Today we’d like to introduce you to Marissa Burkhead.
Hi Marissa, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I never imagined that saying yes to cosmetology school back in 2010 would eventually take me from cutting men’s hair in a small hometown barbershop to co-owning the salon I once only dreamed about. Along the way, my passion evolved from simply doing hair to mentoring stylists, building leaders, and creating a business centered around education, growth, and genuine connection.
Like any entrepreneur, the journey has come with plenty of setbacks, risks, and lessons, but each challenge has shaped me into a better stylist, business owner, and leader. As a mom, salon owner, and stylist, I’ve learned that growth rarely happens when life feels comfortable. Today, one of my greatest passions is helping others build successful careers through our Society Stylist Academy while continuing to create an experience that makes every guest feel seen, valued, and confident. Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful I kept saying yes to opportunities that felt just outside my comfort zone
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like most business owners, we have faced financial challenges, unexpected setbacks, and plenty of moments where I questioned whether I was capable of what I was trying to build. One of the biggest lessons has been realizing that growing a business isn’t nearly as difficult as growing yourself. Learning to lead people, make hard decisions, and navigate challenges with integrity has stretched me more than anything else.
This past year has been especially challenging, balancing salon ownership while recovering from ACL surgery and navigating some unexpected obstacles through it all. But I’ve learned that difficult seasons have a way of clarifying what truly matters. Every challenge has made our team stronger, strengthened our systems, and reminded me why we started Society in the first place. Looking back, I wouldn’t erase those hard seasons because they’ve shaped the leader I am today.
We’ve been impressed with Society Salon, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Society Salon was built on the belief that people deserve more than just great hair, lashes, or skin… they deserve to feel genuinely cared for. While we’re known for creating beautiful, customized hair, extensions, lived-in color, and luxury salon experiences, what I’m most proud of is the culture we’ve built behind the scenes.
We’ve intentionally created an environment where education never stops, our team is encouraged to grow, and every guest feels welcomed, heard, and valued from the moment they walk through our doors. One of our greatest accomplishments has been launching the Society Stylist Academy, our in-house training program designed to raise the standard of what salon education can look like while helping the next generation of stylists build successful, fulfilling careers.
I’ve always believed we’re in the people business – beauty services just happen to be what brings people through the door. Success isn’t measured by how many chairs we fill. It’s measured by the lives we impact, whether that’s a guest leaving more confident than they arrived or a stylist discovering they’re capable of more than they ever imagined. That’s the legacy I hope Society leaves.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Don’t wait until you feel ready. Some of the best opportunities in my life came long before I felt qualified for them. Confidence isn’t something you have before you take the leap – it’s something you build because you took it.
I also wish someone had told me sooner that perfection is the enemy of progress. I’ve spent far too much time overthinking, tweaking, and waiting for something to feel “ready,” only to realize that growth comes from taking action, learning along the way, and trusting yourself enough to keep improving.
Finally, NEVER stop investing in yourself. Technical skills might open the first door, but your character, willingness to stay teachable, and commitment to continuous growth are what create a lasting career. The world doesn’t need another perfect idea, it needs the one you’ve been too afraid to share.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.societysalonal.com
- Instagram: @SocietySalonAL @Marissa_Burkhead
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/societysalonal
