Today we’d like to introduce you to Hope Ratliff.
Hi Hope, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I graduated from Paul Mitchell The School in 2019, full of excitement and big dreams for my career. Like many stylists starting out, I spent time in a few different salons trying to find my place and really understand what kind of stylist I wanted to be. I eventually found myself working at Hair Cuttery, where I built a strong foundation behind the chair and learned the value of consistency and hard work.
When COVID hit, everything changed. I was pregnant at the time, and although we were eventually allowed to return to work, I had to step away after developing pregnancy complications that put me on bed rest. That season of my life forced me to slow down and really reflect on what I wanted—not just for my career, but for my family.
After having my second child, I returned to the industry in a large salon at the beaches. While I’m grateful for the experience, I quickly realized that the big salon environment wasn’t the right fit for me anymore. I wanted more intention, more balance, and more control over my time.
In 2023, after a lot of reflection and praying, I took a leap of faith and opened my own salon suite. Becoming my own boss has been incredibly rewarding—not just creatively, but personally. I have two kids, and owning my own business allows me to be more present for them while still doing what I love every day. It’s the most aligned I’ve ever felt in my career.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the biggest obstacles I’ve faced was having to redefine what success looked like for me. For a long time, I thought the traditional salon path was the only way forward, even when it didn’t feel aligned. Walking away from environments that weren’t the right fit was difficult, especially when it meant uncertainty and starting over more than once.
Becoming a business owner came with its own set of challenges—financial risk, self-doubt, and learning to trust myself as both a stylist and a leader. There were moments where I had to choose courage over comfort and consistency over fear.
Those obstacles pushed me to grow beyond my comfort zone and take ownership of my career. They taught me resilience, confidence, and the importance of building something that truly aligns with who I am, not just where I was told I should be.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
“I specialize in color of all kinds, from natural, lived-in looks to bold fashion colors, and I also offer extensions along with both men’s and women’s haircuts. I take pride in being a well-rounded stylist because I believe versatility allows me to better serve my clients and adapt to their individual needs.
I’m passionate about continuing education and staying current with trends, techniques, and product knowledge. Constantly learning keeps my work fresh, challenges me creatively, and allows me to deliver consistent, high-quality results across every service I offer.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My biggest advice for anyone starting out is to build a strong support system around you and not be afraid to lean on it. This industry can feel overwhelming at times, and having people who believe in you—whether that’s mentors, family, or fellow stylists—makes a huge difference.
I’d also encourage anyone considering a salon suite to be patient and intentional. Make sure you’ve built a solid book of clientele and truly understand your numbers before making that leap. Independence is incredibly rewarding, but it’s most successful when it’s built on a strong foundation. Take the time to learn, grow, and prepare—your future self will thank you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://uprootedhairsalon.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: @uprootedhairsalon
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HairArtistHope
