Interview With Becky Dobbs

In this engaging interview, Rebekah Harrison of Storm Salon Social sits down with Becky Dobbs, owner of Elleven Salon in Huntsville, Alabama. With over 40 years as a hairstylist and more than 30 years in Huntsville, Becky shares her extensive experience and passion for the beauty industry.

Becky recounts her journey into the beauty industry, inspired by her two aunts and a babysitter who were all hairstylists. Her early exposure to the importance of continuous education set the foundation for her career. Starting as an educator for Redken, Becky eventually moved to Huntsville, where she built a successful clientele and opened her own salon with two partners.

Over the years, Becky has been dedicated to balancing her creative vision with her clients' needs and implementing continuous education plans for her stylists. She emphasizes the importance of education in keeping the passion for hairstyling alive and ensuring growth for herself and her team. Becky believes that passion fuels income, not the other way around, and she encourages stylists to continuously challenge themselves and learn.

Becky also discusses the challenges and rewards of salon ownership. She highlights the significance of creating a strong team culture and valuing her employees. Her advice for new salon owners is to be selfless, focus on the success of their team, and continuously invest in education and training.

The conversation also touches on the importance of mentorship and how Becky has built an associate program to nurture new talent. She shares her belief that a structured environment with clear goals and continuous support is crucial for the development of young stylists.

Rebekah and Becky reflect on their shared experiences in the industry and the value of having mentors. Becky expresses her admiration for industry icons like Vivienne Mackinder and the importance of understanding the foundational principles of hairstyling to foster creativity.

For those looking to learn more about salon management, continuous education, and building a strong team culture, this interview with Becky Dobbs offers valuable insights and inspiration. Becky’s dedication to the beauty industry and her commitment to helping others grow make her a true leader and mentor in the field.