Meet Laura Austin

We recently connected with Laura Austin and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Laura, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I think I found my purpose by following the things that naturally drew me in. I always knew I wanted to do something that had a positive impact on people. I’ve loved beauty since I was young, but it wasn’t just the glam side — it was the feeling you can give someone when they look in the mirror and genuinely feel good about themselves. I’m also a very social person, so being able to talk with people, connect with them, and create a space where they trust me came really naturally. Over time, I realized that doing hair allowed me to combine all of that — creativity, connection, and making people feel beautiful. That’s when it really clicked that this is my purpose.

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?

I’m a hairstylist, and in my home-based studio I offer cuts, color, extensions, and bridal hair — but color is definitely my specialty. Color theory feels like a language I naturally speak, and I love creating custom looks with fresh ideas and modern techniques so nothing ever feels stale.

My studio is cozy, private, and relaxing — it’s a space where clients can unwind and get true one-on-one attention. And I also have three dogs who are basically the unofficial greeting committee. They’re not trained professionals, but they definitely offer some sweet, non-professional pet therapy during appointments.

I’m also constantly researching new products and brands because I want my clients to have high-end, effective, yet affordable hair care they can actually maintain at home. For me, my brand is all about creativity, comfort, and making sure every person who sits in my chair feels confident, cared for, and genuinely excited about their hair.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the three things that made the biggest impact on my journey were creativity, communication, and constant learning.
Creativity is huge in hair — especially with color. Being able to visualize tones, blends, and placements really shaped my work. For anyone starting out, I’d say practice creativity every day. Experiment, try new formulas, study other artists, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box.
Communication has also been a major part of my success. I love talking to people and making them feel comfortable, and that builds trust. When clients trust you, they’re open to ideas and they feel safe in your chair. For beginners, the best way to grow this skill is to really listen. Ask questions, stay curious, and learn how to translate what someone means — not just what they say.
And the third thing is being committed to constant learning. I’m always researching new products, techniques, and brands so I can offer high-end, affordable options and stay ahead of trends. My advice here is simple: never get comfortable. Take classes, follow educators, ask questions, and stay hungry to improve.
Those three things are what shaped my career and helped me build a salon experience I’m proud of.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

Even after 14 years of doing hair, I still run into techniques or situations that can overwhelm or frustrate me. People sometimes assume that once you’re experienced, you never struggle — but that’s just not true. No matter how long you’ve been in this industry, you’ll always come across a color formula, an updo, or a new technique that challenges you.

I’m definitely someone who likes to feel confident in my skills, so when I try something new and it doesn’t go perfectly, I’ve had to learn that it’s okay. It’s part of the process, and it doesn’t mean I’m not good at what I do.

When I feel overwhelmed, I take a breath, step back, and look at the situation with fresh eyes. Sometimes that means educating myself more on the technique, and sometimes it means identifying the real root of the problem instead of panicking about the result.

One thing that’s made a huge difference is being honest with my clients. If something isn’t going the way I expected, I tell them. I’m not perfect, and my clients know that — but they also know I’ll never let them leave unhappy. That honesty builds trust, and it turns overwhelming moments into opportunities to learn and grow.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.LauraAustin.net
• Instagram: Salon_934

Image Credits

Images from Lola Scott