How One Stylist Turned Her Biggest Pain Point Into a Game-Changing App for the Industry

This week on the podcast, I had the absolute joy of chatting with Jacqueline Wessner, founder of the Salon Safety App—a tool created by a stylist, for stylists, to help simplify something we all worry about (but rarely talk about): state board compliance.

With 17 years behind the chair, Jacqueline has been in the trenches like the rest of us. But unlike most of us, she took one of her biggest stressors—fear of state board inspections—and turned it into a digital solution that’s helping stylists across all 50 states protect their licenses, stay compliant, and build client trust through cleanliness and professionalism.

Why She Built It: From Burnout to Breakthrough

Jacqueline’s story started in California, where state board inspections happened frequently—sometimes quarterly. She quickly learned that despite her love for hair and her professional skillset, the anxiety around compliance could shake her confidence. One day, an unmarked spray bottle filled with bleach, mistaken for water during a bang trim, resulted in a mortifying client moment—and it was a major wake-up call.

“That experience taught me that safety and structure in our salons matter, not just for clients, but for our own peace of mind.”

She realized most of us were operating off habits, not regulations—doing what we saw others do, forgetting (or never fully knowing) what’s actually required to stay compliant.

What the Salon Safety App Does

Jacqueline created The Salon Safety App to give stylists an easy way to:

• Scan their space using their phone camera and identify potential state board violations.

• Understand their state’s requirements in plain English.

• Get reminders when their license is due for renewal.

• Track incidents in a secure, confidential format.

• Use checklists to manage daily opening/closing duties—great for both suite renters and salon owners.

• Maintain a digital sanitation log that’s ready if/when the board comes knocking.

The best part? The app is free to download, with core features available at no cost. The paid version ($10/month)unlocks unlimited photo scans and custom AI feedback based on your exact state and setup.

Real Talk: Why This Matters

As a stylist myself, I admit—I’ve never had a state board visit. But hearing Jacqueline’s stories and learning more about how quickly little things (like labeling, cape storage, or how you handle money) can become big problems really opened my eyes. And the truth is: Cleanliness matters to clients. Compliance matters for your license. Tools like this make it easier to protect both.

“92% of consumers say the cleanliness of a business is a major factor in becoming a repeat client.”– Jacqueline Wessner, referencing industry research

One More Reason I Love This

This app isn’t just about avoiding fines—it’s about elevating the industry and showing up with professionalism that earns trust.

Jacqueline even offers stylists a sticker to place at their station that says,

“The safest chair in town should be your chair.”

If that doesn’t align with everything we’ve been preaching about branding, client experience, and showing up with intention, I don’t know what does.

You can follow and connect with Jacqueline at @salonsafetyapp on Instagram.

You don’t need to wait for a fine or a bad client experience to start prioritizing safety and compliance. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being prepared.

I’ll be using this app in my own suite and sharing it with fellow stylists in my network and inside the Soul Tribe. Because when we know better, we do better—and this industry deserves that kind of care.