Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Bolin.
Hi Samantha, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started my hair journey at the Columbus Downtown High School at the career center. Originally, doing hair was how I was going to pay my way through college. I thought I wanted to be a nurse but once we started dissecting animals I quickly learned that was not the path for me. I started out at a small Fiesta salon on the west side of Columbus. After about a year, I moved to one of the bigger commission salons in the Columbus area and worked at the New Albany Location. I went through a ton of wonderful training there and went on to also teach for that company. One of the best experiences I’ve had. It really helped shape who I was as a stylist. As grateful as I am for that experience, I eventually grew out of that salon model and went on my own as an independent hair stylist and have been in my own space since 2019. I currently run my business out of Bella Rose Studios in Grove City. I have my own suite and I love every minute of it! I have met some of the most fabulous people being in this industry and I wouldn’t change it for anything!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Anything worth having is never easy. When I started at the bigger commission salons, I was an assistant for a year and also served at a restaurant. I would work at the salon during the day, restaurant at night, and would finish my perm wrapping homework at 3am. I have always taken pride in my work and pride in being knowledgeable about my craft. That’s what earns trust with your clients. I worked hard to earn my chair. Lots of late nights studying and getting work done on time.
When I decided to go independent I was SCARED. Nervous I wouldn’t make it on my own. I had never run a business before and it was all on me. I learned that dedication and consistency was the key. Consistency with marketing and really building the relationship and connections with my clients turned into client referrals. Next thing I knew, I had a flourishing business with the best clients who have now become more like family and friends.
We’ve been impressed with Hair and Beauty by Sam LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What’s most important in my business is connection and community. Life is hard and these days, I think the connection with others has been lost. I take the time to really be with my guests and get to know them. I get to know their lifestyle to help find the style that will work with the level of maintenance they want. We’re all busy and your hair shouldn’t add stress to your life, it should relieve it. I take the time to teach the hows and whys. I don’t want you to just feel good when you leave the salon. I want you to feel your best as often as possible.
I specialize in low-maintenance, lived-in colors, grey blending and curly hair. My favorite things are natural beauty and hair that always looks good!
I am most proud of the connections I have made along this beautiful journey of mine. I have built such a wonderful community in my space. The connections and support that I have for my clients, my clients with other clients, and honestly the support they give to me. I recently got married this year and was overwhelmed with love and joy through that season from my salon family, it literally brought tears to my eyes. I am so thankful for the amazing people God has put in my space.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Oh man. I think I’ve been both a risk taker and too scared to take risks. It’s always a conversation I have to have with myself. Sometimes the best outcomes come from the risks you do take.
I would say I’m a more “calculated” risk person. I have to run the numbers first to make sure it makes sense to even try it.
I was always taught the more people you have in your chair, the more money you will make. I continued to work long hours with no breaks and just stacked with people back to back and double booking. I was so tired of this and honestly my body was hurting and I didn’t have a great connection with people but I was scared I wouldn’t make enough to make ends meet if I didn’t double book. I think most hairstylists have had this mentality at some point. I had a client leave and go to another stylist which happened to be a friend of mine. That client left because she felt it was a factory line and she wasn’t important. That statement tore me up inside.
I took the risk of booking my appointments straight through. I have less clients each day but I have the time to get to know people and it not just be a job or just a hair appointment. Now I go to work and it’s my sanctuary. I love being there. I’m visiting with friends and it’s just a bonus that I’m creating beautiful hair. This was definitely worth the risk.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Hairandbeautybysam.glossgenius.com
- Instagram: Samantha__Bolin
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16aorCqQo1/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
