Today we’d like to introduce you to Carson Taylor.
Hi Carson, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My Name is Carson Taylor, I’m a hairstylist, salon owner, and content creator based out of Spartanburg, South Carolina. I went to hair school in high school as a young sixteen-year-old, trying to figure out life and what I wanted to do after high school. I started there and completed my certification right out of high school in 2017, and have been working behind the chair ever since. After a year of working behind the chair, I went back to college to obtain my EMT certification so I could buy a home and eventually open my salon, The Social A Salon. (Two very, very different career paths, I know)
I built my clientele while working full-time on the ambulance and also while building an online community of people who care about authenticity, hair education, and a little bit of EMS. I’ve been building that community for almost 7 years now and absolutely love using social media as a tool to build my personal brand. I actually wrote a book about my story called ‘The Story’ and would encourage anyone who has been struggling in their career in the hair industry to check it out.
Linked here: https://amzn.to/4uOL0qk
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not. Nothing about this career path has been easy for me, but it has always been worth it. Going right out of hair school in high school to build a clientele with no money coming in and still having to pay rent wasn’t ideal or really smart, but when I was young and trying to figure things out it was the only right thing to do at the time, especially being an EMT, I was able to make my own hours and come and go as I pleased. I moved around quite a bit, had my things packed up in boxes, locks changed on me by salon owners who couldn’t communicate effectively, and experienced some very hurtful things along the way.
I am so thankful for those experiences, though, because they have made me the salon owner I am today. I wouldn’t be able to communicate as well as I do if not, work as hard as I do if not, or have the money to do all these things with the salon had I not been so poorly treated. All of those experiences pushed me to rock bottom in my career, and the only person I had to depend on was Jesus Christ. He brought me back slowly and provided me with a better understanding of leadership, and provided such an amazing salon for me to service my clients.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
After gaining experience renting salon spaces, I founded The Social A Salon with a vision of creating a more supportive, encouraging space for beauty professionals. We believe a positive work environment directly impacts both client experience and professional growth, so we design The Social to foster collaboration, retention, and success.
At The Social, A Salon, we are committed to delivering a luxury, welcoming, and client-focused atmosphere. We’re a team-oriented booth-rental salon that prioritizes exceptional service and long-term client relationships, ensuring every guest experience reflects our high standards.
To support our renters, we offer a range of thoughtfully curated amenities and benefits:
Two free vacation weeks
Maternity leave
Free parking
Affordable rent $175/week
(available discounted rent up to two years)
Generous storage space
Complimentary drinks and snacks for renters and clients
On-site laundry
Fully stocked back bar
Two free professional photoshoots per year
Flexible 30-day lease agreements
Free education
At The Social A Salon, we are dedicated to delivering a luxury, welcoming, and client-centered experience.
As a collaborative booth rental salon, we believe that strong teamwork and exceptional service go hand in hand. Our focus on client retention and elevated experiences shapes everything we do, creating an environment where both clients and professionals thrive. Our vision is to create a supportive, community-driven salon where independent beauty professionals can grow their careers with freedom, stability, and real-life balance—while feeling valued, encouraged, and equipped with the resources they need to thrive both professionally and personally.
How do you think about happiness?
Serving.
Serving my clients and delivering the best possible outcomes for their hair transformations.
Serving my booth renters, making sure they feel loved, valued, and supported.
Serving on the worship team at my church, using the gift God gave me to honor Him
Serving my friends in any way that I know how. Making them feel seen and loved.
Serving my students when they book a class with me, helping them understand their business.
Giving back and serving have always been a part of me. It’s almost like I was born with it. I always want to feel welcomed and loved, and I think that’s why serving brings me so much Joy.
Everyone wants to feel loved and included anytime they walk into any room. I hope that’s the way people feel when they encounter my brand.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thesocialasalon.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/ctay.hair and www.instagram.com/the_socialsalon
- TikTok: www.tiktok.com/ctay.hair
