“Experience is the best teacher.” This statement made by Julius Caesar over two thousand years ago has remained prevalent throughout the ages due to its striking candor. Hillari Ross, the owner of Salon H. Ross in Rogers, is a devout disciple of this adage and uses its wisdom as the foundation for the culture of her salon.
Beauty is an ever-evolving, fast-paced industry. With new trends and techniques constantly emerging, the ability to adapt is quintessential. When Hillari entered the industry twenty years ago, she quickly realized that she needed to embrace change. Salon H. Ross first opened its doors in 2016 and Hillari promptly gained a reputation of excellence and professionalism. The salon began to grow rapidly and Hillari began adding stylists to her team. “When I hired my first stylist, everything changed for me and the salon.” She soon discovered a new passion for mentoring and developing new and talented stylists. Over the years, Hillari has made significant investments toward her own professional education to keep her on the cutting edge of the industry. She now strives to pass this knowledge on to her team. “It is such a gift to be able to give my assistants not only hands-on education and daily training, but also to help guide them past pitfalls that I have experienced in my career,” reflects Hillari.
There is no greater reward for Hillari than to see an assistant flourish and grow into a confident and skilled hairstylist. She understands and adheres to the belief that the success of her team reflects her own success as a leader. Under Hillari’s guidance, stylists at Salon H. Ross provide quality services while gaining hands-on experience in new techniques. This approach not only accelerates the stylists' mastery of their craft but also helps them cultivate their own unique style and boost their confidence, thus equipping them to carry on the salon’s legacy of excellence. Hilari says, “Watching the stylists achieve their goals, seeing their skills and confidence grow, and encouraging them to hone in on the specialty they love is so rewarding.” As she cultivated her team, she was astounded by the value they reciprocated back to her. The atmosphere at Salon H. Ross evolved from competitive to creative. With this culture change, the whole experience at the salon elevated not only for her and her stylists, but also for their clients as well. “Working with my assistants has been a symbiotic learning experience”, said Hillari. “While I have shared my knowledge and techniques, they have taught me the importance of fresh perspectives and adaptability.” The enthusiasm and innovative attitude of each stylist is infectious and empowers Hillari to stay curious and open to new trends every day. Collaboration and the significance of each voice is the heart and soul of her salon because it enables each team member to be impactful in their own way. Each stylist provides unique insights that challenge Hillari to grow not only as a stylist, but as a leader. “If anyone is considering hiring an assistant stylist, go for it, because you won’t regret it.” Salon H. Ross views each client as an opportunity to touch the life of another person in a positive way. This attitude provides a superior service and raises the standards for the entire hairstyling community. It is not surprising that Salon H. Ross has received multiple awards, including the “Best of NWA” accolade. They merit their success to the combined effort and spirit of every member of the team. Salon H. Ross is trailblazing the way toward a bright future and contributing to the next generation of exceptional hair stylists. “Because it’s your hair.”
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