If there’s someone you put your whole trust in, it is – quite possibly – your hairstylist. Carmen Subota, born in 1985 in Wels, Upper Austria, now based in Vienna, not only mastered the craft; she also explored the socio-cultural aspects of hair cutting in her studies and with her pop-up salon „cut around the world“. In our interview, Carmen will share with us how she fosters trust and connection with her clients and how she managed to embrace her unique path despite all doubts.
#1 Dear Carmen, you are a professional hairdresser, but your work does imply much more than that. How would you describe what you are doing?
I have to play many roles besides hairdressing. I act as a therapist, coach, entertainer, and mentor, depending on my clients' needs. In the salon, I create a space where clients can unwind and discuss their lives, reflecting their self-image and challenges. My service involves accompanying my clients through their transformations, helping them feel comfortable and authentic while creating a new look and beyond. Together we explore changes not only on our heads but also in our minds. That requires a lot of empathy and trust building.
#2 Trust is the invisible thread that weaves the fabric of our relationships and society together. Your project „cut around the world“ explored similar topics. How did that project came about and what did you find out?
It started as a private venture where I cut hair in exchange for services while traveling and sharing experiences with other stylists. I later developed it into a project, creating a pop-up salon in public spaces in Vienna and Austria with an international team of hairdressers from different countries and backgrounds.
The quirky public setting at the pop-up salon aroused curiosity, encouraging people to participate. Strangers interacted, exchanged compliments, described hairstyles, smiled at each other, and simply had a nice time together. Trust and the desire for recognition emerged as fundamental components, as people naturally fulfilled their need to be seen, heard, and noticed in the pop-up salon. For me, understanding and fostering these elements is essential and can significantly elevate the appreciation of the entire hairstyling industry.
#3 Our topic this month is also about trusting in creativity as a well that never runs dry. How do you keep your creative skills sharp and ensure that you continuously bring fresh, innovative ideas to your practice?
New ideas often come to me when I am doing nothing and am in a remote location outdoors, with work far from my mind. But the greatest inspirations are the people around me. I love immersing myself in their stories, which is a big part of my job too: listening and directly designing a hairstyle that fits. I also enjoy meeting and collaborating with others, as supporting each other provides an enormous boost to my creativity. I am in constant exchange with hairdressing colleagues, believing that solidarity over competition is the key to innovation and inspiration.
#4 Trust involves vulnerability and the risk of disappointment. Can you share a time when you experienced such emotions and had to rebuild trust (maybe also in yourself)?
Going to university as a hairdresser was a huge challenge for me. I really struggled to get through exams, was afraid of losing my scholarship, and had to meet deadlines while working in the salon. I battled self-doubt, often feeling uneducated and out of place. I even hid my profession as a hairdresser out of shame. Support from those around me helped me embrace my unique path. In times of despair, I deeply value the people by my side who help me through. I greatly appreciate my circle of friends and clients for listening to my stories and encouraging me. This sense of community and support keeps me going, both personally and professionally.
#5 Trust is a gift. It must be given before it can be earned. How do you establish an initial level of trust with the people you work with? And what steps do you take to ensure that trust grows over time?
I love creating a welcoming environment for my clients. I show empathy and offer support during their visits, acknowledging their emotions and providing a listening ear. To ensure trust grows, I consistently deliver high-quality service and maintain open communication. Transparency and honesty about potential outcomes or limitations help manage expectations and build trust in my expertise. I highly value my clients' feedback and integrate it into my service offerings. This collaborative approach has inspired the development of many aspects of my work and business.
