Lonely at the Top: The Quiet Reality of Being a Salon Owner
By The Salon Social Collective

No one tells you how loud the quiet can be when you finally make it.

You open the salon. You hire the team. You stock the colour wall with your dream brand. On paper, it all looks so good. And yet, somewhere between the late cancellations, endless admin, and the constant emotional load of holding space for everyone else....you realise you don’t have many people holding space for you.

It’s not the kind of loneliness people write songs about. It’s not dramatic. It’s subtle. It’s that moment you finish cleaning the salon floors after everyone’s left, and you realise you haven’t spoken to another adult like a human all day. It’s the decision fatigue. The self-doubt. The relentless pressure to lead, inspire, create, and keep it all afloat with no one to ask, “Am I doing this right?”

If you’ve ever felt that? First of all, you’re not broken. You’re just in business.

And secondly, you’re not alone.

Here’s what we want you to know:

1. The feeling is normal, but it doesn’t have to be your forever!
Salon ownership is often sold as freedom. And in many ways, it is. But freedom without community can feel like isolation. You’re not the only one second-guessing your price list or wondering how others seem to be nailing it on socials when you’re just trying to remember to eat lunch. Talking about it...honestly is the first step.

2. You don’t always need a business coach, sometimes you just need a group chat.
Support doesn’t have to be formal or expensive. Sometimes it’s about having a circle of people who get it. Who laugh when you say “she no-showed again.” Who share a spreadsheet because they just fixed theirs. Who remind you that you’re doing a bloody brilliant job, even on the days you don’t feel like it.

3. Make space for connection in your calendar, not just clients.
We block time for stocktake and regrowths. But connection? It falls to the bottom of the list. Try adding a weekly check-in with another salon owner (or even just yourself). Ask: What felt hard this week? What felt good? You’d be amazed what shifts when you start to see yourself, not just your to-do list.

4. You’re allowed to feel lonely and still love your job.
These things can co-exist. Just because you adore your clients and feel grateful for your business doesn’t mean the hard parts disappear. Let yourself hold both. That’s not weakness, it’s self-awareness. And it’s powerful🤍

5. Look for spaces that feel like home.
Whether it’s a networking event, a private Facebook group, a local industry meet-up, or something like our upcoming Salon Secret Sessions, seek out places where you can be yourself. The messy, brilliant, work-in-progress version...not just the polished one behind the chair.

Because the truth is, no one builds an empire alone.

You deserve community. Not just clients. Not just content calendars. Connection.

And it starts with reaching out even just a little.

PS: If this resonated with you, keep an eye out for Salon Secret Sessions - a private space for salon owners to connect, vent, learn, and feel seen. It’s not another course. It’s the company you’ve been craving.

Let’s make business feel less lonely, together.
Kat x