Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Lawrence.
Samantha, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My entrepreneurial journey began with a passion for beauty, creativity, and helping women feel confident. What started as a vision to create an elevated salon experience grew into Chromatique Salon, a luxury salon brand that has become one of the most recognized and awarded salons in the Pacific Northwest.
Over the past 13 years, I have built Chromatique into a multi-location business known for exceptional artistry, innovation, and client experience. Through a commitment to education, team development, and delivering luxury service, we have earned the trust of thousands of clients, celebrities, influencers, professional athletes, and media personalities.
As the company grew, I expanded beyond salon services to launch Chromatique Hair Co., a premium hair extension and haircare brand focused on quality, innovation, and long-term hair health. I am also developing Evée, a luxury extension care brand designed to create an entirely new category focused on hair extension protection and longevity.
Along the way, I have had the opportunity to style backstage at New York Fashion Week, work with celebrity clients, partner with organizations such as the Seattle Seahawks Dancers and KING 5’s New Day Northwest, and receive recognition including 425 Business’s 40 Under 40 and Global Beauty Awards Entrepreneur of the Year.
Today, my focus is on building category-defining beauty brands that empower women, elevate industry standards, and create meaningful impact through confidence, innovation, and entrepreneurship. While the business has grown significantly, my mission remains the same: helping people look and feel their best while creating exceptional experiences and opportunities for others.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Building a successful business has been incredibly rewarding, but it has not been a smooth road. Like many entrepreneurs, I started with limited resources and had to learn how to wear every hat in the business from service provider and marketer to recruiter, trainer, and CEO.
One of the biggest challenges was scaling from being a successful stylist to becoming a business owner and leader. Building a strong team, creating systems, and maintaining a consistent luxury experience across multiple locations required a completely different skill set than working behind the chair. Learning to delegate, trust others, and lead through growth was one of the most important lessons in my journey.
The most defining challenge came during COVID-19. Like many businesses in the beauty industry, we faced mandated closures, uncertainty, and significant staffing challenges. Following the pandemic, the majority of our team chose to pursue different paths, and we found ourselves in the position of rebuilding nearly from the ground up. While it was one of the most difficult periods in our company’s history, it also became one of our greatest opportunities.
Instead of simply replacing employees, we took a step back and re-evaluated our purpose, culture, and long-term vision. We focused on building a team aligned with our core values, strengthening our systems, elevating the client experience, and creating a workplace centered on growth, education, accountability, and excellence. The result was a stronger, more aligned organization than before. Looking back, that rebuilding period became a turning point that helped shape the company we are today.
Another challenge has been balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood and personal growth. Building a company while raising a family requires constant prioritization, resilience, and sacrifice. There have been many moments that tested my confidence and perseverance, but those experiences ultimately made me a stronger leader.
The biggest lesson I have learned is that challenges often create the greatest opportunities for growth. Every obstacle has pushed me to innovate, evolve, and become more strategic. Those experiences have not only shaped the success of Chromatique, but have also reinforced my commitment to building purpose-driven brands that elevate the beauty industry, create opportunities for others, and empower people to feel confident and successful.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Building a successful business has been incredibly rewarding, but it has not been a smooth road. Like many entrepreneurs, I started with limited resources and had to learn how to wear every hat in the business from service provider and marketer to recruiter, trainer, and CEO.
One of the biggest challenges was scaling from being a successful stylist to becoming a business owner and leader. Building a strong team, creating systems, and maintaining a consistent luxury experience across multiple locations required a completely different skill set than working behind the chair. Learning to delegate, trust others, and lead through growth was one of the most important lessons in my journey.
The most defining challenge came during COVID-19. Like many businesses in the beauty industry, we faced mandated closures, uncertainty, and significant staffing challenges. Following the pandemic, the majority of our team chose to pursue different paths, and we found ourselves in the position of rebuilding nearly from the ground up. While it was one of the most difficult periods in our company’s history, it also became one of our greatest opportunities.
Instead of simply replacing employees, we took a step back and re-evaluated our purpose, culture, and long-term vision. We focused on building a team aligned with our core values, strengthening our systems, elevating the client experience, and creating a workplace centered on growth, education, accountability, and excellence. The result was a stronger, more aligned organization than before. Looking back, that rebuilding period became a turning point that helped shape the company we are today.
Another challenge has been balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood and personal growth. Building a company while raising a family requires constant prioritization, resilience, and sacrifice. There have been many moments that tested my confidence and perseverance, but those experiences ultimately made me a stronger leader.
The biggest lesson I have learned is that challenges often create the greatest opportunities for growth. Every obstacle has pushed me to innovate, evolve, and become more strategic. Those experiences have not only shaped the success of Chromatique, but have also reinforced my commitment to building purpose-driven brands that elevate the beauty industry, create opportunities for others, and empower people to feel confident and successful.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
One of the biggest misconceptions about mentorship is that you need to find one perfect mentor who can teach you everything. In reality, I believe the most successful people build a network of mentors, peers, and advisors who each provide guidance in different areas of life and business.
Throughout my career, I have learned from salon owners, entrepreneurs, industry educators, leadership coaches, and people outside of the beauty industry. Some of the most valuable mentorship I’ve received came from simply asking thoughtful questions, being genuinely curious, and building authentic relationships over time.
My advice is to focus on creating value before asking for anything in return. Attend industry events, join business groups, invest in education, and surround yourself with people who are operating at the level you aspire to reach. When you approach networking with the mindset of learning and contributing rather than taking, meaningful relationships naturally develop.
I also believe mentorship doesn’t always have to be formal. Books, podcasts, conferences, and following the journeys of successful leaders can provide incredible guidance and perspective. Some of my greatest lessons have come from studying people I have never met personally.
Most importantly, don’t wait until you feel ready. Reach out, ask questions, seek advice, and put yourself in rooms where growth is happening. The relationships you build and the people you learn from can accelerate your growth in ways that are difficult to achieve alone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.Chromatiquesalon.com
- Instagram: Chromatique.salon and Samantha.chromatique
- Facebook: Chromatique Salon
- LinkedIn: Chromatique Salon
- Yelp: Chromatique Salon
