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Writer's pictureAmanda Mathis

Life Behind the Salon Chair: Embracing Authenticity in the Hair Industry

Updated: Oct 20


Why Storytelling and Blogging Matter for Salon Growth


Front building of Salon Mathis located in Conroe Texas
Salon Mathis in Conroe Texas


For years, I’ve talked about writing a book filled with short stories of things that happen in the salon. Funny things, crazy things, sad things—just things. I’ve never started this “book,” but I’ve thought about it often, usually while chatting with guests or telling my husband about the craziness that happens at our salon in Texas, on a daily basis. You see, you can’t make up the craziness. Seriously!


A few years back, a friend of mine told me I should start writing a blog—similar to writing a book, but with short clip entries. He explained that it would even help with SEO (search engine optimization) for our salon website. But guess what? I didn’t start the blog years ago. I didn’t even start writing things down a year ago. I kept thinking, Who in the world would want to listen to me? Who would want to read or hear anything I had to say? But then again... I always seem to have a lot to say, so here goes!

Why is Blogging Beneficial for Salon Owners


Blogging allows us to share insights and expertise on beauty services such as haircare treatments, lash extensions, and non-invasive aesthetic treatments. Regular blog updates on topics like haircuts and styling, Botox, and Hydrafacials not only engage clients but also improve online visibility by incorporating essential keywords like "salon services in Texas". This is my first blog entry! Welcome!

The Journey of a Salon Owner: 16+ Years of Experience and Passion


Amanda Salon Owner of Salon Mathis-Conroe Texax


So, who am I? My name is Amanda Mathis. I’ve been a salon owner and operator for 16+ years. I can’t say it’s been the best 16 years of my life. I can’t say being a salon owner, hairstylist, or lash artist has been amazing every day. But what I can say is that every day is a new adventure. Being a salon owner and stylist isn’t just a job; it’s a way of life. I’ve had amazing days, sad days, frustrating days, horrible days, and days where I want to quit. I’ve driven home crying because a guest has cancer, or is in the hospital, or it’s just been a rough day. Some days, I drive home in silence. Other days, I drive home smiling because I was able to help someone feel beautiful again.


What people see on the outside is all fun, amazing, and beautiful, and a lot of the industry is just that. But what you don’t see is the back office—the tears, the worry, the regret, the self-doubt about whether I’m cut out for this. Yet, miraculously, I get up the next morning and return to the one thing I know, the one thing I love, the one thing that sets my soul on fire. I go back to the salon every day to try again.


In this blog series, I’ll let you into my world—the raw, unfiltered side of salon life. These blog entries, which I’ve been told to write for years, will reveal everything. The good, the bad, the ugly—I won’t hold back, and I certainly won’t sugarcoat it. (I don’t own a bakery, after all!) You’ll hear the untold stories, the funny moments, the behind-the-scenes craziness, as well as advice on how to care for your hair and the truth about drugstore products. From why you need microneedling treatments every month to why trimming your hair every 12 weeks is essential, I’ll cover it all. I’ll be blunt, and I might hurt someone’s feelings. You might even hate me after reading, but at the end of the day, this is me.


The raw, uncensored, me.


This is who I am, and it’s taken me years to fully accept and be okay with this. I’m not everybody’s person, I’m not everybody’s hairstylist, and my salon isn’t for everyone. Some people love me, some hate me, some adore me, and some think I’m talented, while others just call me a b****. And you know what? I’m okay with that now. It took years to not let it destroy who I am, the person I know in my heart I am. Because the people who don’t like me? They’re not the ones paying my mortgage. They’re not the ones rooting for me to succeed—they’re the ones hoping I close my doors. And honestly, they’re the ones who light a fire under me to keep going.


I don’t do what I do for them. I have a husband who adores me and loves me unconditionally. We have two beautiful teenage daughters, and those three are the ones who drive me every single day. I get up every morning—whether I want to or not, whether I had a good week or a bad week—and I step back into this crazy salon world.

Embracing Authenticity: The Reality of Being a Salon Owner


People often ask me, “Why did you become a hairstylist? Why did you become a salon owner? How do you get everything done in a day?” There are so many questions, and I’ll answer them all. I’ve finally found peace in sharing my story. The saying is true: What’s important to you, you’ll make time for. If something is meant for you and you truly want it, you’ll make the time for it. If you don’t, it’ll never happen. That business you’ve been talking about for years but haven’t started yet? It’s not important to you—not yet. You’re the only person who can change your life, just like I’m trying to change my stars.


Growing up wasn’t always easy, and I don’t talk about my personal life or childhood very often, nor will I here. The past is in the past, and I don’t plan on living there. In these blog entries, I’ll focus on what’s happening now, what’s transpired in the last 16 years. My past and personal life aren’t up for debate, but I’ll share bits and pieces. We all have a past. You may hear short stories when you visit the salon—funny things my kids did, cheer competitions (yep, I’m that crazy cheer mom screaming in the front row). I’m hard on my kids and always will be because we’re raising them to survive in society without us. I want them to have manners, a strong work ethic, and to understand the value of a dollar.

You’ll probably hear me rant about hiring challenges and the younger generation, but honestly, it’s not just them anymore. I’ll share those stories, too.

Unfiltered Salon Stories: The Humor, Heart, and Happenings

There will be a lot in these blogs. Some posts might make you laugh, some might hurt your feelings, and I’m okay with that because these are my stories, my point of view. I won’t talk about religion or politics, but I’ll talk a lot about the salon—hair, lashes, and the crazy things that happen here. I’ll share about the guy with bushy ear hair who refused to trim it, the lady who threw a banana at me, and the woman who hocked a loogie on me. You’ll hear all the wild stories, but you’ll also hear my heart. You’ll understand why I do what I do and how I manage to keep going.


I’ll aim to write two or three blogs per week, but salon life is unpredictable. I might only get one in, but I’ll do my best to keep you updated. There’s a lot to say, and as you know, I always have something to say! Maybe I’ll even make videos or start a YouTube channel. Instead of writing that book I’ve been talking about for years, I’ll focus on these blog entries. I hope you enjoy them. I hope they make you laugh or at least don’t offend you. Who knows—maybe I’ll even start a podcast one day (though I’m not sure I can handle listening to my own voice). From here on out, in the stories, every female will be "Susie" and every male will be "Billy" (no offense to any real Susies or Billys out there).

Conclusion: Discover Salon Mathis Services

At Salon Mathis, we offer premium services such as balayage & hair color, Botox, and Hydrafacials. Ready to experience our expert care? Book your consultation today! Let us help you look and feel your best with personalized beauty treatments tailored to you.


Until next time, I hope you enjoy!

—Amanda


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