We recently connected with Michael Stock and have shared our conversation below.
Michael, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Along with taking care of clients, taking care of our team is one of the most important things we can do as leaders. Looking back on your journey, did you have a boss that was really great? Maybe you can tell us about that boss and what made them a wonderful person to work for?
The best boss I ever had was a woman named Catherine. What made her stand out was her ability to create a calm, grounded environment even when things were fast-paced or stressful. She had this mantra she repeated often: “We’re not doing brain surgery.” It sounds simple, but it completely shifted the energy of our team.
One day we were dealing with a major scheduling issue that would have normally sent everyone into panic mode. Instead of feeding the chaos, Catherine took a breath, gathered us together, and reminded us to keep perspective. She encouraged us to focus on solutions rather than stress. Within an hour, everything was back on track not because the problem was small, but because she kept us from spiraling and helped us approach it with clarity.
Her leadership taught me the importance of boundaries, emotional regulation, and not letting pressure control the outcome. She created a work culture where people felt supported, not intimidated. That experience had a lasting impact on me, and it’s shaped the way I lead and handle stress today
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’ve always been drawn to making things look better prettier, more intentional, more elevated. That instinct is what led me into the beauty industry. I love being able to see the potential in someone and help them see it too. There’s something powerful about watching a person sit a little taller in the chair because they feel more like themselves. My approach with clients is built on open communication and trust. I always want people to feel comfortable reaching out whether it’s a question, a concern, or something they want adjusted. My goal is to create a space where clients feel heard, supported, and never judged. I try to listen deeply before I solve anything, because most of what we do behind the chair is emotional just as much as it is technical. I’m proud of how far I’ve come and how this industry has shaped me, especially compared to where I started. With my brand and my salon, I’ve tried to create an environment where both artists and clients can express themselves freely. WASH is built on creativity, honesty, flexibility, and the belief that beauty should feel both transformative and comfortable. It’s more than a service it’s an experience where everyone has room to be themselves
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
A big lesson I had to unlearn is believing that everything in life had to be black-and-white or done strictly “by the book.” For a long time, I thought there was always a perfect answer, a perfect method, or a single “right way.” But this industry and honestly, life in general has taught me that you have to bend, adapt, and stay open. Real growth happens in the gray areas. Once I let go of expectations, I became a better stylist, a better leader, and a better communicator. I learned to trust my creativity, trust my instincts, and meet people where they are instead of forcing everything into a strict mold. Flexibility has made me more successful than perfection ever did.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
The best source of new clients has definitely been my current clients and word of mouth. I’m grateful that the people who sit in my chair trust me enough to recommend me to their friends, family, and coworkers. It means a lot, because it tells me I’m delivering an experience that makes people want to share it with others. Word of mouth has truly been the strongest and most consistent way my business has grown.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.washfay.com
- Instagram: Washfayetteville
