Solving Big Problems in Beauty: How My Career Evolved Beyond the Chair
Stef Fox
January 23, 2025
I’ve spent my entire career in beauty—a path I landed on somewhat accidentally but one that has always felt like home. To my family’s initial frustration, I didn’t take the traditional route they may have envisioned for me. Instead, I followed an undeniable pull toward an industry where creativity meets connection, and I’ve never looked back. Somehow, deep down, I always knew this was my place.
My journey began behind the chair as a hairdresser. From there, I took the leap into salon ownership, experiencing the highs and challenges of building something from the ground up. Eventually, I sold my salon and stepped into a new role as a brand executive, where I learned the intricacies of leading on a larger scale. But my most unexpected twist was becoming a software founder—a step I never imagined but one that emerged naturally from my deep desire to solve a problem I’d faced firsthand as a salon owner.
Recruiting. It’s a word that carries so much weight for salon owners, though many don’t realize just how essential it is until they feel the pain of not having the right team in place. For me, recruiting became a turning point when I recognized how directly it impacted my salon’s revenue and growth. I immersed myself in learning everything I could about finding, attracting, and keeping the right talent. I tested strategies over the years, refining them until I saw what truly worked.
But here’s the thing—as salon owners, we’re short on time. Between managing a team, serving clients, and keeping the lights on, there’s not always room to spend hours at cosmetology schools or mastering Instagram recruiting. That’s where the idea for Matchable came to life. I wanted to create a tool that made it easier for salons to find talent and start hiring—without the overwhelm. Matchable simplifies the process, connecting salons with leads so they can focus on what they do best: creating beauty and building connections.
In addition to Matchable, I’m proud to lead Talent Match, where we teach salons how to recruit, market, and lead effectively. These pieces go hand-in-hand—you can’t grow without systems that support you, and that’s what we’re here to build. Whether it’s a single-location salon or a multi-location brand with decades of history, our focus is on creating systems that work, no matter the size or budget.
Over the years, I’ve been incredibly blessed to earn the trust of some of the top salons in the U.S., including those with eight, ten, or even more locations and businesses that have been thriving for 30, 40, or 50+ years. Their trust has been a gift, allowing me to learn so much about how to serve the industry at all levels. These lessons have shaped the education we provide, ensuring it’s just as valuable for a salon with one chair as it is for a salon with 100.
What keeps me energized is connecting with salon owners who are ready to do the work. I love speaking at industry events, sharing insights and ideas to help you move forward. I love putting out free resources so you can start making progress right now. And most of all, I love working with those who are ready to build a future that’s not just successful but sustainable.
This industry has given me so much—a career, a community, and a sense of purpose. My goal is to give back by helping salon owners like you navigate the challenges, seize the opportunities, and grow in ways you didn’t think were possible. We’re just getting started, and I’m so grateful to be on this journey with you.