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SEARCHErin Munoz has spent 17 years building a thriving business behind the chair while proving that success doesn't have to come at the expense of life outside the salon. A color specialist, content creator and salon owner, Munoz believes beauty professionals should treat their careers like businesses, embrace change and make room for both financial growth and personal fulfillment.
"Your career is what you put into and make of it. If you treat it like a hobby, it will be a hobby. If you want to own a business, you must treat it like a business." — Erin Munoz
*Summarized by AI
Erin Munozbelieves long-term success comes from treating your career like a business while creating a life you enjoy outside the salon. A stylist specializing in dimensional color, vivid color and bridal styling, Munoz has spent 17 years growing her business, embracing content creation and finding better balance between working in her business and working on it.
Named to the MODERN SALON 100 in 2019, Munoz says beauty professionals should never stop evolving, from adopting new technology to investing in themselves and planning for their financial future.
Name: Erin Munoz
Salon: Opal Hair Studio
Location: Huntington Beach, California
Years in the Industry: 17
Specialty:Dimensional color, vivid color and bridal styling
Instagram:@hairbyerinc
MODERN SALON 100: 2019
Driven. Resilient. Charismatic.
Your career is what you put into and make of it. If you treat it like a hobby, it will be a hobby. If you want to own a business, you must treat it like a business.
Clients will come and go. If someone leaves your chair and doesn't return, try not to stress. An empty chair creates space for a new client to join your roster.
I try to reply to all of my client messages before I walk into the house after a workday. That way, I can leave work at the door and be fully present at home.
Undercharging for their services.
Content creation.
It has opened so many doors for me, both financially and by helping me build meaningful connections. I genuinely enjoy creating content, and I've learned so much through the process.
Work-life balance.
For the first 15 years of my career, I felt like I needed to see clients five or more days a week. Over the past few years, I've embraced working behind the chair just three to four days a week, giving myself more time to work on my business instead of only in it.
I love seeing more clients embrace their natural color and simply enhance it with dimensional color. It's a beautiful shift toward celebrating what people already have.
Retirement planning, financial planning for self-employed professionals and taxes.
Communication through technology and salon software.
The industry has been moving in that direction for years, but many stylists are still relying on paper appointment books. Adapting to new technology is essential to maintaining momentum and continuing to grow.
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"Wide Open Spaces" by The Chicks.
Attend a MODERN SALON Boot Camp! I've attended several over the years and always walk away with valuable education, fresh ideas and inspiration from the speakers.
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