5 steps to start building an anti-capitalist business as a mobile hairstylist

Community based in a capitalism society – breaking industry norms

First lets preface I’ve been in the journey to this for the past 2 years but really started investing and educating myself full time for the past 2 months. Im sharing the lessons and things i’m doing as im focusing on community based while sustainable because the reality is we all have lives and people we love to support.

capitalism is all about growth and scale no matter the cost. Think of consumerism like the influencer telling you how you need to buy this one more thing on amazon to make your holiday special. In the hairstyling industry is about the new tool, the other technique the $3k method that will change your life.

When in reality is learning how to properly utilize your tools to make a successful business. Really taking a look at the non shiny things in business like your numbers has the answers in your business on how to become more profitable and what you truly need in order to accomplish your business revenue.

Moving away from capitalist mindset was being okay while yes!! Amazing other beauty pros are chargin 2 to 5x more than i am for services I’m in it for more than just me. I want a business that supports my client, community and myself. Is no longer I or Me only thinking but changing the mindset to collective how can we all benefit!

Ready to pivot from capitalist systems in your business while still having a business that fits your lifestyle and sustains you, here are some ideas to start thinking about-

1. Social media – in the perfect world I would leave it.But I actually enjoy it so for me is about intention. Utilizing it less with a 15 minute timer. posting before consuming and remember is a tool not my real life. I don’t seek validation but to share my work with other like minded humans.
2. Working less into a schedule that fits your lifestyle. I work 15- 20 hours a week. I used to feel so shamed by it miss work-a-holic badge to hearing celeste doesn’t really work was a sting. But the reality is I make more money doing this schedule than I ever did working 40 hours a week. $12000 month in services ive done that! Working part time and not solely utilizing that money for myself but giving back time and money to non profits in my community.
3. Say no to non-ethical fear mongering sales tactics- Urgency when is real is of course great to utilize as a tool. Saying only have 3 spots left when no one has signed up or saying this is the last time it will be offered at this low price when you will run the same sale in 6 weeks is unethical. Being a hairstylist ive been to classes and paid educators that over promised and never delivered on their promises. As a person that deals with anxiety I dont utilize fake scarcity as a tactic no matter how popular its utilized in our capitalist society.
4. Saying no to consumerism- This was a hard one as we always have new tools, color lines and products coming out. Being mindful with knowing if i have 3 of the same brushes in great condition I can skip buying 6 more. It’s not about being perfect but keeping in mind how our purchases affect the environment and who are we supporting? Big corporations? a small business is all about being mindful.
5. Rest without guilt- recovering work a holic here I grew up with work hard and do more to have more so people think you are worth more. So going into resting without guilt was a hard concept to accept and adapt. Anti-capitalism is about not tying our work to a certain production value. Has this even happened to you? You are on vacation, maybe sick in bed an rather than post on social you decided to take time to care for yourself. When that signed contract and deposit comes in, or all the sudden that email for a magazine feature or paid class comes in. It’s happened so many times and thats how I learned rest without guilt. Even if nothing of value comes in during my rest period, being alive and not tying my worth to my work is a concept I accept by taking time to rest and be present in my life.

I could go on but this is a great starting point. So what does a non capitalism business look like for you? What are things you want to adapt or look into?

See you next time!

celeste