As a salon owner, the start of a new year isn’t just about booking out appointments or scheduling training sessions, it’s an opportunity to reimagine what’s possible for your business and your life. Hairdressing is a creative, fast-paced industry, and it’s easy to feel like there’s no time to step back and set meaningful goals. But carving out this time to plan can set the tone for the entire year ahead.
Goal setting doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By asking yourself the right questions, you can create a vision for your salon and personal life that’s achievable, fulfilling, and uniquely yours. Below are five future-focused questions to guide your thinking for 2025.
1. What do you want your business to achieve in 2025?
Start with the big picture. Think about what success looks like for your salon at the end of this year. Is it a financial goal, like hitting a specific revenue target? Or maybe it’s about growth, like expanding your team, taking on new services, or increasing your client base.
Be specific and visualise as though it has already happened. Instead of saying, “I want more clients,” try “I increased my weekly bookings by 20% by the end of June.” Clear goals make it easier to track progress and stay motivated.
💡 Pro tip: Break these big goals into smaller milestones. For example, if you want to grow your clientele, set monthly or quarterly targets, like running a referral campaign or refreshing your online presence to attract new clients.
2. What steps can you take to work smarter, not harder?
If 2024 felt chaotic, it’s time to streamline. Ask yourself: What’s one process you can improve to save time or reduce stress?
Perhaps you’ve been managing appointments manually, and it’s time to invest in a more efficient booking system. Or maybe you’re handling all your salon’s marketing yourself, but outsourcing could free you up to focus on what you love – working with clients.
Look at where your time is going. Is there an area that feels like a bottleneck or an energy drain? Prioritise finding solutions to these issues early in the year.
💡 Pro tip: Tap into industry-specific resources. The AHC offers tools and connections to help salon owners run their businesses smoothly. From award compliance to connections to the right industry suppliers, we’ve got your back.
3. How can you make your salon stand out?
In a competitive industry, differentiation is key. Think about how you want clients to feel when they walk into your salon. What sets you apart from the competition?
It could be exceptional customer service, a unique aesthetic, or offering treatments that aren’t widely available in your area. Once you’ve identified your unique selling points, consider how you’ll communicate them – through your branding, social media, or even the experience clients have during their visit.
💡 Pro tip: Commit to consistent branding across all touchpoints. From your salon decor to your Instagram feed, ensure your business reflects the energy and style you want to convey.
4. How will you invest in your personal growth?
As the face of your salon, your skills and mindset are your greatest assets. Ask yourself: What can you learn or improve in 2025 to grow as a professional and leader?
This might mean mastering a new technical skill, improving your business knowledge, or even learning how to manage your team more effectively. Training and education aren’t just about staying ahead in the industry, they’re about staying inspired and motivated.
💡 Pro tip: Look for training opportunities that align with your goals. The AHC regularly promotes workshops and events to help hairdressers develop their craft and grow their businesses.
5. What does balance look like for you this year?
Owning a salon is demanding, and it’s easy for work to spill over into every aspect of life. But sustainable success requires balance. Ask yourself: What boundaries do I need to set in 2025 to protect my time and energy?
Do you want to take more weekends off? Schedule a regular family night? Or carve out time for self-care? Setting these intentions early and building them into your calendar can help you avoid burnout.
💡 Pro tip: Balance isn’t just about working fewer hours; it’s about working with purpose. Use tools like automated systems, delegating tasks, or by joining the AHC, your membership will connect you with other salon owners for advice to ensure your business supports the life you want to lead.
Making Your Goals a Reality
Once you’ve answered these questions, take some time to turn your thoughts into an actionable plan. Write your goals down on the resource we’ve included below, break them into smaller steps, and schedule regular check-ins with yourself to track progress.
Remember, you don’t have to go it alone. Joining a professional network like the AHC can connect you with other salon owners, provide access to resources, and offer guidance on challenges unique to the hairdressing industry. It’s a way to stay inspired and supported as you work toward your goals.
2025 is your chance to build a salon, and a life, that feels aligned with your values and aspirations. With a clear vision, a solid plan, and the right support, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.
Here’s to a year of growth, balance, and fulfilment. You’ve got this!
