Budding Business: Uri Does Hair

From Apprentice to Solo Salon Owner: The Journey of Uriel

Uri & Fallene at the Goodwill Fashion Show 2012

When I first met Uriel, I never could have imagined how far our connection would take us. Our story began years ago at a fashion show, where Uriel was a contestant. At the time, I was a former contestant on Project Runway Season 9 and had been invited to judge the event. Uriel won the competition, and we didn’t realize that this brief encounter would lead to a meaningful mentorship and partnership in the beauty industry.

A few years later, Uriel came into my salon to drop off his resume. His name sounded familiar, but I couldn’t quite place it. As soon as we sat down for the interview, I asked him, “Who is inspiring you right now and why?” His answer was deeply moving. He spoke about his sister with such sincerity and thoughtfulness that it almost brought me to tears. I knew instantly that this was someone I wanted on my team. His energy was magnetic—intentional, eager to learn, and open to growth.

As we wrapped up the interview, it clicked. We had crossed paths before at the fashion show! It felt like kismet—like it was meant to be. Uriel was applying for an assistant position, fresh out of beauty school, and I was looking for someone to apprentice. Little did I know, he would be my first apprentice to go through the curriculum I had designed for new stylists.

The Journey of Growth: From Apprentice to Educator

Uri teaching at Let Em Have It Salon

Over the next 18 months, Uriel showed incredible dedication and patience. He absorbed everything I taught him, improving his skills, and developing the techniques that would form the foundation of his career. After four years as a stylist and countless hours of continued education, it became clear that Uriel had the potential to be more than just a stylist—he was a natural educator.

I took him under my wing to train as an educator in our program. He completed an intensive four-week course with a Vidal Sassoon-trained educator to refine his teaching skills. Uriel’s passion for learning and growing has always been one of his defining qualities.

Filming how to videos for highlighting techniques

When it came time for Uriel to venture out on his own and start his solo salon suite business, I had no doubt he would succeed. It was a joy to mentor him during those early, critical stages. In the seven months we worked together, I learned just as much from him as he did from me. His growth was nothing short of inspiring.

A Year in Review: Uriel's First Year as a Solo Salon Owner

Now, one year into owning his salon suite in Denver, I couldn’t be more proud of all that Uriel has accomplished. Here’s a glimpse into what he learned from my mentorship and how he’s applied those lessons in his own business.

What has been the biggest challenge since starting your business?

"The biggest challenge has been holding myself accountable. As a business owner, everything falls directly on me. Wearing all the hats—finance, marketing, and finding my authentic role as an owner—can be daunting. But learning to be disciplined with my time has been key to staying accountable and focused."

Before working with Fallene, did you have clearly defined core values and a vision for your business?

"Working with Fallene helped me define my core values. She guided me through exercises that allowed me to narrow down the DNA of my brand and create a vision that felt true to me. She helped me write a mission statement and vision statement, and provided examples from other companies for comparison. I never felt alone in the process; her support was invaluable."

What has been the most significant impact of working with Catalyst for Success?

"The most life-changing takeaway was Fallene’s approach to budgeting and cash flow. Understanding that numbers tell a story completely shifted my perspective. Having a clear budget has helped me pay off business credit cards and plan for the future."

Prior to working with Fallene, how well did you understand tracking and measuring the growth of your business?

"I had no idea how to track my business growth. I wasn’t sure how much revenue I was generating or where I needed to improve. Fallene taught me how to organize and measure my business health. Now, I track client bookings, available hours, booked hours, and expenses. This clarity has helped me see where I can cut back and where I need to invest."

What is the most valuable takeaway you have implemented in your business after working with Fallene?

"Finding my ‘Why’ was one of the most valuable takeaways. Reflecting on my purpose made me realize that building long-lasting relationships with my clients is what fuels my passion. This clarity motivates me to continuously learn, show up as the best version of myself, and provide exceptional value to my clients."

A Look Ahead: What’s Next for Uriel?

Uriel’s journey is just beginning, and I’m beyond excited to see where his passion, discipline, and growth take him. If you’re in the Denver area, I highly recommend visiting Uriel for a truly personalized and caring salon experience. His attention to detail, professionalism, dedication to his craft are evident in every service he provides, and his scalp massages are amazing!

Check him out on Instagram @uridoeshair or visit his website www.uridoeshair.com. You’ll be in great hands.

Mentoring Uriel has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. I’m proud to have played a role in his journey, and I look forward to watching him continue to grow and impact the beauty industry. If you’re an aspiring business owner or stylist, remember that success is a process—one that requires dedication, accountability, and a willingness to grow every step of the way.

Share Your Leadership and Business Journey with Us!

I love celebrating and learning from the stories of other budding entrepreneurs. If you have a leadership or business journey you'd like to share, I would love to feature you in our Budding Business spotlight. Share your experience, lessons, and challenges for a chance to inspire others in their journey.

Let’s keep supporting each other and striving to be the best versions of ourselves, just like Uriel has.