We were lucky to catch up with Amber Tullberg recently and have shared our conversation below.
Amber, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
Starting my own business has been a transformative journey, and a large part of that transformation has come from deeply personal reflections. Journaling has been one of the most therapeutic tools for me. It’s a practice that has allowed me to process my thoughts and feelings, especially during challenging times when I faced the question: “Is this what I truly want, or is this what I think I should do?” Journaling helped me sort through my emotions and brought clarity, helping me build the confidence to take steps forward. It gave me a space to reflect on where I was stuck in toxic environments, where control was tightly held by salon owners and fear-based loyalty was the norm. The non-competes, the lack of creative freedom, and the heavy-handed management styles left me and many others feeling trapped.
Those environments pushed me to think about how I could do things differently—not just for myself but for other stylists as well. The desire to create a space where freedom and creativity could flourish was born out of these difficult experiences. And that’s when I came across Destroy the Hairdresser. Their ideas were refreshing, addressing many of the issues I’d experienced and giving me a vision for how I could take risks and build something better.
Taking risks hasn’t been easy, though. Introducing a new concept like charging by the hour in a gratuity-free salon was alien to many clients and even fellow stylists. It takes time to shift people’s mindset, especially in an industry so used to one-size-fits-all service menus. What I’ve learned is that every client and every head of hair is different. The time it takes to achieve a desired look can vary widely from person to person, even if the technique is the same. This flexibility can be hard for people to grasp initially, but the freedom it provides is invaluable.
Risk is uncomfortable—it’s painful at times—but it’s the only way I’ve found to grow. Whether it’s standing up for a new way of doing things or leaving behind the constraints of a toxic environment, taking those leaps has been how I’ve built my confidence and self-esteem. Small risks built upon one another, each one reinforcing my belief that I was on the right path. Without these risks, I wouldn’t have been able to create a salon that empowers not just me, but other stylists to take ownership of their careers and break free from the limitations of the traditional salon model.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
What excites me most about what we do is the freedom and transparency we offer—not just for clients but for the stylists as well. We’re one of the first commission-based salons in Charleston that charges by the hour and is gratuity-free. This model is all about creating an inclusive, gender-neutral environment where pricing is clear, and clients pay for the time they’re booked, not for an arbitrary service menu.
What’s special about this approach is that it allows us to truly customize each client’s experience. No two people are the same, and no two services should be either. For example, just because a technique worked on one person doesn’t mean it will take the same amount of time or steps for someone else. The flexibility of our model helps stylists focus on the individual client without the pressure to fit them into a one-size-fits-all menu. It’s a shift that takes some time for clients and stylists to fully grasp, but once they do, it becomes clear how empowering it is.
On the stylist side, we’re doing something radically different by providing an environment free from the constraints that I, and many others, experienced in traditional salons. I wanted to create a space where stylists have full control over their schedules, client lists, and pricing.
At the heart of it all, we prioritize transparency, empowerment, and community. Salon Borne is a place where stylists and clients alike can feel seen, respected, and supported—free to grow and create on their terms.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, three key qualities that were most impactful in my journey were resilience, adaptability, and the willingness to take risks.
Resilience meant pushing forward even when the path felt uncertain or unfamiliar. I had to make decisions that went against the grain of traditional salon practices, which required me to stay firm in my vision, even when others didn’t immediately see the benefits. There were moments of doubt, but the ability to stay the course helped me create something truly unique.
Adaptability was crucial because as a business owner, things rarely go according to plan. Whether it’s changing trends, evolving client expectations, or unexpected setbacks, being flexible allowed me to refine my approach and adjust to new information. In an industry where creativity and business constantly intersect, being adaptable kept me aligned with both my goals and the needs of my clients.
Taking risks was the fuel behind all the growth. I’ve learned that being scared is a natural part of trying something new, and the only way to get past the fear is to take proactive steps—whether that’s introducing a new concept to clients, hosting my first educational class, or stepping out of a toxic work environment. Every risk opened a door to a new opportunity.
For those early in their journey, focus on resilience, adaptability, and the courage to take those initial steps. Accept that being scared is normal, but don’t let it stop you from making progress. Every small action is part of a larger transformation.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
The ideal stylist for Salon Borne is someone who craves freedom and growth—both in their career and personal life. These stylists are independent, self-driven, and ready to take charge of their schedule, set their own rates, and perfect the skills they’re genuinely passionate about. They’re over the industry’s old, tired ways and are fired up to try something fresh, bold, and completely different.
On the client side, Salon Borne attracts people who are all about that no-nonsense, transparent vibe. They value clear communication and love the customized attention that comes with a one-on-one experience. Whether they want a subtle glow-up or something totally transformative, they trust that they’ll pay for exactly what they need—no confusing service menus or surprise charges.
Stylists and clients alike appreciate a space where transparency is key, creativity has no bounds, and everyone feels empowered. It’s about real connections, great hair, and doing things differently—because why settle for the usual?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.borne.co
- Instagram: salon.borne
- Facebook: Borne.Salon
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
