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

Hi Torie, thanks for joining us today. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?

In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift from commission-based salons to booth rentals. I have tried really hard to evolve with these trends by continuously investing in staff education, trying to stay present on social media, which takes a lot of work! And most importantly prioritizing the happiness of our stylists.

I want to change the perception of commission salons by having a collaborative environment where stylists are both heard and empowered. Over the past 12 years, part of my success I think comes from trying make a team culture where independence is encouraged, as long as the high standards we’ve established are upheld.

Years ago hair stylists were often looked at as just service providers rather than true artists. However, the industry is changing, with a greater emphasis on continuing education and the influence of social media elevating the profession. At Hair by Torie and Co., I always prioritizing customer service, and I really believe that’s one of the main reasons I have been so successful.

Torie, 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?

I began my hair journey when I was 18 after trying to take my SAT. By the third question, knew I was done with school. I have always been into hair and makeup. A friend from high school was doing hair already, with her own house and car right after high school so I thought, why not.
I was not a natural when I first started! It took of lot of training and botching friends hair before I got started to improve and get good.
After being at a really amazing salon for 6 years it was time to move on. I tried booth renting and I happen to be in the right place at the right time.
The owner of the salon needed to sell it. So I got a loan from a friend, no bank would give me a loan with $10,000 in my bank account and zero credit.
Everything I have learned about business I had to learn the hard way. The hard time of staff changes, unhappy clients, COVID, were never easy. I always learned to never give up, even when I thought I had nothing left to give in to my business. I never wanted to fail so I just kept showing up. Even if it was just myself. I worked twelve hour days sometimes just to never say no to a client.
Thankfully now after all these years I have an amazing staff of eighteen.
After opening my new location that’s is double the size of my last salon, I can finally take a step back and look around and be proud of all my hard work and where it has gotten me.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Covid was, for everyone, a really crazy time. I had a very busy salon at the time, although our clients thought we were essential, the government did not! I had clients calling begging to get their hair done. So I decided to make “at home color kits”
We joke to this day that it felt like a drug deal. The deal was, back door of the salon, cash only, pop the trunk and I give you the goods. I had very clear instructions, color already in the bowl, brush and gloves. All hair products were discounted as well. I was a busy girl all day long. Of course when we were allowed to open I had no bowls or brushes since I gave them all to my clients.

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

Keeping toxic staff just because you need them! I did that for so many years because I was scared I couldn’t find someone or thought we would need them. Let me tell you, you are always better off letting them go. One toxic person and ruin the whole
Environment. That is one hard no in my salon. You have to leave the drama at the door and vibrate on positive vibes only.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Hairbytorie.com
• Instagram: @Hairbytorieandco
• Facebook: Hair by Torie and Co.