We recently had the chance to connect with Carli Reith and have shared our conversation below.
Carli, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
What I’m most proud of building that nobody sees is the culture and emotional safety net within my salon. Carli Rene Salon isn’t just about hair — it’s about heart. Behind the scenes, I’ve worked hard to create an environment where stylists and clients alike feel seen, supported, and valued. It’s in the way we rally behind one another on tough days, celebrate personal wins, and prioritize authenticity over ego. These aren’t things you always notice from a cute Instagram reel or an appointment booking — but they’re the soul of what we do. I’ve built a space where people can be themselves, grow in their craft, and feel part of something meaningful. That quiet, consistent love and unity — that’s what I’m most proud of.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Carli Reith — owner of Carli Rene’ Salon in Parkville, Missouri, a modern boho-inspired salon rooted in connection, creativity, and purpose. I’ve been a hairstylist since 2012, and over the years, I’ve gone from apprentice to renter to salon owner. My journey has been shaped by hustle, heart, and a deep desire to build something bigger than just a business.
Carli Rene’ Salon isn’t your average hair space. We’re built on the acronym SOUL — Support, Opportunity, Unity, and Love — and that’s the energy we pour into every guest and every stylist who walks through our doors. I’m a mama of two (one on the way!) and I know how important it is to create a work environment where people feel supported both personally and professionally.
Right now, I’m expanding my team and working on growing a commission-based structure that helps stylists build fulfilling careers while being part of something meaningful. I believe that beauty starts from within — and I’m proud to run a salon that reflects that from the inside out.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Before I could fully see myself, my husband (Andrew) saw my vision. He believed in the dream before it was even real — when it was just an idea in my heart and a fire in my gut. He saw my potential and pushed me to chase it, even when I was unsure of the path. My family, especially my sister (Allison) who is also a hairstylist, kept me back on track with troubleshooting and reminding me to keep going in this industry.
And my clients helped me navigate my purpose. Through every conversation, transformation, and returning appointment, they reminded me that what I do goes far beyond hair. They showed me the impact of simply showing up, listening, and making people feel seen and beautiful. Together, their belief helped shape the foundation of who I am — not just as a stylist, but as a leader, a business owner, and a woman with purpose.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely.
There were slow weeks where I questioned everything. Times I was completely burnt out from trying to be everything for everyone — stylist, owner, leader, mom. I’ve had people in my space who didn’t align with my vision and made me question my own character, like I was the problem for having standards or wanting more than just a transactional business. Those moments were heavy.
But every time I felt like walking away, something reminded me why I started — a loyal client, a kind word, a glimpse of the culture I was building, or simply the reminder that my daughters are watching me. I didn’t come this far to let the wrong people or temporary setbacks keep me from the bigger picture.
Quitting crossed my mind, but staying true to my purpose always won.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the beauty industry tells itself is that success means hustle at all costs — that burnout is a badge of honor, and if you’re not booked out, working 12-hour days, or constantly grinding, you’re not “making it.”
Another lie? That our worth is tied to trends, followers, or surface-level aesthetics. There’s so much focus on perfect Instagram feeds and viral moments that we forget the real magic happens behind the chair — in the quiet conversations, the confidence we help restore, and the relationships we build.
And lastly, the industry sometimes pushes the idea that you have to tolerate toxic work environments to grow, especially when you’re starting out. That’s simply not true. I’ve learned that you can create success without sacrificing your values, your peace, or your purpose — and I’m building a salon culture that proves exactly that.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I think most people will assume my legacy is about hair — the salon, the brand, the transformations. But what they might misunderstand is that it was never just about the hair.
My legacy is about creating a space where people feel seen, safe, and supported. It’s about building a culture rooted in SOUL — Support, Opportunity, Unity, and Love — not just for my team, but for every person who walked through the doors of my salon.
What people may not realize is that behind the curated photos and beautiful styles was someone pouring her heart into building a second home for others… all while juggling motherhood, leadership, and healing from her own hard seasons.
So no — my legacy isn’t just scissors and color. It’s love. It’s impact. It’s the ripple effect of choosing purpose over perfection, and people over ego.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.carlirenesalon.com
- Instagram: https://Www.instagram.com/carlireithdoesmyhair
Image Credits
KCMstudio- Kara Payton
