On this episode of the Growing with Purpose podcast, host Paul Spiegelman speaks with Chelle Neff, CEO and founder of Urban Betty, an award-winning salon and spa with three locations in the Austin, TX area.

Chelle grew up without a lot of opportunity; her parents had her when they were very young and didn’t have a lot to support her financially. But one opportunity Chelle did have, and took on wholeheartedly, was a cosmetology program offered through her high school. Seeing as this program was a fraction of the price of a standard cosmetology school, Chelle saw this as her chance at a path forward. Straight out of high school, Chelle began working at a Supercuts and then moved up to higher end salons.

But during her time working for other salons, Chelle noticed a business pattern that she didn’t like. In most salons, stylists rent a chair with which to receive clients, but that rental comes with unexplained service fees. Not to mention an overall lack of transparency and connection with the owner of any given salon, and Chelle knew that the typical salon culture (or lack thereof) was something she wanted to change. 

Tune into this episode to hear Paul and Chelle discuss Chelle’s rocky road to a successful business model, her passion for elevating the industry to be seen as a respectable career, and how she hopes to improve as a leader. 

Show Notes:

• 4:53 - Being the change in the industry
• 10:51 - Building a sense of community
• 18:00 - “I want to elevate our industry”
• 22:45 - Growing pains
• 33:16 - “Please ask for help”

Book that Inspired Chelle:
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson

Listen to Chelle's story below: