Meet Erin Winter | Salon Owner & Hairstylist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erin Winter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erin, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I think the most important factor behind my success and the success of my brand is staying true to my values as a hairstylist behind the chair and as a leader.

Here are some things I do to guarantee a successful business and a full book of my dream clients:

– Connect with your guest and make them feel special!
– Promote what you love doing. If you’re not skilled at doing a specific service, don’t advertise that you do.
– Having a work life balance is important, you cannot pour from an empty glass.
– Continue educating yourself and share with your peers.
– If you and a guest don’t click and you don’t feel comfortable doing their hair anymore, you can let them go. Sometimes your sanity for the day is worth having that time slot open. Someone else who loves your work will gladly fill that spot!
– Instill these values with your employees, their success is what keeps me going.
– Last but, not least… charge your worth and set clear boundaries.

I always knew if I did what I loved and gave 100% of my effort, everything would work out.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I think what sets me apart from others the most is giving my employees immense freedom and room to grow in every stage of their career. Each stylist has their own individual pricing and only performs services that they want to and feel comfortable doing. On top of that they have the ability to move from a commission based pay to a chair rental, the ultimate hairstylist freedom. What all of this does, is it creates a space for them to feel artistically nurtured and valued as team members.

I am most proud of watching my vision become a reality. After moving from a 210 square foot suite to a 1,400 square foot storefront, it didn’t even feel real. But, watching everything come together after construction, paint, furniture, and decorations, it finally set in. That is by far my most proud moment thus far and I am so excited to see what is next!

None of this was easy. Nothing worth while is really ever easy. Our new location was a nightmare starting out. When I say everything that could go wrong did go wrong…it did. We had a contractor run with money, other contractors stringing us along waiting to get the work done, picking up the pieces after things went wrong with the thief, failing three inspections, you name it, we dealt with it. There is nothing you can do other than pick up the pieces, keep your head up, and keep moving.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to keep going even when something doesn’t go as planned. I never disregard feelings, it’s important to feel your emotions. But, you cannot wallow on things. Feel it, understand why you feel the way you do, and keep going. Another lesson I’ve learned is that you cannot do everything. Learn how to delegate things and do not overload yourself because burnout is real.

I want the world to know that anything is possible when you love what you do.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I first want to shoutout my fiancé, Beau, for lighting the fire in me to start my own business and create my own vision. He knew I had it in me and I definitely wouldn’t be where I am now without him. Another big shoutout to all my friends, family, and clients who have shown so much love and support throughout my whole career. I also want to thank all of my previous employers for giving me a chance to grow in every stage of my career.

Website: https://www.erinwinterhairstudio.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinwinterhairstudio/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erinwinterhairstudio

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ2G-owJ3C2sA-x31vRLDYA

Other: https://erinwinterhairstudio.square.site/

Image Credits
Last photo named “Photoshoot” w/ the bright colors has photo credits to Justin Smith