Co Owning a Salon: What It Really Takes to Build a Business with Your Best Friend
Intro
You’ve probably dreamed of opening a salon with your best friend.
But what does that actually look like when the excitement wears off and the reality of rosters, rent, and responsibility sets in?
In this episode of Salon Rising: The Podcast, we sit down with Tiff and Phoebe from Blond Therapy, a values led salon in Ipswich, to unpack what it really means to co own a salon. To manage different life stages, navigate hard conversations, and stay close while building a brand worth talking about.
This one is for anyone who’s ever thought, "Could I really run a business with my bestie?"
Yes—but only if you do it right.
1. Shared Values Come First
Blond Therapy didn’t start with a business plan. It started with frustration. Tiff and Phoebe were overworked, undervalued, and ready to do something different. Instead of chasing money or status, they created a space that felt good—for them and their guests.
“We just wanted to create something beautiful that aligned with our values. Somewhere we could breathe.”
That intention built a brand their community immediately felt drawn to. And within months, they were busier than they could have imagined.
2. Divide the Work, Keep the Trust
They don’t split everything down the middle. Instead, they each focus on what they do best. Tiff handles branding, social media, guest experience, and front of house energy. Phoebe handles finances, forecasting, and team structure.
What makes it work isn’t the split—it’s the transparency. They meet weekly, check in often, and aren’t afraid to call things out early.
“We pour more into our partnership than we do into our marriages. Because that’s what it needs.”
3. Different Life Seasons, Same Level of Respect
Phoebe has four kids. Tiff has dogs and a very different lifestyle. But the respect is mutual, and the mindset is clear, support each other now, knowing the roles will reverse one day.
They don’t assume. They ask. They communicate. And they allow space for each other’s capacity to shift.
“This isn’t forever. We hold each other through the seasons. That’s what makes it work.”
4. Fix Money Problems Early
When their hours started looking different but their pay stayed the same, the friction arrived. Instead of letting it build, they had a conversation and made a change.
Now, they each operate as sole traders and pay into Blond Therapy as a separate business entity. It’s clean, respectful, and has saved their partnership.
“We’ve seen so many businesses fall apart over money. We didn’t want that to be us.”
5. Small Town, Big Vision
Located in Ipswich, Tiff and Phoebe have built a salon that defies the idea that small towns mean small business. They’ve grown their brand, pricing, and client base by leading with clarity and creativity.
“If your salon looks like everyone else’s, people will treat it like everyone else’s. But if you make it special, people will value it.”
From pricing to product choices, everything at Blond Therapy has been intentionally curated—and it shows.
6. Hire for Energy, Not Just Skills
They took their time hiring. And it paid off.
They now have a small team that feels like a true extension of the brand. No rushed decisions. No compromising on values. Just honest alignment.
“We wanted people who felt like us. Who got it. Who cared.”
Their hiring process is clear, informative, and values based. Clients know what to expect. So do team members. That clarity is the culture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re thinking about going into business with someone close to you, this episode is your reality check and your permission slip.
Be honest. Communicate often. Don’t force balance—build support. And remember that success doesn’t come from doing it all. It comes from doing it together, with care.
What You’ll Learn from the Episode
What aligned values look like in real life
How to divide roles without causing resentment
Ways to communicate across different life seasons
Why money needs to be discussed early and often
What it takes to stand out in a small town
How to build a team without losing your culture
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