MATT BECK
Though he operates his salon in a small town—New Hope, PA—Matt Beck makes it his business to think big. As a stylist, business coach and mentor, he’s devoted the past decade to educating stylists about the beauty industry, paving a path to success behind the chair. Just five years ago, Beck developed Gratitude Salon Education to help stylists and salon owners achieve their goals. Shortly after, in 2013 he launched freesaloneducation.com, an online learning network for stylists. Just like its name claims, the site is 100 percent free. “I believe the future is wide open for what my team can do and anyone else who has big dreams,” Beck says. Here, he shares how his dreams came true. ✂ —Kristen Heinzinger
AHA MOMENT
I started beauty school because I was into playing music and I wanted a job that would allow me to have crazy hair and dress how I wanted. A few months in, I went to my first hair show and saw how many opportunities there are in this industry.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
My family, my team,and that younever know who you’ll meet or what opportunities are going to come your way.
IN TRAINING
I attended beauty school at Capri College in Davenport, Iowa. Afterward, I moved to the East Coast to become a national educator for Paul Mitchell, where I worked for 10 years.
BEAUTY MUST-HAVES
Mizutani Scissors—when I finally made that investment, cutting hair was never the same. I also don’t go anywhere without a YS Park 339 comb.
MY MENTOR
John Harms from Millennium Systems International—he started his company in his basement and now it’s the top salon software. His passion for the industry keeps growing.
BIGGEST CHALLENGE
Finding a balance between work and home. My fiancé and I run Salon Gratitude together so there are few discussions that don’t include the salon.
BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I EVER GOT
Be yourself! In this industry it’s easy to get wrapped up in what’s cool at the time and to follow trends. It’s way easier to be yourself than to try to pretend to be someone else.
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT
Be yourself! In this industry it’s easy to get wrapped up in what’s cool at the time and to follow trends. It’s way easier to be yourself than to try to pretend to be someone else.
NEXT STEP
Last year I filmed over 260 videos for the site, and now my goal is to promote them. Also, I just found out I’ll be master of ceremonies at the International Beauty Show—New York this year, which is an honor.