Tony Barnes’ journey to becoming a salon owner has not been an easy one. Read on to learn how he transformed his passion into a successful business model that offers wellness and luxury to exclusive clients.
You know how some people just know what they’re meant to do? That’s Tony Barnes. His talent for hairdressing was clear from a very young age, when he started doing hair at just six years old (yes, six!).
Growing up in a house with nine siblings, Tony’s hands were always busy. Whether he was doing his sister’s highlights in middle school or styling her friends’ hair for cash in high school, he wasn’t just playing around. He was building a future.
But his journey wasn’t exactly smooth. At 16, he was kicked out of his home for being true to himself. With a dream in his heart and little else in his pockets, he got on a Greyhound bus and started building his life, one haircut at a time.
The First Salon and a Hard Reset
Fast forward a few years, and Tony had done what many dream of; he opened his first salon. It had ten employees, great visibility, and all the makings of success on the outside. But inside? He was running on empty.
I built a business but forgot how to breathe.
Burnout crept in. The pandemic didn’t help either. Loans piled up, stress took over, and it became clear something had to change. So, he hit reset.
“I built a business but forgot how to breathe. It took losing everything to remember what success really means. It’s not about how big you grow; it’s about who holds you up when the world tries to shut you down.”
Boundaries, Balance, and Business Smarts
Tony sold his first salon and started fresh, with a vision that put wellness, intention, and luxury at the center. That’s how Jayden Grey Salon was born: an exclusive, boutique, four-chair salon in La Jolla, California, that feels more like a peaceful, pampering retreat than a typical hair appointment.
One of the biggest learning curves for Tony to get to where he is today was setting boundaries. “I wish I knew how to do that sooner,” he says. “I used to give everything until I had nothing left. Now I protect my energy and that changed everything.”
This space isn’t just a salon: it’s where beauty, wellness, and community come alive.
That clarity didn’t just improve his personal life—it transformed his business, too. With a smaller team and tighter focus, he can offer clients a more curated, elevated experience. “This space isn’t just a salon: it’s where beauty, wellness, and community come alive.”
Relying on DaySmart Salon for the last seven years to manage behind-the-scenes operations like bookings, payments, and reports also made the day-to-day running much easier. “It lets me stay focused on what I love: making people feel beautiful.”
Bold, Bright, and Full of Heart
Tony was very intentional about the salon’s vibe. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring in tons of light, and the space is surrounded by good energy—a Pilates studio next door and a nearby café.
“I didn’t want beige or boring,” Tony laughs. “I wanted something bold. Something that felt like luxury and warmth at the same time.”
And it shows. Every detail—from the sleek interior to the white-glove service and invite-only booking style—reflects Tony’s journey and his passion for making people feel cared for, inside and out.
I wanted something that felt like luxury and warmth at the same time.
Real Talk for New Stylists
If you’re just getting started in the salon world, Tony has some solid advice: stay put. “Stick with one place for at least three years. You build your clientele by being consistent. Every move costs you clients.”
And don’t be afraid of the hustle. Tony’s done it all—working at Walgreens from 7 until 3 to make ends meet, then attending beauty school from 5 until 10. “Show up. Do the work. That’s how you build something that lasts.”
Show up. Do the work. That’s how you build something that lasts.
More Purpose, More Giving Back
Today, Tony isn’t just running a thriving salon. He’s mentoring, growing, and sharing his story to inspire others. His dream has shifted from surviving to thriving, and helping others do the same.
“To every stylist, every survivor, every underdog—your story isn’t over yet,” he says. “From a Greyhound bus to a glass-walled salon, I’ve lived it. Keep going. The world needs your magic.”
To every stylist, every survivor, every underdog: Keep going. The world needs your magic.
If you’d like to learn more about Tony and his boutique salon, you can visit his website or follow him on Instagram.
Feeling Inspired?
If you’re building your own salon dream—or are ready to work smarter, not harder—DaySmart Salon can help. It has everything you need to manage bookings, track payments, and stay organized without the chaos. Start your 14-day trial free trial today and see for yourself!