the feeling of getting excited to get your hair done and I want my clients to experience that. It’s really important to remember who your clients are outside of the salon; they’re working moms, college students, high school students, entrepreneurs, all with their own stresses and walks of life. When they come to get their hair done, I want them to look forward to it being a relaxing time, not a chore.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I think my drive and passion for my work has helped me build a good reputation. Ever since I was in school, I’ve wanted to learn as much as possible within the industry. I signed up for every free online class I could; from Instagram strategies to how to build a clientele, I was signed up and watching. I didn’t care if the class didn’t apply to me at that very moment, it would apply to me one day, so why not take it now? You can truly never stop learning, and I don’t want to. I’m also never afraid to ask questions. There are so many talented people around me everyday, and I love getting to pick their brains about the things they’re good at. Limiting yourself to only take knowledge from one source, you’ll eventually find yourself stuck.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
The best source for new clients has definitely been Instagram. I started my hair page when I was an apprentice under Danielle Ayala at Novak Hair Studios. I barely had content, but I posted what I had. I got people excited to see me when I started behind the chair, and showed people who I was, what I was doing, and why I loved it. Now, I’ve created a brand I’m proud of, and stay consistent on social media. Clients enjoy seeing who’s behind the account, getting to know you a little better before they decide to come see you. I feel like my Instagram gives future clients not only a good sense of the work I create, but an idea of who I am as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.juliamccauleyhair.com/
- Instagram: juliamccauleyhair
Image Credits
Bethany Vetter @texas.eve