Why Titles Matter (and Why You Should Start Using Yours)

I’ll never forget this one moment—years ago, I was looking into salons and came across a hairstylist’s business card. It said Master Hairstylist. I remember thinking, What makes her a “master”? Isn’t she just a hairstylist like everyone else? So I asked her—straight up.

“Why did you put master on your card? What makes you a master and not just a hairstylist?”

Looking back now, I totally get it. It was about confidence. About owning her experience and showing the world she’d put in the years, the work, the growth. And that title? It made people look twice. It told a story before she even said a word.

As women—especially in the beauty industry—we tend to play it small. We shrink our titles, soften our wins, and dumb things down just to seem humble or relatable. We say “just a nail tech” or “just a small business owner” like those roles don’t come with weight. But let’s be honest—they do.

So let’s flip the script.

I am a nail artist of 15 years.

I am a salon owner.

I am a coach and educator in this industry.

I am an event host.

I have taught classes, sold out classes, and built resources that help others grow.

And I’m damn proud of that.

This isn’t about ego. It’s about truth.

When you deny yourself the title, you deny the proof of your work. You downplay your knowledge. And you lose the opportunity to position yourself as someone people should learn from, book with, collaborate with, or support. You don’t get titles handed to you when you’re self-employed—but that doesn’t mean you haven’t earned them.

If you’re running a suite, a booth, a salon, or a brand—you’re a business owner.

If you’ve spent years in this industry—you’re experienced.

If you’re teaching others or mentoring peers—you’re an educator.

If you’re building events, programs, or resources—you’re a leader.

Give yourself the credit. Add the title.

There is zero shame in saying what you do. There is zero shame in positioning yourself as someone with value and experience. The only shame is in shrinking to make other people feel comfortable. Because the right people—the ones who support you, who want to learn from you, who are watching you—they want to know who you are. Fully. Boldly. Unapologetically.

So no more “just.”

You’re not just a nail tech.

You’re a business. A force. A leader in your own right.

Start owning that.