We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Michele Brabson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Michele below.

Alright, Michele thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

I was working as a commissioned stylist in Grand Prairie when my business idea to booth rent came to me. I knew I wanted to work behind the chair for myself but I enjoy working with people. I enjoy being surrounded by people because everyone has a different way of thinking. That was when I knew I wanted to work as my own boss but I didn’t want to work in a suite by myself. I wanted to work in a salon and still be surrounded by people. That started my journey of looking for salons that fit my idea. For me, it was a bit scary. I was in my first year as a licensed cosmetologist and everyone in school always tells you not to go booth rent starting out. I knew what I wanted. After searching through many salons in the DFW area I found my current salon home in Arlington. I had a list of things I was looking for in a salon and this one just happened to check all the boxes. Now, to actually start a business and have an idea are two totally different things. I have a million ideas a day, but to actually execute it was another story. I love lists so I literally made a million lists. Lists of things I needed, wanted, just had to have, pros and cons. I was running on a prayer and whim at this point because I knew I couldn’t be a commissioned stylist anymore but everyone needs money to start up a business, right? Well, I really didn’t have a lot of money to start up with but I finally said: “Lets do it!”. I really got to work setting up my business. I got my business license, Tax ID number, business account, website, and signed my lease at Modemia Salon. That was when it really hit me. I really am doing this. I am so ready for this. I am officially my own boss. It didn’t stop there though. I didn’t have much money to go on but, i was determined. Fast forward a year later and I could not be happier with my decision to start a business.

Michele, 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?

My name is Michele Brabson. I am thirty years old and originally from Cleveland, OH. I married my high school sweetheart in 2011 and have one child together. We have lived in Texas for almost seven years. I have been in the beauty industry for over two years now. I have worked out of my house, as a commissioned stylist, and now I have my own business as a booth renter at Modemia Salon in Arlington. My love for the Beauty industry started over eleven years ago when I was still in high school. I always knew I wanted a job that I could help people but also incorporated art, math, and science. I finally figured out what I wanted to do with my life. I wanted to be a Cosmetologist. What sets me apart is my love for my job. I love being able to create my clients dream hair and watch their reaction when I turn them around in my chair. It fills my heart with pure joy. Some of my clients have even seen my happy dance at the end of their service because I enjoy seeing them happy. Transforming hair combines all of the things I was looking for in a job. I get to create beautiful hair while enjoying the math and science behind how it works. I am most proud of taking control of my career. In over a year I became my own boss and brand. I take pride in my job and the services I provide. I enjoy being friendly but very professional with my clients.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I have had to pivot my career a few times. The first time was when I was graduating Cosmetology school. I thought working out of my own home would be a great option to start off with. I quickly learned it was not and that is when COVID hit. For me, that option went out the window very quickly as I had a small child at home at the time. After everything started opening back up, I had a friend that worked at a salon in Grand Prairie. They were hiring so I decided to make the pivot and start working at a commissioned salon. This worked well for me at first since I had not built up my clientele yet. After about a year of working there, I knew I needed to make another pivot in my career. I wanted to solely rely on myself. I started my journey on how to become a booth renter and my own boss. After figuring out how to do that I found my new salon home, Modemia Salon, in Arlington. Personally, I feel like my career will take another pivot or two at some point because my end goal is to teach hair on a platform, but there are so many other possibilities in the beauty industry. I do know that this is not my last stop.

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

A lesson I had to unlearn was that I should take everyone that sat in my chair. When I was working as a commissioned stylist I felt like since the salon was booking me that I needed take whoever sat down in my chair even if I didn’t feel confident performing the service. Doing this sent me into panic mode most of the time with no one there to really help me with what to do. Since I was by myself most of the time, I didn’t have control over my own chair, my clients did. After working for a year like this I knew I needed to make a change. I decided to make a pivot in my career by moving to booth rent and becoming my own boss. Doing this, I knew I had to make a change on how I was going to run my chair. If I was going to continue working the same as I was before I wasn’t going to be successful. It was hard at first, taking back my chair, but I knew it was something I needed to do if I wanted to succeed in my new business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://inmicheleschair.square.site
• Instagram: @in_micheleschair
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/in.micheleschair/
• Other: E-mail- [email protected]

Image Credits
Vanessa Contreras- @vanessac.photo