Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Gallegos.
Hi Amber, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I knew from a young age that my heart was in hair and the sense of community that comes from being in a salon. After trying out college for a few years, I decided to follow my dreams and attended ITS Academy of Beauty. Although school helped me pass the test, I credit most of my early knowledge and success to my mentor, Dawn, at Beautiful Hair in McKinney. I loved bringing everything I learned back to school and showing other students how to give a great blowout.
I completed a two-year apprenticeship with Dawn, who taught me everything she knew. Then I had my first baby, and it turned out to be such a wonderful job to have with a newborn. I loved every minute of it. When I became pregnant with my second, I decided to stay home for a while, but about six months in, I started to miss doing what I loved. I began working at Drybar to be around other creative people and amazing women again.
Not long after, my friend Lauren encouraged me to rent a chair with her at the cutest old house called Salon Salon in Downtown McKinney. It ended up being the best thing for me. It was a time of growth and the perfect start to building my own business. We eventually decided to get a suite right on the McKinney Square so we could be part of all the fun and local events. After about three years, we were ready for more space, natural light, and a place we could truly make our own. In 2015, we opened Skylight Salon.
We poured our hearts into creating a space we loved, where stylists could come straight from school, assist us, and learn. We started carrying Davines and completely fell in love with the brand.
Three years later, things were going so well that we decided to open a second location. Lauren took over the McKinney salon, and I expanded to my hometown of Allen, Texas. The business was thriving, and even through COVID, we stayed strong thanks to our amazing team and loyal clients.
By 2021, I felt ready to create something new. I wanted to have employees, focus on education, and build a brand that reflected my personal vision. That’s when I rebranded to Glossed Collective, as it is today.
It has been such an incredible journey, and I’m so grateful for every step. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The path definitely hasn’t been easy. I think that goes for any business owner. Every year has brought new challenges, but with that has come so much growth: in the salon, in myself, and in all of my stylists.
Honestly, the climb has been the best part. I still remember when we first opened Skylight, an empty space with four styling chairs and four desks. We were so happy, drinking champagne and posting photos all over social media, celebrating every little milestone.
We’d cheers to every new hire, and sometimes share a glass of wine (and a few tears) for every stylist we had to let go of…or for the ones who chose a new path. Those moments shaped me more than anything else.
I think the hardest part has been learning to deal with disappointment from unmet expectations. But through all of it, I’ve become a softer, more empathetic person. Every challenge has stretched me and taught me something new about leadership, balance, and grace.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
What sets me apart as a stylist:
What I love most about being a stylist behind the chair is the relationships I build. My clients truly feel like my best friends and even if we’ve just met, we tend to get deep pretty quickly. There’s something so special about connecting with people in such an honest and personal way.
My approach to hair is all about embracing what you naturally have. I love keeping your texture, shape, and color close to their natural beauty. I want every client to fall in love with their own hair. I want clients to see what I see and to leave feeling confident and authentic.
Each appointment should feel soft, comfortable, and beautiful. My favorite thing is when a client comes back months later and I can say, “Look how beautiful you still look!” and truly mean it.
I specialize in grey blending, natural curls, and soft, lived-in highlights. My goal is always effortless beauty that grows out gracefully and feels true to you.
Why I branched off and started Glossed Collective:
I opened Glossed to create a salon culture rooted in connection, collaboration, and authenticity. I envisioned a space where we’re not just coworkers, but a true team; where friendships form naturally, and everyone feels seen, supported, and celebrated.
As someone who’s a bit of an introvert, I thrive in meaningful, one-on-one conversations and environments that feel calm, welcoming, and safe. I didn’t want a competitive atmosphere. I wanted a place where we lift each other up, compliment each other’s work, share ideas, ask questions, and grow together, both professionally and personally.
Glossed isn’t just a salon to me — it’s a sanctuary. A place where you can show up as you are, even on the hard days. Where you’re surrounded by people who care about you, who celebrate your wins, and who offer comfort when life feels heavy. I truly believe that when we feel loved, we’re better able to love others, and that’s the energy I want every person to feel when they walk through our doors.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.glossedcollective.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glossedcollective
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GlossedCollective/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-gallegos-b4b561249/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/amber.glossedcollective
Image Credits
Carol Riell Photography
Raising Stone Creative
