Setting Boundaries That Saved My Sanity (And Can Save Yours Too)

Let me be real with you for a second—about seven years into my career, I was answering client texts at the grocery store, fielding calls during family dinners, and basically living like I was on-call 24/7. Sound familiar?

Here's what I finally learned: treating your business like a business isn't selfish. It's survival. And honestly? Your clients will respect you more for it.

Here are the boundaries that completely changed my relationship with my work:

The Separate Business Phone

This was a total game-changer. I got a second phone number exclusively for client communication, and I only check it during business hours. Why does this work so well? Because when I'm off the clock, I can literally put that phone away. My personal phone stays for friends, family, and my actual life. No more anxiety every time my phone buzzes wondering if it's a client emergency (spoiler: it's rarely actually an emergency). This simple separation lets me be fully present when I'm with my family or recharging, and fully present for my clients when I'm working.

Online Booking Is Your Best Friend

If you don't have an online booking system yet, this is your sign. When clients start blowing up my texts or DMs trying to find the perfect time, I kindly redirect them to my online booking link. It shows them my real-time availability, they can book themselves, and I don't have to play scheduling Tetris while I'm in the middle of a color application or (let's be honest) trying to enjoy my Pilates class.

The beauty of this? It trains your clients to be self-sufficient. They get used to just checking your availability and booking themselves instead of expecting you to drop everything to coordinate schedules. Yes, if someone actively needs to reschedule, I'll help them out. But for new bookings? Online system all the way.

Days Off Are Sacred

This is the big one. My days off are off. I run my business like a doctor's office or dentist—there are business hours, and outside those hours, I'm not available. Period.

I know it feels scary at first. You worry clients will be upset or go somewhere else. But here's what actually happens: they adjust. They learn that you have a life. They wait to hear from you during business hours. And the ones who can't respect that? Honestly, they're probably not your ideal clients anyway.

Set Expectations from the Start

During your consultation (or even better, in your confirmation emails), let clients know how and when you're best reached. Something like: "I'm in the salon Tuesday through Friday, and I return all messages during business hours. For fastest service, please use my online booking system!"

When you set these expectations upfront, there's no confusion. Clients know what to expect, and you're not constantly managing their assumptions.

Why This Matters

I get it—you want to be helpful, accommodating, available. That's what makes you great at what you do. But being available 24/7 isn't sustainable, and burnout is real. I've been there, and it nearly made me resent the work I love.

Protecting your peace and your recharge time isn't just good for you—it's good for your clients too. Because when you show up to the salon well-rested, clear-headed, and genuinely happy to be there, they get the best version of you. And that's what they really deserve.

Your business is valuable. Your time is valuable. You are valuable. Set the boundaries that honor that, and watch how much better everything feels.

You've got this 💛

xo Jen