Speed vs. Momentum: The Beauty Business Owner’s Guide to Sustainable Success

As someone who’s been an entrepreneur for most of my life, I’ve learned countless lessons—some through triumph and others through failure. My journey started at age 23 when I set out with lofty goals to fast-track my way to becoming a millionaire. I believed that success was all about moving quickly: the faster I could accomplish something, the sooner I’d reach my dreams. But along the way, I discovered a hard truth: speed and momentum are not the same.

Speed Is Not Sustainable

When I first started in business, I was laser-focused on speed. If I had a big win or brought in a lot of money, my instinct was to immediately reinvest it into the next big thing. I thought I was being bold, taking risks, and doing what entrepreneurs were supposed to do.

But here’s the problem with speed: it’s often short-sighted. Every time one of my quick decisions didn’t pan out, I had to stop, regroup, and start over. And while every misstep taught me valuable lessons, the constant cycle of starting over was exhausting and expensive.

Momentum Is the Long Game

Momentum, on the other hand, is about building something sustainable. It’s about getting the ball rolling and ensuring it keeps rolling—picking up speed as it gains energy. Momentum doesn’t require you to stop and start over every time something goes wrong. Instead, it’s about creating systems, making thoughtful decisions, and allowing your business to grow in a way that builds on itself.

The beauty of momentum is that once you’ve built it, it works for you. Instead of chasing success at full speed, you’re setting up a foundation that carries you forward consistently. It’s not flashy, but it’s effective.

Why Momentum Matters in the Beauty Business

Salon and spa owners, as well as solopreneurs, often fall into the trap of chasing speed. They focus on quick wins—like the latest equipment, a trendy service, or rapid client growth—without thinking about the long-term impact. But in the beauty business, building momentum is the key to sustainable success.

Here’s why:

• Client Retention Is Momentum: It’s easier to keep existing clients than constantly attract new ones. Building loyalty with great service, consistent results, and genuine connection creates lasting momentum.
• Team Building Is Momentum: When you invest in your team’s growth and financial literacy, you’re creating a powerhouse of earners who work for themselves and for you.
• Financial Literacy Is Momentum: Understanding your numbers and making informed decisions ensures that your wins lead to long-term gains, not short-lived success.

Lessons From My Journey

• Know Your Numbers: When I first started, I didn’t understand the importance of financial literacy. I didn’t know how to plan for taxes, manage cash flow, or invest wisely. I thought success would magically solve everything. It doesn’t.
  Lesson: Learn financial literacy now, even if it feels overwhelming. When you know your numbers, you can make better decisions and set your business up for the long haul.
• Think Before You Leap: Early in my career, I thought every risk was worth taking. And while being a risk-taker is important, it’s even more important to take calculated risks.
  Lesson: Slow down enough to gather the information you need. Yes, you need to make decisions quickly, but swift doesn’t mean reckless.
• Invest in Momentum, Not Just Speed: Every time I made a big investment without a clear plan, I had to stop, reset, and start over. Had I taken the time to build momentum instead, I wouldn’t have wasted so much time and money.
  Lesson: Focus on building systems that support growth. Whether it’s streamlining operations, developing your team, or creating a stellar client experience, these are the things that create sustainable momentum.

Building Wealth in Your Business

One of the greatest benefits of building momentum is the ability to create wealth—not just for yourself but for your team. Financial literacy isn’t just about your own success; it’s about empowering your team to succeed as well.

When you teach your staff to understand financial goals and how to earn for themselves, you’re creating a business that’s built to last. Employees who feel supported, respected, and invested in are more likely to stay loyal to your business. And when your business is financially stable, you have options:

• The option to hire top-tier talent.
• The option to reward and retain your best team members.
• The option to grow and scale in ways that align with your vision.

The Bottom Line

Speed might get you quick wins, but momentum will take you farther. It’s the difference between sprinting and running a marathon: one is over in minutes, while the other builds endurance and long-term success.

As beauty business owners, it’s tempting to chase the next big thing. But I’m here to tell you: slow down just enough to make thoughtful, informed decisions. Build a foundation, invest in your team, and stay financially literate. The more momentum you build, the less you’ll need to rely on speed to reach your goals.

And if you’re just starting out or feeling stuck, take it from me: having someone in your corner—a mentor, coach, or trusted advisor—can make all the difference. Momentum doesn’t happen overnight, but with the right tools and mindset, you’ll create a business that carries you forward for years to come.