Finding Your Place in the Industry: Lessons from a New Stylist | Avery Wilder | Hairstylist | Sadona Salon + Spa
The Hairdresser Strong Show · Hatching Imagination, LLC
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Show Notes
In this episode, Avery Wilder shares what it's really like to move from cosmetology school into the salon world, from confusing interviews to finding the right culture and education. This is an honest look at the lessons every new stylist learns in their first years behind the chair.
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Key Takeaways:
🔅 Pay attention to what clicks – Avery didn't start school knowing her path, but a layered haircut demo helped her realize cutting was where she thrived. Those moments matter.
🔅 Ask questions before you accept a role – Titles like “assistant” can mean very different things. Avery learned the importance of asking what daily responsibilities, education, and growth actually look like.
🔅 Understand how you’re paid – When commission numbers didn’t add up, it exposed deeper issues. New stylists should track their numbers early and ask questions when something feels off.
🔅 Don't rush independence – Avery chose a salon environment over a suite because she didn't yet have the skill set, client base, or support system.
🔅 Advocate for your growth – Speaking up, asking for education, and choosing environments aligned with learning shaped her career path.
🔅 Education retains talent – A lack of structured learning was a major reason Avery left previous salons. Growth opportunities directly impact whether new talent stays.
🔅Customer service and first impressions matter – Being remembered by the front desk, welcomed & acknowledged, made Avery feel confident in her choice of salon. Customer experience starts long before the chair.
RELATED LINKS
👉Connect with Avery on Instagram
👉Check out Sadona Salon + Spa, where Avery currently works
The Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won't stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.
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The views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com.