A Scott Harris Salon - The independent experience

Scott Harris’s life did not always follow the path towards being a hairstylist,  but the industry has always been within him.

Cleaning perm rods as a 4-5 year old for his aunt was just a way to stay busy until he realized the magic of touching people's lives when guests came in “scary looking and left looking completely transformed”. In his teen years his hairstylist became his mentor. After high school, while in the Marines, he cut upwards of 80 Marines’, then got a job in a tool and dye factory, and with a twist of fate, was able to attend cosmetology school when the opportunity presented itself. 

Scott started his journey at a commission salon quickly becoming a master stylist in the first 6 months, winning the “Golden Scissor Award,'' and rating 11th in the nation. He transitioned to a new salon bringing his clientele with him, but found that it was not the right fit, and so headed back to his first salon and decided what he actually wanted was a salon with great culture and good people.

Scott entered an ownership with a partnership for 8 years, then in 2012 became the sole owner of “A Scott Harris Salon,” a true independent salon - with a business plan that he created in college. His stylists are completely independent: from the products they sell, to the vacation they take, and the schedule they make. His team is built of strong independent stylists, most of whom have been with him for over 10 years. Building a strong team takes open communication with salon meetings, community over competition, and bonding outside the salon. He believes in a true independent salon, understanding they are independent to make their own decisions; Scott believes an independent salon makes its own decisions in an upbeat trendy space with a culture of love for education and individuality. His salon slogan is: “an upscale salon without the bitchy atmosphere.”

Fun fact about Scott - he updates his salon style every 3-4 years, ensuring the space stays up-to-date and no one gets bored. 

SalonShop is promoted everywhere from the salon mirror to the bathroom mirror. Scott feels that it's a no-brainer - he makes money without working. He loves selling products in the salon and loves offering even more options online when his clients aren't in the salon. Funny story, Scott has always been an ingredient connoisseur, and at a Maly’s hair show (before carrying Paul Mitchell) went head to head with a rep which led to his later agreeing paul mitchell teaching a class in his salon. Ultimately, Scott was asked to become a national educator. Scott then took off a summer to become an expert in cutting and coloring systems and in choosing a brand that aligns with your values. 15 years later and Scott speaks nothing but amazing things about the good energy and good people engrossed in Paul Mitchell. 

Scotts current go-to product is BondRX - he loves it because he knows that he is sending his clients home with a product that is going to create a healthy hair canvas when they come back to the salon, essentially having them do the work for him. His advice for selling retail: Talk about products you are using instead of your experience at the bar last night. 

Advice for independent salon owners: Don't let fear of having an empty chair run your decisions. Make sure you are choosing the right candidate for your brand. 

Advice for stylist: Never stop learning. Always continue education. Always pre-book. 

Walk through A Scott Harris salon!