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Rising Stars: Meet Casey Hollen of San Diego

Today we’d like to introduce you to Casey Hollen.

Hi Casey, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been a hairstylist for 16 years, and I’ve always loved that this career is about so much more than hair. It’s about creativity, connection, and the relationships you build with people over the years.
After spending most of my career behind the chair, the opportunity came up to purchase Tribe Studio Salon, an existing salon in Leucadia. It felt like the right time to take the next step in my career and step into salon ownership.

Since taking over Tribe, I’ve really focused on making the space my own while still honoring what was already there. I wanted to create a small boutique salon that feels elevated but relaxed, with a strong sense of community and authenticity for both our clients and the independent stylists who work here.

I’m still behind the chair doing what I love, but now I also get to experience the completely different side of owning and growing a business. There has definitely been a learning curve, but it’s been incredibly rewarding watching Tribe evolve and creating a space and community that I’m really proud of.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been completely smooth, but I think that’s part of owning a business. Stepping into salon ownership brought a whole new set of responsibilities and a lot to learn along the way.

There’s been a learning curve when it comes to managing the salon, navigating renovations, unexpected expenses, building a team of independent stylists, and figuring out what works best for the space and the culture I want to create.

One of the biggest lessons has been realizing that not everything has to be figured out right away. I’ve learned to make decisions, adjust when something isn’t working, and trust myself more along the way. The challenges have definitely pushed me outside of my comfort zone, but they’ve also made the experience that much more rewarding.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work has always been centered around creating beautiful, natural-looking hair that feels effortless and works with each client’s lifestyle. I specialize in dimensional, lived-in color, natural color, extensions, and styling. I love creating hair that feels elevated and polished but still looks like you.

What I’m most proud of now is Tribe and the community we’re building within it. I wanted the salon to be a place where independent stylists can have their own businesses while still feeling like they’re part of something. There’s a lot of talent under one roof, but also a really relaxed, supportive energy.

I think what sets Tribe apart is that it’s intentionally small and personal. We’re a boutique salon, so there’s a sense of connection you don’t always get in a larger space. I want our clients to feel comfortable and taken care of, and I want the stylists who work here to genuinely enjoy coming to work.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The best way to support Tribe is simply to come see us! Whether that’s booking an appointment, shopping our products, following and sharing us on social media, or recommending us to a friend, every bit of support means so much to a small local business.

We also love connecting with other local businesses and creatives in the community for collaborations. For stylists, I’m always open to meeting talented people who are looking for a beautiful, relaxed space to grow their own business and be part of our salon community.

You can find us on Instagram or visit our website to learn more, book an appointment, or get in touch.

Contact Info:

Person getting hair extensions applied, with hair clips and a towel on their head, in a salon setting.

Two women in a salon, one styling hair, reflected in a mirror, with plants and a black wall in the background.

Interior of a room with a wooden cabinet, a mirror, a black chair, and a large window with white curtains, sunlight streaming in.

Side view of a woman with long, dark, wavy hair, sitting indoors with wooden furniture in the background.

Text logo with the word 'TRIBE' and the phrase 'SOFT HAIR. SALT AIR.' beneath it.

Woman with long dark hair smiling, sitting in a salon chair, wearing a plaid blazer and jeans, in a modern salon.

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