The journey through finding the right work environment.
As a licensed cosmetologist, I’ve experienced the highs and lows of working in various salon settings—some of which left me with lasting emotional scars. Salon trauma is real, and it’s not talked about enough in our industry. Whether as a stylist or a client, the environment in which you work or receive services can deeply impact your overall well-being.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of finding a salon home that promotes not only healthy hair but also a healthy lifestyle—an environment free from gossip, jealousy, and that toxic “mean girl” energy.
Unfortunately, not all salons prioritize this. I’ve worked in several places where I felt the sting of envy and the tension that came with it. Instead of support and camaraderie, I was met with hostility from coworkers who saw me as competition rather than as a peer.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of finding a salon home that promotes not only healthy hair but also a healthy lifestyle
Beyond that, I’ve also dealt with unprofessional practices from salon owners. Some paid me under the table, which may have seemed convenient at the time but ultimately created long-term problems. I couldn’t prove my income to banks, making it harder to secure things like a car loan or a mortgage to buy a home. It was a frustrating situation, one that trapped me in a cycle of financial instability.
Being in a space where you constantly feel uneasy or unsafe is mentally draining and doesn’t allow you to perform your best.
There were also times when I didn’t feel physically safe in the environments I worked in due to the neighborhoods where the salons were located. Being in a space where you constantly feel uneasy or unsafe is mentally draining and doesn’t allow you to perform your best.
A New Beginning at Phenix Salon Suites
After years of heartache, stress, and dissatisfaction, I found relief working alone at Phenix Salon Suites. Here, I finally feel secure. Clients are required to use a code to enter the building, and the parking lot is well-lit and spacious, giving me and my clients peace of mind. The space itself is my sanctuary—my tools and supplies stay right where I left them, and I never have to worry about things being broken or misplaced.
Working in a peaceful, secure, and clean environment has changed everything for me. I provide complimentary snacks, water, and juice, and the atmosphere I’ve created is one of calm and comfort. The music I play sets the vibe, and my energy is always high, ready to serve each client who walks through the door. I can finally focus entirely on my craft and my clients without the distractions and stress I encountered in other salons.
Advice for New Stylists
To any new stylists out there: be encouraged. The journey to finding the right salon home might be long, but it’s worth the wait. You deserve to work in a place that nurtures your talent, where you feel safe and respected. If you find yourself in a salon that doesn’t serve you, don’t hesitate to leave. Whether it’s because of unhealthy workplace dynamics, unprofessional practices, or unsafe conditions, your well-being comes first.
You have the power to create the atmosphere you desire. For me, working alone has been the answer. But whatever your path looks like, trust your instincts, and prioritize your peace. There’s no greater feeling than walking into a workspace that uplifts you and allows you to thrive.
With love:
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