Resident Artist/Lead Stylist

About Wá Salon

Wá Salon is not a traditional salon.

Located in Austin's premier shopping district, The Domain, Wá Salon is a modern beauty destination focused on healthy hair, elevated guest experiences, and expert care for all hair textures and hair types. We are building a team of artists who are passionate about beauty, education, wellness, and helping clients feel confident in every season of life.

We are seeking a highly skilled Resident Artist / Lead Stylist to become a cornerstone of our growing team. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced stylist who wants to build a long-term career, mentor emerging talent, and help shape the future of one of Austin's most distinctive salon brands.

What Makes This Role Different

This is not simply a chair rental or commission position.

The Resident Artist serves as both a high-performing stylist and a salon leader. You will have the opportunity to:

Build and grow your own clientele
Mentor junior stylists and assistants
Participate in education and brand-building initiatives
Help recruit future talent
Contribute to Wá Salon's service standards and guest experience
Become a visible face of the Wá Salon brand

We are looking for someone who wants to grow with the company, not just work behind the chair.

Responsibilities:

Client Services

Deliver exceptional guest experiences from consultation through checkout
Perform professional hair services including: Silk presses, Blowouts, Haircuts, Natural hair styling, Protective styling, Extensions and sew-ins (preferred), Color services (preferred), Hair and scalp treatments
Conduct thorough consultations and recommend customized treatment plans
Educate clients on proper home maintenance and product usage
Maintain detailed client records and service notes
Consistently achieve guest retention and rebooking goals

Leadership & Mentorship

Mentor assistant stylists and emerging artists
Support onboarding and training initiatives
Demonstrate best practices in consultation, service execution, and guest experience
Help maintain service quality and salon standards
Participate in recruiting and talent development efforts

Retail & Revenue Growth

Recommend professional products based on client needs
Meet or exceed retail sales goals
Support salon promotions, events, and educational workshops
Build and maintain strong client relationships that drive retention and referrals

Brand Representation

Represent Wá Salon professionally online and in person
Participate in content creation, photo shoots, events, and community initiatives
Maintain a polished, fashion-forward professional appearance
Serve as an ambassador for the Wá Salon guest experience

Salon Operations

Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming workstation
Follow all sanitation, safety, and licensing requirements
Support salon opening and closing responsibilities as needed
Collaborate with team members to ensure smooth daily operations

Qualifications Required

Active Texas Cosmetology License
Minimum 5+ years of professional salon experience
Strong consultation and client communication skills
Demonstrated ability to build and retain clientele
Excellent customer service skills
Professional appearance and demeanor
Strong work ethic and positive attitude
Availability to work evenings and weekends

Preferred

Experience working with all hair textures and hair types
Experience with extensions, sew-ins, wigs, or protective styling
Color certification or advanced color training
Previous mentoring, leadership, or educator experience
Experience with luxury or high-end salon environments
Existing clientele in the Austin market

We strongly value stylists who can confidently and respectfully serve clients across diverse hair textures and backgrounds. Research and industry trends increasingly emphasize the importance of inclusive hair expertise and texture diversity training in modern salons.

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive base salary
Commission on personal service revenue
Retail commission
Team performance incentives
Continuing education opportunities
Professional development support
Marketing and social media support
Premium salon environment in Austin's Domain district
Career advancement opportunities

Compensation will be based on experience, skill level, and existing clientele.

Who Will Thrive Here

You are likely a fit if:

You are passionate about healthy hair and client education
You care deeply about the guest experience
You enjoy mentoring and developing others
You want more than just a chair, you want a career path
You are entrepreneurial, accountable, and growth-minded
You believe beauty is about confidence, wellness, and transformation

Pay: $65,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Employee assistance program
Flexible schedule
Relocation assistance
Retirement plan

Work Location: In person