By Aria Jayne, Strategies Coach

I used to think being a salon owner just meant providing a great service, staying busy, and being profitable (did I know what "profit" really meant or how to get there? Absolutely not). I was passionate, hardworking, and cared deeply about my team, but in all honesty, I was running my business more like a stylist than a CEO.

It wasn't until I started working with a salon business coach that I realized what a reactive owner I was. I was making decisions based on whatever was happening right at the moment in front of me. At the end of every month, I checked to see if I was profitable, and I hoped we brought in more money than the last month, but I never actually planned for it. I had no idea what my revenue would be for the month, much less how to influence it.

After starting to work with a coach, that all changed.

I learned how to look ahead and forecast my monthly income based on real data. I knew what levers I could pull—whether it was improving my client retention, increasing our productivity, or watching our average service sale per productive hour. For the first time, I felt like I was driving the bus instead of being dragged behind it.

Another big shift? Leadership.

Before coaching, I wanted to be everyone's friend. I avoided hard conversations and compromised the business to keep the peace. I confused kindness with passivity. That changed when I got clear on my vision and values. Coaching helped me define what kind of company I actually wanted to build. Decision-making around personnel became easier once I had a dream to compare it to. Did this amazing stylist with a crummy attitude align with the future I had planned? Suddenly, decision-making felt simpler. Boundaries became easier to set. I was able to lead with purpose instead of guilt.

And of course, we can't forget to talk about money.

We had some amazing revenue months, but I'd find myself wondering, Where did it all go? I wasn't tracking expenses. I wasn't planning for the future. Savings account? Who’s she?

After salon business coaching, I knew where every dollar was going. I set intentional financial goals like building a rainy-day fund, saving for an expansion, or taking the team on a group retreat… and I hit them. My relationship with money went from anxious and avoidant to confident and clear.

Lastly, one of the most rewarding transformations was seeing the shift in my team as well.

Before, I had a group of talented stylists looking to me to see what’s next…and I didn’t have an answer for them. They couldn't see growth for themselves because I wasn't showing them growth opportunities. But after coaching, I created a clear career path and growth plan for every stylist on my team. They could see their future and were able to stay motivated, inspired, and loyal because of it.

So if you're reading this and feeling stuck, scattered, or unsure where to start, just know that I've been there. Coaching didn't just change my business - it changed me!

Feeling ready to make a similar transformation in your own beauty business? The right coach can help you go from reactive owner to confident CEO.