1 mins
Adventures of a Lonely BOSS LADY
As a salon owner and educator, Tina Hollis aka ‘The Lonely Boss Lady’ has found that a can-do attitude and positive approach equals success
What has been your career journey so far?
It all started by accident; I was working towards a career in veterinary science, but my friend convinced me to get a job in a salon with her, and the rest is history. As soon as I was in the salon atmosphere my passion for hair came alive.
I worked as a self-employed stylist before opening my own salon in 2006. I’m now booked up six months in advance, and I have just started my own education business.
What challenges have you faced in your career?
In my small town hairdressing is often seen as the ‘easy’ route, but I am trying to educate people about that misconception. As a business owner, there’s the recession and major price increases to face. But I just plough on, with self-belief and a good team, anything is achievable.
You’ve set up your own education business, what led you to do this?
Being a salon owner, I found being the ‘boss’ a lonely place to be. During the first lockdown, I wrote down what I loved about my job and where I saw myself in the next five years.
That path involved teaching colour, but also motivating others, building confidence, and showing how to grow a column. From that, my new business The Lonely Boss Lady was born.
Do you have tips for people starting a business on their own?
Educate yourself. When I first opened, I treated my salon as a place where I worked but I had no management skills or financial training, so I learned on the job. Having a business mentor was the turning point for me. Remember: no one will look after your business like you, treat others as you want to be treated, and lead to inspire.
What’s next for Tina Hollis?
This year, my goal was to launch my business The Lonely Boss Lady, so I’m concentrating on meeting salon owners and stylists. Hopefully I can help those in a lonely place. That’s the dream, to help others out of the rut I was once in.
1999
Became a self employed stylist
2006
Opened her salon
2009
Became Wella Master Colour Expert
2020
Relocated her salon
2022
Launched The Lonely Boss Lady