I never went to college. Instead, I enrolled in cosmetology school at 16 while still in high school and was licensed by 18. My parents were teenagers when I was born (15 and 18), and they struggled. From the very beginning, I had to learn how to make my own way.

What I didn’t know then was that this was my superpower. I wasn’t handed a business or a plan. But I learned how to work hard, how to care for people, and how to make something out of nothing.

That’s how Urban Betty was born. I opened the doors in 2005 with nothing but a loan, one stylist, and the belief that a salon could be more than just a place to get a haircut; it could be a community.

Fast forward 20 years, and we’re in three locations with over 100 employees and a brand that’s become part of the fabric of Austin. So here’s a little about how I got here, the personal lessons I’ve learned, and what I’d tell anyone else chasing their dream.

Building a Culture That Feels Like Family

When I was 19, I was a shampoo girl in a salon. I remember watching the owner breeze in and out, never really paying attention to us, the little people. I promised myself that if I ever had my own salon, I’d never be that boss.

At Urban Betty, I lead by example. I want every stylist, every front desk associate, and every assistant to feel like they’re part of the heartbeat of this place. That’s why we celebrate “Betty of the Week” and throw our annual holiday party where we hand out awards like “Urban Betty’s Most Fun” or “Urban Betty’s Freshest.” We even made a pink skeleton named Pinky our honorary esthetician last Halloween. You can’t say we don’t know how to have fun!

I’ve found that people stay when they feel seen. And let’s be honest—if you’re not laughing along the way, what’s the point?

My Secret to Growing (Without Losing My Mind)

The first location of Urban Betty was so small that I could practically hear every conversation in the salon. I worked behind the chair, managed the team, and ordered inventory (I even cleaned the toilets). There were nights I’d go home and wonder if I’d made a colossal mistake.

But I kept showing up, even on days when I felt like I was in way over my head. I remember the first time I gave a staff member a real raise. She cried, and so did I. That’s when I realized I wasn’t just building a business, I was building a place where people’s lives could get better.

That feeling is what’s kept me going through every expansion, every tough conversation, and every challenge.

Lessons I’ve Learned (The Hard Way and the Fun Way)

Hire good humans first. You can teach someone to cut hair, but you can’t teach them to care.
Price increases aren’t scary if you’re honest. We raise prices every couple of years because our stylists deserve it, and we’re upfront with our guests about why.
Take care of yourself, too. I’ve seen Eden, my massage therapist, every two weeks for over 10 years. Self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s how I stay sane.
Do what makes you feel alive. Whether it’s dressing up in costumes for Halloween (a Neff family tradition!) or hosting happy hours, the best businesses are the ones that feel like home.

What’s Next for Me?

Urban Betty is still growing. We’ve got a beautiful new location in Round Rock and plans for more in the future. But I’m also focusing on helping other salon owners build businesses they’re proud of. I want to share what I’ve learned about money, about people, and about how to lead with heart, so that more people can find success without losing themselves in the process.

Let’s Connect

If you’re curious about what we’re up to at Urban Betty, come in for a visit or follow along on Instagram at @urbanbettysalon. And if you’re an entrepreneur who wants to swap stories (or just needs someone to tell them it’s going to be okay!), drop me a note.

Thanks for reading. Here’s to building businesses and lives that feel fun, beautiful, and totally worth it.