Meet Amber Tullberg | Hair Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amber Tullberg and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amber, what is the most important factor behind your success?

Regarding my success and brand, the key factor has been having a supportive network. This includes my husband, who has been an immense support in my business, family, friends and professionals like my business coach, CPA, bookkeeper and therapist. They help keep me on track, accountable, financially organized and ensures I take time for myself, maintaining mental clarity. This support system is vital; it prevents me from burnout and enables me to empower other stylists. I aim to show them the potential for a fulfilling career in hairdressing. Without this team, achieving my goals and positively impacting the industry would be much more difficult.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Starting my business has been quite an adventure. For years, I’ve written in my journals, thinking about what I really wanted to do. The problem I faced was distinguishing between what I wanted to do and what I thought I should do, especially after dealing with difficult work environments. However, everything changed when I stumbled upon Destroy the Hairdresser on Instagram. Their insights spoke directly to the challenges I faced in my industry and offered solutions that just clicked with me.

Salon Borne is likely the first salon in Charleston to adopt a commission-based model that charges by the hour and operates without gratuities. Transparency is a core value here, influencing how we operate. This approach ensures clear pricing for clients and stylists, fostering a gender-neutral, inclusive, and empowering environment. Clients appreciate knowing the cost upfront – if they book for two hours, they pay for two hours, regardless of the service. This allows stylists to tailor experiences to individual client needs rather than being limited to a standard service menu. The hourly, gratuity-free model enables stylists to focus on their craft and client needs without the pressure of tip-based performance. It also reduces client anxiety about tipping. In the hair industry, reliance on tips is common, but our model gives stylists control over their hourly rates, eliminating the need to depend on tips. This shift redefines stylists from service providers to professionals and simplifies budget discussions with clients. Stylists have the freedom to set their rates, schedules, days off, and manage their client lists, leading to a collaborative, supportive work environment. Ultimately, this contributes to a happier, healthier community.

Throughout my journey, I’ve learned some valuable lessons that have shaped my path. One of the most significant lessons is the importance of taking risks. Hosting my first educational class on lived-in color was a prime example of this. It was nerve-wracking and pushed me out of my comfort zone. Despite the fear and doubts I had during the class, my passion for sharing knowledge prevailed. This experience reinforced my belief that risk-taking, though uncomfortable, is crucial for personal and professional growth. It’s a way to confront and overcome limiting beliefs and insecurities, ultimately building confidence. I’ve found that starting with manageable risks and gradually taking on bigger challenges has been transformative. Each risk, like that first class, is a step towards development, helping me understand myself better, shape my aspirations, and make my dreams more achievable. Embracing these challenges has been essential in getting to where I am today.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
A wonderful way to spend a week in Charleston is to explore the city’s food scene and its beautiful beaches. I love creating my own food tour when friends visit. We go to some of my favorite restaurants, share dishes, and move on to the next culinary gem.

Don’t miss places like Little Jack’s Tavern, Melfi’s, Xiao Bao Biscuit, Pink Bellies, Chubby Fish, Fast and French, and Ma’am Saab, which offer a variety of delicious flavors from around the world.

For an unforgettable beach experience, head to Folly Beach for a surf lesson with Isla Surf School. I tried it last summer, and it was a blast. Afterward, head to Jack of cups for their mouthwatering food.

Live music is a must in Charleston and my favorite place to see performances is on the back deck at The Pour House on James Island. And right next door, you can get your Sichuan fix at Kwei Fei.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My Husband, Family and Coach Joy with Destroy the Hairdresser

Website: www.borne.co

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salon.borne AND https://www.instagram.com/amber.borne

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/borne.hair

Image Credits
Michelle from Vision Balm took the action shot photos with me with my client