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We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Meghan Osborne a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Meghan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with a hypothetical question – if it were up to you, what would you change about the school or education system to better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career?

One of the biggest flaws in cosmetology education is the lack of emphasis on communication. Technical skills are essential, but knowing how to talk to people—how to ask the right questions, listen actively, and create a comfortable space for clients—is what truly separates a good stylist from a great one. Yet, this fundamental skill is barely touched on in most beauty school programs.

Before COVID, I had always hired fresh graduates, knowing they would need some hands-on guidance to transition from school to salon life. But after education moved to Zoom, I noticed something alarming—students weren’t just struggling with advanced techniques; they lacked a solid foundation in the basics. Not only did I have to teach them how to work with the public, but I was also reteaching them core skills they should have already mastered. It became clear that schools weren’t preparing students for real salon life. They were missing both the technical confidence and the ability to connect with clients in a meaningful way.

I firmly believe that communication training should be a required part of every cosmetology curriculum. Stylists need to learn how to lead a thorough consultation, interpret vague client requests, and handle difficult conversations with confidence. If schools prioritized these skills alongside technique, we’d see more confident, successful stylists entering the industry.

At the end of the day, you can be an average hairstylist and still have a thriving career if you know how to connect with people. But if you’re amazing at hair and lack communication skills, you’ll struggle. For the time and money students invest in cosmetology school, they deserve an education that prepares them for both the art and business of this career.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Meghan Osborne, a stylist, salon owner, and educator with a passion for creativity, community, growth, and freedom—values that guide everything I do. My journey into the beauty industry wasn’t traditional. After serving in the U.S. Air Force for six years, including a tour in Iraq, I transitioned into hairstyling and found a new way to serve—by helping people feel confident in themselves. In 2009, I opened EYEFUL, a salon built on the belief that hair is more than just style—it’s self-expression, connection, and empowerment.

At EYEFUL, we specialize in custom cuts, lived-in color, and personalized haircare, always prioritizing healthy hair and honest conversations. Our approach is different because we don’t just focus on trends—we focus on you. We take the time to listen, collaborate, and create a look that fits your lifestyle and personality. Our commitment to sustainability means we use high-quality, environmentally responsible products like R+Co Color and products, ensuring we’re protecting both our clients and our planet.

What truly sets us apart is our dedication to growth and freedom—for both our clients and our team. I don’t just style hair; I mentor and educate stylists to build successful, fulfilling careers. I believe education should go beyond technique and include communication and confidence, giving stylists the tools to connect with their clients in a meaningful way.

What I’m most proud of is the community we’ve built at EYEFUL. Whether it’s mentoring young stylists, supporting local causes, or simply creating a welcoming space where everyone feels heard and seen, EYEFUL is more than just a salon—it’s a place where people grow.

For those discovering EYEFUL for the first time, here’s what I want you to know: We believe in creativity without limits, a strong sense of community, and the freedom to express who you truly are. Whether you’re sitting in my chair or one of my team members chair my goal is always the same—to leave you feeling confident, empowered, and inspired.

How’d you meet your business partner?

About two years ago, I asked my soon-to-be husband if he’d ever be interested in working with me. After COVID, we quickly realized not only how much we enjoyed each other’s company but also how well we worked together.

In 2024, I attended a Salon Owner Summit where I found myself sitting at a table full of what I called the “Power Couples”—husbands and wives who had built successful salons together. I remember calling my husband afterward and telling him how inspiring it was to see couples who weren’t just partners in life, but in business too. They had built something meaningful together, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that we could do the same.

Seven months later, he quit his job and joined the team. In 2025, we returned to the Salon Summit—this time as one of those Power Couples sitting at the table.

This will be our first year truly running the business together, and while it’s a new chapter, I have no doubt that we’re not just building a beautiful life for our children, but also for our team, our community, and the future of EYEFUL.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy for growing your clientele is to be unapologetically yourself—authenticity builds trust and lasting connections. Be kind, be confident, and show up with consistency. Clients are drawn to both skill and energy, so creating a welcoming experience where they feel valued will keep them coming back.

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