Why Education is Still Important After 30 Years as a Salon Owner

As a salon owner for over 30 years, education has always been one of my core values. For more than 20 of those years, January has meant one thing, going to the Serious Business Conference in New Orleans.

Serious Business for me is a yearly reset. It shows up right when I need it most, inspiring me, challenging my thinking, and encouraging me to step into a new year with intention. It reminds me why I started, why I continue, and why SOB never settles for staying the same.

This year’s conference delivered some powerful reminders and takeaways that I’m still sitting with:

• AI is not the enemy: It’s a tool — one that can help us package our ideas, manage our time better, and support our marketing in smarter ways.

• Motivation follows action: This one is my favorite. On the days I don't want to get out of bed, the answer is: get up, get dressed, and show up. Action creates motivation.

• Breathe and feel your feelings: Respond instead of react. This one is hard — especially as leaders. Learning not to attach to every emotion is a constant practice.

• The gap is growing: I’m very clear on where I want SOB to be, and conferences like Serious Business help us stay relevant, aware, and evolving. Helping us to set ourselves apart and offer the best to our clients and our team.

Every year I leave with more clarity, courage, and confidence — not just for myself, but for SOB. New chapters, new standards, and new opportunities continue to unfold in our industry, and I want us to be leaders in our field.

Education is one of our core values at SOB, and that includes me. I truly believe in continuing to grow so I can help build sustainable, fulfilling careers for everyone who chooses SOB. This year, 17 of our service providers attended Serious Business together, and it was incredible. Beyond the education, it was an amazing team-bonding experience — full of learning, laughter, and fun. Any time you can learn, travel, and grow together, it’s an investment in our team that strengthens our culture and is so worth it! 

I love attending Serious Business because it forces a mindset shift. It keeps me forward-thinking, pushes me to avoid stagnation, and surrounds me with like-minded, successful salon owners who truly understand the journey. That community, support, and shared wisdom matter more than ever.

As we are moving into 2026 at SOB, we’re committed to excellence — not perfection — and grounded in the values that guide how we lead, serve and show up everyday. I challenge our leadership team to choose curiosity over fear, to create awe-inspiring moments for both our team and our guests, and to care deeply about every decision they make.  

Here’s to a beautiful year ahead —  always caring, always evolving, and always grateful!