We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Naomi Trotto. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Naomi below.
Naomi, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with education – we’d love to hear your thoughts about how we can better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career
So I am so disappointed with today’s beauty schools, and the government in which that dictates them. The people going to beauty school come out not knowing basic care for guests. As a salon owner of 11 years, this year is the first year I will no longer hire anyone straight from school. We have completely changed our program, we only take apprenticeships now where we have control over the two years of learning, and it provides them with income and a clientele afterwards. We are currently developing a program that includes education for students and stylists in the area, they can complete our training, and that certificate will make them eligible to work for us.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m Naomi Trotto, a salon owner, creative director, and small business entrepreneur who has built my career through passion, resilience, and sheer determination. I’ve fought to keep my business thriving through the challenges of COVID-19 and, even more importantly, while supporting my son through his victorious battle with cancer. My journey in the hair industry is driven by creativity and a love for bold, expressive color, but at the heart of it all, I’m dedicated to building a community where artists feel empowered and inspired.
I’ve been married to the love of my life since 2004, and I’m still completely obsessed with him. In 2005, I went to beauty school, and not long after, I started my salon with a friend from my class. By year five, I took full ownership and have been leading it solo ever since. Along the way, I’ve also survived two traumatic birth experiences and two victorious NICU journeys, proving to myself time and time again that I can handle anything life throws at me.
Through every challenge—whether personal or professional—I’ve stayed committed to my vision and my business. My salon isn’t just a workplace; it’s a home for creativity, inclusion, and fearless self-expression. As a creative director, I get to channel that same energy into a brand that celebrates artistry on a global scale. No matter what comes next, I’ll continue pushing boundaries, supporting my industry, and showing other entrepreneurs that perseverance and passion can get you through even the toughest times.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
In the summer of 2021, in the midst of inflation and uncertainty, I made the bold decision to move my salon to a space twice the size of our original location. What was meant to be a strategic move for growth quickly became a test of resilience. The loan I secured was doubled, and the staff I had didn’t stick around. On January 6, 2022, I opened the doors to our new space—twice the size, with half the staff, and double the responsibilities. Just three months later, my world was turned upside down when my son was diagnosed with B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. For the next year, I had to step away from my business to focus on what mattered most: his recovery.
During my time away, my manager and first-ever assistant, Jessica Sanchez, took the reins and kept the salon afloat. As soon as possible, I returned full-time to rebuild and recover what I had worked so hard for. It has taken far longer than I ever imagined, but in October of this past year, we finally started hitting our goals for the first time since the move. Now, things are looking up—we have a team that is passionate, driven, and ready to take on the future. We are going places, and 2025 is going to be our year!
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
As soon as I was able to overcome the social anxieties that came from being isolated during my son’s illness, I began actively networking locally in the summer of 2023—and it has been the best decision for my business. Building connections within my community has not only introduced me to incredible people but has also opened doors to new opportunities. I’ve secured grants that help support my business, gained valuable guidance from a business coach, and even started a roundtable group for other salon owners. Strengthening these relationships has been a game-changer, allowing me to grow, learn, and contribute to the industry in a meaningful way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.basalonmi.com
- Instagram: @basalonmi
- Facebook: @basalonmi
