Story & Lesson Highlights with Haley Applegate of Jackson

Haley Applegate shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Haley , it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me starts with my son, making sure he’s fed, has a clean diaper, and is all set, because he always comes first. After that, I dive into business mode: working on social media content and updating my Excel sheets. Once we’re both ready and packed up for the day, we head out and get going.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Haley Applegate — a hairstylist of nearly 10 years and the proud owner of Prestige Hair Design, a salon and spa located in Jackson, MI. I specialize in custom color, Bellami-certified hair extensions, and bridal airbrush makeup. I offer a wide variety of services. What makes Prestige special is that we’re more than just a salon, we’re a welcoming space where clients feel confident, pampered, and truly cared for.

My day always starts with my son, being a mom is my most important role, and from there, I shift into business mode. Whether it’s managing social media, planning events, or supporting the talented stylists who rent from me, I love investing in my brand and helping others grow alongside me.

A little about me — I’m a sun chaser who loves all things cheetah print, an animal lover at heart, and someone who finds joy in the little things. Right now, I’m focused on building a strong community of independent beauty professionals under one roof. I’m passionate about education, professionalism, and creating a salon culture that’s supportive, inspiring, and full of good energy.

Thanks for following along. I’m so excited for what’s to come!

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
Honestly, it was a combination of all the strong role models in my life growing up. My dad owned businesses when I was little, and he’d offer me a penny for every weed I picked outside his shop or every stamp I placed on postcards for his customers. I still remember the feeling of collecting 100 pennies and thinking I was rich, that was the first time I realized that nothing in life is free, and that if you want nice things, you have to work for them.

My stepdad also had a huge influence on me. I watched him work tirelessly to become a principal, writing essays late at night, going back to school, and pushing himself even when it was hard. My mom, too, worked full-time and made sure everything got done no matter how busy life got.

Seeing all of that taught me that success doesn’t just happen, its earned. I knew early on that if I wanted to build a life I was proud of, I’d need to dream big and work even harder. I went to college and beauty school, earning both my business degree and cosmetology license. From the age of 18, I started putting money aside every single week for what I called my “dream salon.” My dad always told me: Think it. Wish it. Do it. That’s exactly what I did — and still live by to this day.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there was definitely a time I almost gave up. In the early days of starting my salon, things were incredibly tough. We were exhausted, broke, and living off ramen noodles and dollar meals just to keep pouring every bit of our savings into the business. I remember one night telling my husband, “I don’t think I can do this anymore.” I was mentally and physically drained, and it felt like too much.

He looked at me and said something I’ll never forget: “Imagine the life you could give our future children. The long, hard nights and pouring our paychecks and last dollars won’t last forever, but the future you’re building will.” His words stuck with me and gave me the strength to keep going.

Looking back now, I’m so thankful we didn’t give up. Those hard times built the foundation for everything we have today. It wasn’t just for us — it was for our future, and now I see that every single sacrifice was worth it

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I admire my sister for her character. She’s one of the strongest and most grounded people I know. No matter what life throws at her, she faces it with honesty and kindness. She’s the kind of person who shows up for others, even when she’s dealing with her own challenges. Her loyalty and genuine heart inspire me every single day. She’s a reminder that it’s about how you treat people and how you carry yourself through life.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope the story people tell about me is one they’ll share with my son, that he always knew how deeply I loved him. That no matter the highs and lows life brings, I’m watching over him and cheering him on in everything he does. I hope he understands that every ounce of my hard work was to build a better life for him, to show him what’s possible when you dream big and never give up. More than anything, I hope he always feels my pride in the man he becomes and knows I’ll be with him every step of the way, even if it’s just in spirit.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.prestigehairdesigns.com/