Ep 28 | How This 24-Year-Old Stylist Left Commission Work & Built A Six-Figure Business

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Hey beauty pros! I recently sat down with Makenna, one of our incredible stylists at bex+Co., to chat about her journey from commission work to running her own successful business.

At just 24 years old, she hit six figures in her first year going independent - starting with zero clients! Her story proves what's possible when you bet on yourself and do things your way.

The Leap from Commission Work to Independence

Makenna's story starts like many of yours. Fresh out of beauty school during COVID, she worked as an assistant for nine months, then spent just one month on commission before realizing something wasn't clicking.

"I felt like I was going to be held back at a salon like that, where it caps you at a certain point," Makenna shared. "There's stuff you can't do. For me, what gets a lot of views on Instagram is styling my hair in the chair - we weren't allowed to do that at commission salons."

Key Reasons Makenna Made the Switch:

• Complete control over her schedule (no more 9 PM shifts!)

• Freedom to choose services and pricing

• Ability to market and brand herself authentically

• Direct communication with clients

• No artificial caps on income

Building a Clientele from Zero Through Smart Marketing

Here's what blew me away - Makenna built her entire clientele through social media marketing, starting with literally 1-2 clients who followed her. Her brilliant strategy? She took her daily tips and reinvested them into targeted Instagram ads.

"I would put in $100-200 and just let it spread out over a few days," she explained. "I refined those people I was advertising to within a 20-mile radius of the salon. I selected interests that matched my ideal clients."

Smart Marketing Tips from Makenna:

• Reinvest your early earnings into marketing

• Target ads to your specific location and dream clients

• Show your face and personality on social media

• Respond quickly to inquiries

• Post content that reflects your authentic self

Setting Clear Boundaries and Expectations

Makenna's success comes from more than just marketing - she runs her business like a CEO. She uses an application form for new clients, requires photos beforehand, and provides clear price quotes before appointments.

"I always price quote over Instagram," she told me. "That way they don't come in waiting to see. Some people have a budget they want to stick to, and then they sit in your chair and they're like, 'wait, I can't actually get my hair done today.' I want to cut out all of that awkwardness."

Professional Policies That Work:

• Clear cancellation and late policies

• Upfront price quotes

• Photo requirements for new clients

• Quick response times during business hours

• Consistent communication standards

The Financial Reality of Going Independent

Let's talk numbers because they matter. Makenna doubled her income immediately after going independent. "After just the first week working here, I made more than I would make in two weeks at my past salon," she shared.

In her first full year? Six figures. Year two? Even better. And she's doing it all while working fewer than 30 hours per week.

Income Growth Timeline:

• Week 1: Double previous commission earnings

• Year 1: Over six figures

• Year 2: Continued growth

• Hours: Under 30/week

• Complete control over pricing and schedule

Is Independence Right for You?

Makenna put it perfectly: "I definitely think there's a salon for everybody. This was the right choice for me. I think it just depends on what your end goals are."

Consider going independent if you:

• Want complete control over your business decisions

• Have drive and entrepreneurial spirit

• Value flexibility in your schedule

• Are willing to handle marketing and business tasks

• Want unlimited earning potential

Stay in commission if you:

• Prefer focusing solely on hair

• Want guaranteed income

• Don't want to handle business operations

• Like having set hours and structure

• Want built-in support systems

Final Thoughts

Makenna's story shows what's possible when you take control of your career. She turned her passion for hair into a thriving business on her own terms. The path isn't easy - there will be tears in your car between clients (her words, not mine!) - but the freedom and potential are worth it.

Remember: You don't need decades of experience or an existing client base to succeed. You need determination, smart marketing, clear boundaries, and the courage to bet on yourself.