We were lucky to catch up with Natasha Downs recently and have shared our conversation below.

Natasha, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

I am asked frequently “How do you do it all?”. I own 2 businesses, I educate and mentor stylists all over the United States, host a podcast, am a wife and mother of 2 children (2 and 4), and am always at every one of my childrens events. For me, its not work, its my passion. If I was sitting at a desk all day for 10-12 hours going through paperwork or whatever it may be, I would be so overwhelmed and would never really push myself to succeed. My passion is in the beauty industry, I enjoy every minute. I have watched stylists in school who were not confident because they did not have the skills yet come into my salon, work under me for the full year they are in school, and then come out of school thriving, that makes it all worth it for me. You can not succeed in business thinking you have to do it all on your own, to build a thriving business you need others who have the same passion and vision you do for your company.

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 have been in the beauty industry since 2005 and have been a salon owner for 12 of those years. I recently launched my new hair extensions line, Mara Elizabeth Hair, named after my daughter. I have been doing extensions for roughly 20 years and through out those years, I have found what works best for me and what doesn’t so I took that knowledge and created exactly what the industry needed. I am always striving to make our industry better and give stylists the opportunity to succeed in every way possible. I also do business coaching for stylists and salon owners. Why keep all the knowledge to yourself when you can share it? I love watching stylists and teams grow to their full potential, that is truly where my passion lies. I want to build a community of like minded stylists that can work together to help each other grow and succeed. There is far too much competition in this industry and that is what I would love to change. Community over competition.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Managing a team is not a one person job. I have found dedicating roles for my team has help tremendously in keeping everyone focused and excited for our next goals. I dedicated a role to one of the members of my team and they have monthly one on one meetings with each team member. In these meetings they discuss achievements, failures, and goals to move forward. My team knows there is always open communication and that they can confidently come to me with any concerns and know they will be heard. Finding a team that has your same vision and core values is the most important step in growing a success business.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I am the person that continuously wants better for everyone, which I find to be a strength and also I weakness. The problem with this mindset is some people, as much as you try, do not want better for themselves. I had to learn that not everyone was going to want the same things out of life that I do. I have hired team members that I gave way too many “second” chances to because I truly wanted better for them but in the long run, it only hurt my business because I kept them in our space for too long. They will start bringing down the whole atmosphere and work ethic in your space if you let them. I have learned to put my attention towards the people who want to grow and succeed and as hard as it is for me, to let the ones that don’t go.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.salonludic.com
• Instagram: natasha.downs

Image Credits

Halle DeRagisch
Chelsea Dufresne