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

Justin, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about how you went about setting up your own practice and if you have any advice for professionals who might be considering starting their own?

When I decided to start The Color Bar, it wasn’t because I woke up one day wanting to own a business. It came from seeing a gap—both in the guest experience and in how stylists were supported. I knew there had to be a better way to build something that felt consistent, professional, and growth-focused for everyone involved.

The Early Days

In the beginning, it was simple—but it wasn’t easy. We had one location, a small team, and a clear focus: take care of people at a high level every single time.

I spent a lot of time getting the foundation right:

* Defining what we stood for and how we showed up every day
* Creating structure around consultations, booking, and retail
* Being intentional about who we brought onto the team
* Putting everything we had back into the business to keep it growing

There weren’t shortcuts. It was long days, constant problem-solving, and learning in real time.

The Challenges

The hardest parts weren’t always what I expected.

Building a team that truly operates at the same standard takes time. You realize quickly that culture isn’t something you say—it’s something you reinforce daily.

Cash flow was another reality check. Growth sounds exciting, but behind the scenes you’re constantly balancing reinvestment, payroll, and stability.

And as we grew, things that worked at one location didn’t always work at three or five. Systems had to evolve, and I had to learn how to step back and trust others more than I was comfortable with at first.

What I’d Do Differently

Looking back, there are a few things I’d adjust:

I would’ve built leadership around me sooner instead of trying to carry everything myself.
I would’ve been more selective with who I brought into the business—and quicker to make changes when something wasn’t working.
I would’ve invested earlier in systems and technology to create more consistency.
And I would’ve protected the culture even more aggressively from day one.

Advice for Someone Starting Out

If you’re thinking about starting your own practice, here’s what I’d say:

Make sure you’re not just creating a job for yourself. Build something that can operate without you being involved in every detail.

Get really good at what you do first. People trust results.

Learn your numbers early. You don’t have to love them, but you do need to understand them.

Put systems in place sooner than you think you need them. They’ll save you a lot of stress later.

Be intentional with your team. The right people will move you forward— the wrong ones will slow everything down.

And be ready for pressure. Ownership requires consistency and discipline, especially in the early stages.

Most importantly, know why you’re doing it. Because there will be moments where things get hard, and that’s what will keep you grounded.

What we’ve built didn’t happen overnight. It came from staying consistent, making adjustments, and committing to doing things the right way—even when it would’ve been easier not to.

Justin, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Justin Killingsworth, and I’m the owner of The Color Bar Hair Salon. My journey into this industry didn’t start with the goal of building a multi-location company—it started with a deep respect for the craft and the people behind it.

I’ve always been drawn to environments where creativity and connection come together. Early on, I saw how powerful this industry could be—not just in how people look, but in how they feel. But I also saw the gaps. Talented service providers without clear growth paths, inconsistent guest experiences, and a lack of structure in places that had so much potential. That’s what pushed me to step in and build something different.

Today, The Color Bar is a multi-location salon company focused on delivering a high-level, consistent experience for every guest while creating real opportunities for our team to grow.

What We Do

At our core, we provide hair services—but the reality is, it goes much deeper than that.

We offer:

* Customized color and cutting services
* Hair extensions and treatments
* Scalp and wellness-focused services
* Professional product recommendations tailored to each guest

Everything we do is built around consultation, education, and delivering a result that aligns with each guest’s lifestyle—not just what looks good in the moment.

The Problems We Solve

For our guests, we solve inconsistency.

A lot of people have experienced going to different salons and never quite knowing what they’re going to get. We’ve built systems and training to make sure that no matter which location or service provider you see, you receive the same level of care, communication, and result.

For our team, we solve the lack of direction that’s common in this industry.

We’ve created clear pathways for growth, structured education, and defined expectations so that our service providers aren’t just working behind the chair—they’re building careers with purpose and momentum.

What Sets Us Apart

What truly sets us apart is our structure and our culture.

We don’t leave things to chance. We’ve built systems around everything—from how we consult with guests, to how we measure success, to how we support our team. That structure allows us to grow without losing consistency.

At the same time, we’ve built a culture centered on accountability, growth, and support. We believe in holding a high standard while also giving people the tools and guidance to reach it.

What I’m Most Proud Of

What I’m most proud of isn’t just the number of locations—it’s the people.

Seeing someone come in with potential, gain confidence, build a book, and create a life for themselves through this industry—that’s what matters most to me.

I’m also proud that we’ve been able to create something that guests trust. When someone walks into one of our salons, they know what to expect, and that consistency is something we’ve worked hard to earn.

What I Want People to Know

If there’s one thing I want people to understand, it’s this:

We are intentional about everything we do.

We’re not trying to be the cheapest option, and we’re not trying to be everything to everyone. We’re focused on delivering a premium, consistent experience and building long-term relationships with both our guests and our team.

For anyone considering visiting us—know that you’re walking into a place that values your time, your experience, and your outcome.

And for anyone watching from the outside or considering joining our team—know that this is a place where growth is expected, supported, and earned.

At the end of the day, this business is about people. If we take care of our people—both guests and team—the rest follows.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

Without hesitation—yes, I would choose this path again.

This industry has given me more than just a career. It’s given me the opportunity to build something meaningful, to create opportunities for others, and to be part of moments that genuinely impact how people feel about themselves. That’s something I don’t take lightly.

That being said, I would walk into it differently.

I would move faster on the lessons that took me years to learn—especially around people, structure, and leadership. I’d be more intentional earlier, more selective with who I brought into the business, and quicker to put systems in place that support growth.

I’d also trust the long game sooner. Early on, it’s easy to chase quick wins or try to do everything yourself. Real growth comes from consistency, discipline, and building something that lasts—not something that just works for the moment.

But at its core, I wouldn’t change the profession. This space allows you to combine creativity, business, and impact in a way that very few industries do. You get to build people up—both behind the chair and in it—and that’s something I’d choose again every time.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Training and knowledge matter—but they’re not what separate people long-term.

What really drives success in this field comes down to a few things:

Consistency.
Not just doing great work once, but delivering a high-level experience every single time. Guests come back because they trust what they’re going to receive.

Communication.
The consultation is everything. Being able to truly listen, set expectations, and guide a guest with confidence will take you further than raw technical skill alone.

Work ethic and discipline.
There are no shortcuts here. The people who grow are the ones who show up prepared, stay focused, and keep pushing even when things are slow or uncomfortable.

Emotional intelligence.
You’re working with people, not just hair. Understanding how someone feels, how to read the room, and how to respond with intention makes a huge difference in both the experience and the outcome.

Ownership.
The most successful service providers treat their chair like a business. They track their numbers, build relationships, follow up, and take responsibility for their growth.

Adaptability.
Trends change, systems evolve, and the industry moves fast. The ability to stay open, keep learning, and adjust quickly is critical.

At the end of the day, skill gets you in the room—but these are the things that keep you growing once you’re there.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Colorbartx.com
• Instagram: @colorbartexas @justinslayyedmyhair
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheColorBarTXConroe/

Image Credits

Black rose photography