In the independent industry, we wear a lot of hats—stylist, therapist, entrepreneur, artist, and often, friend. For Loft Owners, the pressure to succeed independently while keeping clients happy can be as emotionally taxing as it is rewarding. That’s why Salon Lofts is proud to partner with the Professional Beauty Association (PBA) to spotlight a critical, often overlooked topic: mental wellness for independent beauty professionals.
Why Mental Wellness Matters for Loft Owners
You pour your energy into every haircut, every massage, every conversation. But how do you keep going when your energy is spent? The emotional labor of being “on” all day, combined with the business side of managing a Loft, can take a toll. Studies show that independent workers in personal care professions are at higher risk for burnout, anxiety, and depression—especially when working solo. That’s why mental wellness isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity.
Common Challenges Loft Owners Face
- Isolation: Working solo can be empowering, but also lonely. You may feel like no one truly understands the specific struggles you face.
- Burnout: Long hours, physical demands, and client expectations can wear you down. You’ve hit a wall, but don’t have time to take a step back and reset.
- Financial Stress: Managing income fluctuations and business expenses is a constant juggle. Maybe it’s a slower month, or the prices of products have increased.
- Lack of Boundaries: When your business is built on relationships, it can be hard to say “no.” You don’t want to let anyone down, and want to maintain a good reputation for your business. But in return, you end up in uncomfortable situations where you’re at the whims of every client request. And that’s not good for either of you!
What the PBA Is Doing to Help
PBA is stepping up in a big way. Through their "Beacon of Wellness" initiative, they’re offering:
- Free wellness webinars hosted by mental health experts and industry veterans.
- Peer support networks where beauty pros can talk to others who “get it.”
- Discounted therapy services through industry wellness partners. With a free PBA membership through Salon Lofts, you can have private, confidential sessions with a licensed therapist for an accessible price.
- Educational tools on setting boundaries, managing stress, and building a sustainable business.
And the best part? As a Loft Owner, you have access to these resources through this partnership. To learn more and to start taking advantage of PBA’s exclusive Business of One Membership, click here.
Tips for Taking Care of You
While we encourage you to explore the full suite of PBA’s mental wellness resources, here are tips and tools you can implement now:
- Schedule regular breaks. Even 10 minutes can help reset your nervous system. Go for a walk or meditate. Most importantly, take this time to unplug and disconnect from your phone and social media.
- Fuel your body. Pair your break with a healthy snack or refill your water bottle. We know that beauty pros have a bad habit of going long periods of time without food or water because you’re so busy. Taking a few seconds when you can to eat or drink will keep you going, and will help you stay focused on what you’re doing rather than longing for your next meal.
- Start your day with intention. Journal, stretch, or breathe before opening your doors. Think of what you have on your plate today, and visualize yourself having accomplished those tasks. Gather quotes that inspire you, and keep them on hand for when you need a little pick-me-up.
- Connect with your community. Start by checking in with your Loft neighbors. Reach out to fellow Loft Owners or join local industry meetups. You’re not alone, and chances are you share many of the same joys, struggles, and experiences as other beauty professionals.
- Set client boundaries. Respecting your time helps others do the same. Consider only answering work messages and emails during certain hours of the day. Set up a late and no-show policy, to prevent surprise empty slots in your schedule and to hold clients accountable for timeliness.
- Celebrate small wins. Take time at the end of each day, or each week, to look back on what you’ve accomplished. Did you grow your client list? Did you attend a continuing education class? Did you create a look you loved this week, and make someone else smile and feel beautiful? Allow yourself to be proud!
When taking time for yourself, feelings of guilt can start to creep in. Don’t let them! You work hard every day for your clients and your business, and you need to take time to keep your body and brain healthy too.
Let’s Normalize the Conversation
Mental health isn’t a weakness—it’s part of our strength. By supporting one another and prioritizing our well-being, we can build a more resilient, connected, and compassionate beauty community.
Salon Lofts and the PBA are committed to creating a culture where Loft Owners thrive—not just in their business, but in their whole lives.
