Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Buck.
Robert, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’m a second generation hairdresser (thanks Mom!). I grew up all over the place, as my father was in the Army for most of my childhood, but I’m originally from Maryland. I graduated in 2001 from Graham Webb International Academy in Arlington, VA, after my youthful vagabond life.
Initially, I followed a more traditional hairdresser career path and worked for a very prestigious hair salon called Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salon and Spa, in Arlington, VA, where I was promoted to Haircolor Educator for my location, as well as Hair Department Manager.
I moved to Atlanta in 2006 to be closer to my parents, put down salon roots in East Cobb, and briefly worked a similar salon path as an educator behind the chair and for two distinguished hair product lines before I decided to go my own way.
I opened my first salon suite in 2008 with an amazing friend and business partner, and we set about learning the ropes of entrepreneurs in a very rough economic climate. Through a combination of talent, a stubborn attitude, a willingness to try new things if old things don’t work, and sometimes sheer luck, it all worked out.
I moved into a solo salon suite this past January, and have been busy forging a new side hustle…. after rebranding and marketing myself, my goal for the coming year will be to establish my own educational products utilizing social media.
Has it been a smooth road?
Any cosmetology student will tell you the education was surprisingly more difficult than they thought it would be, but I pushed hard and excelled. Most cosmetologists will also tell you that the real struggle is when you first get on the floor in a salon.
It usually follows a rigorous assistant program where you learn much more advanced skills, techniques, and knowledge. These programs are crucial to becoming an elite stylist, as is a willingness to be CONSTANTLY learning. So, I don’t think any cosmetologist’s road could be considered smooth… it’s ever-evolving.
As a business owner, I struggled with all of the business concepts that they don’t teach in cosmetology school. It was a steep learning curve and required a fair bit of humility to think big picture and be honest when a certain approach wasn’t working and start over. I think the key to success is to seek out mentors who excel in areas you are lacking and become a sponge for everything they are able to teach you.
As an educator, the biggest struggle is to get out of your own way. There’s a bit of nerve that’s required to get up in front of a salon full of professionals and try to convince them you have something new to teach them. I found it easier once I was able to switch my mindset from “I have something you could learn” to “we have things we can teach each other.” It’s really a conversation because we can all learn from each other. Or, at least, we should…
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Robert Buck Hair Salon story. Tell us more about the business.
I’m a boutique salon located in Salon Lofts in East Cobb (Marietta). I’m a trained hair color specialist, but since moving to Atlanta, I’ve expanded to include hair cutting and styling.
I’m known for creating healthy, dimensional bespoke hair color for my more reserved clients, and edgy vivid colors for my clients seeking a little more hair color adventure. Above all, my mantra is “Do no harm,” so I do not take chances with my client’s hair integrity.
If something can’t be safely achieved, we discuss other options or come up with a plan to get there eventually. I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve been able to create a healthy business in a turbulent economic climate, as well as the close relationships I’ve been able to forge with my guests. They really are the lifeblood of my business, and I’m grateful for the trust they put into me with every visit.
What sets me apart from others is my willingness and desire to give you something unique but incredibly healthy. I strive to give you some “me” time where you can just relax. I give every client a thorough consultation where we discuss your ideas and my thoughts. I don’t take on every project that comes my way.
If I don’t feel like I’m the best match for your needs, I have a fleet of talented friends who I’m happy to refer someone to. Your satisfaction is the highest priority, and if it’s with a good friend of mine, I’m happy to introduce you to them!
My goal has never been to have money be the highest priority, and I think that shows in the level of trust I’m thankful to receive from my guests…. who turn out to be grateful for deep honesty about their (or my) limitations!
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The beauty industry is simultaneously ever evolving, and also recycling previous trends. It makes for such an exciting career.
The “It” look of today will most likely be reinvented 20 years from now and make it’s way through the public again with a modern twist. Every so often, something revolutionary happens in our industry, which makes stylist absolutely giddy.
I feel like we’re on the precipice of that, with the introduction of many hair repair products (my favorite being my go-to bond builder, Olaplex) that allow stylists a little more latitude to push against the rules we’ve been taught to respect.
I see more technological and scientific advances looming on the horizon which will allow stylists to push their craft and art even further. It’s such an exciting time to be in the beauty business!
Contact Info:
- Address: 4101 Roswell Road, Suite 301 Loft 25 inside Salon Lofts
Marietta, GA 30062 - Website: www.robertbuckhair.com
- Phone: 678-559-2279
- Email: robertbuckhair@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertbuckhair/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RobertBuckHair/?ref=settings
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/RobertBuckHair?lang=en
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/robert-buck-hair-salon-marietta
Image Credit:
Heath McDaniel
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