#51- Behind the Chair: From Roots to Growth

Podcast Summary: Building Culture, Systems & Legacy with Justin Gold

In this episode, Sacha Awwa sits down with Justin Gold—founder and CEO of multiple award-winning businesses in the beauty industry, including the renowned salon The Changing Room. A second-generation entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience, Justin shares his journey from breakdancing and corporate finance to becoming a national educator for Matrix and a transformative coach for salon owners and entrepreneurs.

Justin opens up about the evolution of his family business, the importance of structure and culture in service-based industries, and how giving back—through education, mentorship, and innovation—has become his driving purpose.

Whether you’re building a brick-and-mortar business or launching a product in a crowded e-commerce space, Justin’s story is full of lessons on resilience, systems thinking, and defining your North Star.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. From Suit & Tie to Salon Chair

• Immigrant roots and the family business legacy
• Trading corporate finance for entrepreneurship
• How creative freedom and family needs shaped his path

2. Culture Is the Oil in the Machine

• Why businesses need intentional values and structure
• Building a team around core values like respect, professionalism, and consistency
• Culture as a competitive advantage you can feel—not just see

3. Coaching & Giving Back

• Starting as a salon educator, expanding into broader business coaching
• Why giving back helps refine your own leadership
• Building a systemized roadmap for success in creative industries

4. Scaling Beyond the Chair

• Turning salon pain points into e-commerce wins (like custom Velcro towels)
• How to validate a niche product and bring it to market
• Why skin in the game—time, travel, investment—builds business credibility

5. The Long Game of Entrepreneurship

• Navigating failure, handshake deals gone wrong, and costly missteps
• Why starting with internal clarity matters more than watching the competition
• The value of optimism, accountability, and just starting

Key Takeaways for Business Owners & Creatives:

• Systems are your scaffolding—creativity thrives with structure.
• Your core values are your compass. Hire and fire by them.
• Educate before you sell. Great products still need storytelling.
• Give back to grow. Teaching others can clarify your own path.
• Start small, think big. Every empire begins with one solid foundation.

Follow Justin’s work in salon coaching, innovative beauty products, and entrepreneurial education at Rise CC – Justing Gold – Beauty Industry Coaching Expert

IG: Rise Coaching & Consulting (@risecoachingconsulting) • Instagram photos and videos

LinkedIn: (9) Justin Gold | LinkedIn

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