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An Inspired Chat with Bailey Robinson of Jackson

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Bailey Robinson. Check out our conversation below.

Bailey, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Have you ever been glad you didn’t act fast?
I’m glad that I don’t rush into things in many aspects of my business. Trends are tempting to jump on, but I think it’s important to test new products and techniques multiple times before using them on a client. Raising prices is sometimes necessary, but I make sure to have a clear communication with my client about it. I like to show them how I’ve added value- whether thats investing in new shears for haircuts, taking classes to learn new techniques, or even adding a hot towel to a service (clients love hot towels!!).

Another time when it’s important to not react quickly in emotionally charged situations, like dealing with an unhappy client. I take the time to listen, breathe and respond professionally. I’ve learned to not take things personally in those moments.

Owning a business can make you feel like you need to move fast- book every client, reply to every message right away. I’ve learned that slowing down both protects my energy and quality of work.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Bailey Robinson, an independent hairstylist and the founder of Beauty Bar By Bailey — a cozy, elevated salon space built right in the basement of my childhood home, where my journey with hair truly began.
From the very start of my career, I’ve been fully independent — no traditional salon path, just passion, grit, and a vision I’ve grown from the ground up. I specialize in blonding, major hair transformations, and hand-tied weft extensions, with a deep love for helping my clients feel confident, and refreshed.

With Bailey, every appointment is one-on-one, never double-booked, and always personalized. My space is intentionally designed to feel clean, calm, and welcoming — a quiet escape where you get my full attention from start to finish.
Outside of the salon, I partner with a boudoir photographer to provide professional hairstyling for empowering photo shoots.
I also travel for special event hairstyling and am continuously investing in my education through advanced classes — staying inspired and always learning.

I believe success in this industry isn’t just about talent — it’s about intention, service, and staying true to who you are.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
In the beginning, I felt like I need to say “yes” to everything- every request, every opportunity, even when it drained me.

That mindset helped build the foundation of my business, but it’s no longer sustainable. I have learned that boundaries aren’t just okay, they’re necessary.

There was a time I tried to be the stylist for everyone. I don’t need todo that anymore. I’ve released that pressure and I’ve embraced my niche-my people, my vibe.

It’s wild to think how certain traits that helped me survive and succeed early on eventually became weights. Learning what to let go of is just as important as knowing what to build.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Fears that hold me back as a hairstylist include things like messing up someone’s hair, losing a client, or facing financial instability. To overcome worries like these, I take classes, asking educators and other hairstylist their advice, and focus on budgeting and building multiple streams of income.

In the world of social media, we have to put ourselves out there in order to attract new clients. Reels, photos, captions, speaking on camera- it can feel terrifying. Theres always that fear of being judged or not being good enough. But I’ve learned that showing up imperfectly is better than not showing up at all. Clients book with people they connect with.

Even after years in the industry, it’s easy to compare yourself to other stylists question your own abilities. Instead of letting that hold me back I use it as motivation to grow, learn and remind myself that every stylist has their own strengths.

Fear is part of the job. But I’ve learned that the only way through it is to keep showing up, keep learning and believe in your value- even when it feels uncomfortable.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
I think it’s pretty easy to tell the difference between a fad and a real foundational shift in the industry—usually by how much education and investment are involved.

If you need to take classes or do in-depth learning to understand a technique or product, it’s often a sign of a deeper shift. A fad, on the other hand, tends to come and go quickly, usually with a fun name. Take “cowboy copper,” for example—it’s not a new technique, just a catchy name for a red-toned copper color (though let’s be honest, that name is more fun!).

A clear foundational shift that most stylists would recognize is balayage. While it may seem like a trend, it’s actually a complex technique that creates a soft, low-maintenance, long-lasting color. Blending balayage well takes time to master—it’s one of those things that looks effortless when done right, but it’s far from simple. That’s the difference: fads are surface-level, but foundational shifts require real skill and learning.

I also see deeper shifts happening in areas like sustainability, inclusivity, and pricing transparency. These aren’t just trends—they’re long-overdue changes that are shaping the future of the industry in meaningful ways.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I only had 10 years, I’d make every choice feel sacred.

I’d stop hiding, waiting, and tolerating what doesn’t serve me—and start fully living, creating, and showing up in my truth.

I’d let go of self-doubt and stop waiting for the “perfect” time. I’d stop overthinking and start showing up more consistently—on social media, with my clients, with my loved ones, and with myself.

Less rushing, more living. Less survival, more soul.

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