Today we’d like to introduce you to Bracie Arnold.
Hi Bracie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born and raised in East Texas, and I’ve had an entrepreneurial mindset for as long as I can remember. I started my career as a hairstylist at 19, and now, 13 years in, I’ve seen the industry evolve in a lot of ways but my passion for the craft has only grown stronger.
After working alongside some of the top names in the DFW area, I reached a point where I wanted to bring everything I had learned into something of my own. I wasn’t just interested in opening a salon, I wanted to create a space that reflected both a high level of artistry and a strong sense of independence for the people working within it.
That’s how SLATE Salon was born.
Today, we’re a team of eight experienced stylists, all highly driven and passionate about what we do. We opened our doors in January 2026, and just a few months in, we’ve built real momentum, hitting our goals early and creating a culture that’s collaborative and built for long-term success.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Opening a business always looks clean from the outside, but there are a lot of moving parts behind the scenes that people don’t always see.
One of the biggest challenges was being intentional about who I brought into SLATE Salon. It would have been easy to just fill chairs quickly, but I knew early on that the wrong fit could affect the entire culture. Finding the right group of stylists and people who are not only talented but also aligned in mindset and work ethic took patience and discipline.
Another challenge was shifting from being just a stylist to truly operating as a business owner. I still work behind the chair, but now I’m also responsible for the bigger picture and decision making, financials, and creating an environment where other people can succeed.
There were definitely moments of uncertainty along the way, but those challenges forced me to be more intentional with every decision. Looking back, I think that’s a big part of why we’ve been able to build such strong momentum so quickly.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Today, I still work behind the chair, but I also own and operate SLATE Salon. I specialize in blonding services, with a focus on high end, lived-in, dimensional color that grows out seamlessly and fits each client’s lifestyle. I’m known for creating natural, low maintenance blondes that still feel elevated, as well as being very detail oriented in both the technical side of hair and the overall client experience.
As my career has grown, my focus has expanded beyond just my own work. I’m now equally invested in building an environment where other experienced stylists can thrive independently at a very high level. What I’m most proud of is the team we’ve built, a room full of incredibly talented, high-quality hairstylists who genuinely support and push each other to be better at their craft. That balance, continuing to produce behind the chair while building something bigger through SLATE has become a defining part of what I do.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I like most about Fort Worth is the balance it has. It’s growing quickly and evolving, but it still holds onto a strong sense of community. There’s a lot of opportunity here, especially in my industry, and people genuinely support local businesses and relationships. It’s a city where you can build something meaningful and still feel connected to the people around you. I felt incredibly supported by the city of Fort Worth as I am a small women owned business.
What I like least is probably that it’s still catching up in certain areas as it grows. With that growth comes some growing pains, whether that’s competition, or just the city finding its identity as it expands. But at the same time, that’s also what makes it exciting.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://slateftw.com
- Instagram: @slatesalonftw
Image Credits
Becca Lea Photography
