As a coach in the hair. industry and founder of Hair Biz and Beyond, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial it is to build a strong team and take bold steps to create your own opportunities. While technical skills are essential, having the right people around you and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone are the true game changers in any successful career. You have to be willing to take risks.
Building a Team to Execute Your Vision is the First Step!
The beauty industry thrives on collaboration. Whether you’re working in a salon, running your own business, or building a brand, one thing remains constant; you can’t do it all alone. As hair professionals, we’re artists, and like any artist, we need a support system to bring our vision to life. I’ve always believed that having the right team around you is one of the most important investments you can make. In the beginning, you might feel tempted to take on everything; styling, marketing, bookkeeping, and more — but eventually, that will slow your growth.
When you surround yourself with the right talent, whether it’s a killer assistant, a creative makeup artist, or a business-savvy manager, you gain the space to focus on what you do best: creating and innovating.
This goes for all areas of our industry. If you’re a salon owner and don’t even desire to do a photo shoot but do desire to grow your business, you have to build the foundation of your team. If you’re a stylist who feels burnt out working on clients all day, you desire to do something more creative, maybe you don’t know where to start. Start by putting yourself out there, and networking with other beauty professionals in the industry such as makeup artists, wardrobe stylists, and photographers, this can all be in your local area. Start doing test shoots.
Salon (Prep)
@dimasalon
Studio (Shoot)
@_studio414_
Creative Director/Producer:
Bryce Smith
Glam team
Photographer: Richard Monsieur
Hairstylist: Danielle Keasling
Makeup: Dmitry Potopav
Stylist: Corren Smart
Hair Assistant: Anthony Negron
Wardrobe Assistant: Rify Mo
Models
@Lulu.kroetsch
@Asia.wau
@Gretalouisetome
Wardrobe by Flying Solo (@flyingsolonyc), Beacon’s closet (@Beaconscloset), and Madame Viv (@madamevivienv)
Special thanks to @Julio.nunyo for last minute studio access, Austin James Smith (@Empty.pools) for Jewelry, Mama Leather (@mamaleathernyc) for leather looks, @Katrina.koomen for just-in-case model availability, and Marcel for emotional support.
Building a team starts with trust. You want people who believe in your vision and bring their own skills to the table. It’s not just about finding someone who can get the job done; it’s about finding people who understand your passion, your goals, and the unique energy you bring to your craft. With the right team in place, you’re able to scale faster, take on more opportunities, and ultimately bring bigger, bolder ideas to life no matter what area of the industry you want to see the growth happen.
Are you possibly the stylist I was speaking about who is feeling a little burnt out and uncreative? Maybe you want to tap into an outlet outside of the salon. Another lesson I’ve learned is that putting yourself out there is essential, especially early in your career.
How to Put Yourself Out There
When I first started, I knew I had to hustle to build my portfolio. One of the best ways to do that? Volunteering for test shoots. Test shoots are opportunities for you to collaborate with other creatives—photographers, makeup artists, and models—without the pressure of client expectations. It’s where you get to experiment, make mistakes, learn, and grow. More importantly, it’s where you build your portfolio and start getting your name out into the world.
I tell my students all the time: Don’t wait for permission. If you want to be seen, create opportunities to showcase your work. In today’s digital age, a strong portfolio isn’t just about showing off beautiful hair; it’s about storytelling. Test shoots allow you to shape the narrative you want to share with your audience, whether that’s potential clients, other professionals, or even beauty brands looking for ambassadors or collaborators.
There’s No Such Thing as Perfect Timing
If you’re waiting for the “perfect time” to put yourself out there, let me tell you something; it doesn’t exist. You have to make the time and take the risks. Volunteering for shoots, partnering with other professionals, and showing up for events in the industry are all ways to build momentum and make connections. Don’t underestimate the power of networking; every person you meet is a potential collaborator, client, or connection to an opportunity you never saw coming. I can’t count how many times I’ve done a test shoot or volunteered for a gig that didn’t pay, only to have it lead to something far bigger down the line. Believe it or not, I still do it to this day! Success in the hair industry is about more than just skill; it’s about visibility and perseverance. Every shoot, every opportunity, and every connection is a stepping stone that can take your career to the next level.
At Hair Biz and Beyond, I focus on helping beauty professionals understand that their careers are a business—and like any business, success requires a strong foundation. A team that shares your vision and the courage to put yourself out there through opportunities like test shoots will lay that foundation.
Your portfolio is your voice. It’s how you show the world who you are as a creative, and it’s the key to unlocking the doors to new and exciting opportunities. So don’t be afraid to take that leap. Start building your dream team and saying yes to those test shoots. The future you want is built with every step you take today.
Remember, the best in the business didn’t get there by waiting! They got there by showing up, collaborating, and creating, even when it felt risky. You’ve got what it takes to be at the top; now it’s time to build the team and portfolio that will help you get there.
