Amanda Thompson Education

Growth as a hairstylist takes time and this is your reminder that slow growth is still growth.

One of my stylists increased her service sales by 111% comparing January 2025 to January 2026.
Not because of a viral moment.
Not because of overworking.
But because she stayed consistent, learned her numbers, improved her consultations, and trusted the process.
This is what sustainable growth looks like behind the scenes.
And I’m so proud of the work being done inside our salon 🤍

If you’re feeling discouraged right now, keep going.
Your future self is closer than you think.

Unpopular opinion: a hairstylist’s pay shouldn’t be determined by whether they’re licensed.

Licensing is important, it ensures safety and professional standards.
But it doesn’t tell the full story of a stylist’s value.

In my opinion, pay should reflect so much more:
Experience.
Skill level.
Client retention.
Professionalism.
Commitment to growth and education.

Two stylists can hold the same license and deliver completely different experiences behind the chair. Their income shouldn’t be capped by a checkbox, it should grow alongside their impact, consistency, and contribution.

When pay is structured this way, everyone wins:
Stylists feel motivated instead of limited, salons stay sustainable, and clients receive a higher level of service.

This might not be a popular take and that’s okay.
But it’s a conversation worth having 🤍

Chair rental isn’t “bad.”
Commission isn’t “lazy.”
They’re just different business models and one isn’t automatically better than the other.
Independent stylists don’t actually take home 100%. After rent, products, software, education, bookkeeping, and admin time, many net 40–60% with 60% being the high end when your numbers and structure are near perfect.

So here’s the honest question I want stylists to think about:
If you found a commission salon offering 45–50% commission, paid education, bonuses, real mentorship, schedule freedom, and pricing freedom,
would you feel more supported?
More confident?
Less overwhelmed?

Success isn’t about the title you wear.
It’s about profit, support, sustainability, and peace.
And that looks different for everyone but it should be intentional.

✨ Save this if you’re rethinking your next move
💬 Comment “NUMBERS” if you want help breaking this down for your situation

I’m incredibly passionate about helping hairstylists, commission or independent, grow with confidence, clarity, and intention.

I love helping stylists feel strong in their business and behind the chair. And for independent stylists, learning your numbers inside and out is one of the most powerful things you can do. When you understand your income, expenses, and profit, you gain control, not stress.

At the same time, I want to be transparent.
As a salon owner, my priority will always be my salon, my team, and myself.

That’s why I choose to only take on 1–2 stylists at a time in my coaching/mentoring program. This allows me to fairly and evenly pour my time, experience, and energy into each stylist, without burnout, rushing, or surface-level advice.
If you’re someone who values depth, honesty, and real support, not shortcuts, this is for you.

📩 DM “MENTOR” if you’d like to be considered when a spot opens.

If you’re a commission stylist and your salon is deducting product costs from your sales, that’s a major red flag 🚩
Commission means the salon covers overhead, including colour, backbar, and professional products.
When those costs are taken from your service total, you’re no longer earning true commission, you’re subsidizing the business.

Example:
“If you charge $200 for a colour service and earn 50% commission, you should make $100.
If product costs are deducted first and you’re paid on what’s left, that’s not commission, that’s shifting business expenses onto you.

One of my biggest responsibilities as a salon owner and mentor is honesty.
I never want to lose a team member but more importantly, I never want to see someone step into chair rental before their business can actually support it.
Chair rental isn’t just a change of location.
It’s a financial shift.
Rent, products, taxes, and expenses add up quickly and without enough consistent income, independence can become overwhelming fast.
If a stylist isn’t grossing enough or doesn’t have a strong, steady clientele yet, my job is to help them build that first, not rush them out the door.

Whether someone dreams of chair rental, commission, or something in between, the goal is the same:
✨ sustainability
✨ confidence
✨ informed decisions
There’s no right timeline, only the right preparation.

Coaching doesn’t look the same for everyone and it shouldn’t.
Some stylists need one focused conversation.
Some need a deep dive into their numbers.
Some need ongoing support and accountability.
That’s why I offer coaching in different ways, so you can get help that fits your season, not overwhelm you.

No judgment.
No pressure.
Just clarity, structure, and support.
If you’re unsure which option fits, send me a message, I’m happy to help.



BehindTheChair

IN for independent stylists this year:
clarity, structure, and sustainability.
OUT:
burnout, guessing, and doing everything alone.

There’s no prize for being the busiest, the goal is a business that actually supports your life.

These are the exact shifts I help stylists make through coaching and mentorship. You don’t need to overhaul everything, you just need the right adjustments. Interested in booking a session? Send me a dm!

Most stylists don’t struggle because they say no too often.
They struggle because they say yes out of guilt, fear, or pressure.
Learning when and how to say no is one of the most important business skills you’ll ever build.


BehindTheChair
HairIndustryEducation

Every strong business has boundaries.
Not because the stylist is cold but because clarity creates consistency, and consistency protects income.

Your boundaries teach people how to respect your time.
Ready to get your business on track? Let’s chat!

Clarity Session
One focused 1:1 call to work through a specific issue and leave with clear next steps.

Stylist Profit Audit
A deeper look at pricing, income, expenses, and profit leaks so your business actually supports you.

6-Month Mentorship
Monthly support and accountability where we track numbers, adjust along the way, and build long-term sustainability.

Not sure which one is right for you? Send me a message and I’ll help you choose.