Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Killingsworth.
Hi Justin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I didn’t start The Color Bar with a perfect roadmap—I started it with a standard.
Early in my career, I saw a gap in the salon industry. There were talented stylists everywhere, but very few environments that truly supported them in building long-term, successful careers. At the same time, guests were often receiving inconsistent experiences. I knew there was an opportunity to create something different—something elevated, structured, and people-first.
That’s how The Color Bar was built.
We began with a clear focus: create a salon experience where guests feel taken care of at the highest level, and where service providers are given the tools, systems, and leadership to grow into top producers. From day one, we centered everything around experience, education, and consistency—implementing structured consultations, the Aveda service philosophy, and a culture rooted in accountability and growth.
What started as a single location has grown into a multi-location brand across Montgomery County and beyond. Each salon represents more than just services—it’s a training ground for future leaders in the industry. We’ve built systems around performance, mentorship, and culture that allow our team to grow not just behind the chair, but professionally and financially.
A big part of our growth has come from leaning into community. We don’t just operate in our cities—we partner with them. From local events to collaborations with small businesses, we’ve made it a priority to stay connected and visible.
Today, The Color Bar is more than a salon—it’s a platform. We’re focused on scaling not just locations, but people. Developing careers. Elevating standards. And continuing to create an environment where both our guests and our team know they’re investing in something better.
And we’re just getting started.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—and I think that’s been one of the biggest advantages.
Growth exposes everything. As we expanded The Color Bar into multiple locations, the challenges evolved quickly. Early on, it was about building a consistent guest experience and earning trust in each community. As we grew, the focus shifted to leadership—developing team leads, creating structure, and making sure our culture didn’t dilute as we scaled.
One of the biggest struggles has been building systems that actually work in real life, not just on paper. Hiring the right people, training at a high level, and holding consistent standards across multiple locations takes constant refinement. There were moments where we moved fast and had to go back and rebuild processes to support the level we were trying to operate at.
Another challenge has been learning how to lead at a higher level. You go from being behind the chair, to managing a team, to leading leaders—and each level requires a completely different skill set. That transition forces you to grow quickly, especially when other people’s careers and livelihoods are tied to your decisions.
There have also been external pressures—economic shifts, staffing challenges, and the normal unpredictability that comes with running a service-based business. But instead of seeing those as setbacks, we’ve used them as checkpoints to get better.
If anything, the challenges are what shaped The Color Bar into what it is today. They forced us to build stronger systems, clearer communication, and a more intentional culture. It hasn’t been easy—but it’s been worth it, because everything we’ve built is now designed to last.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The Color Bar is an Aveda Lifestyle Salon built around one core idea: elevate the standard of what a salon experience should feel like—for both the guest and the service provider.
At the surface, we specialize in hair color, extensions, and customized treatments, but what we’re really known for is the experience. Every guest goes through a structured consultation process, and every service is designed to feel intentional—from the stress-relieving rituals to the way we educate guests on maintaining their results at home. It’s not transactional for us—it’s about creating consistency, trust, and long-term relationships.
What sets us apart is how systemized and people-focused our approach is. We’ve built a framework that blends high-level education, clear performance standards, and a strong culture of accountability. Our team isn’t just trained on technique—they’re developed in communication, business awareness, and guest experience. That combination creates a level of consistency that’s hard to find in this industry.
We’re also deeply focused on growth—not just as a company, but for every individual within it. We’ve created pathways for stylists to become top producers, leaders, and mentors. When someone joins The Color Bar, they’re stepping into a structure that’s designed to help them build a real career, not just hold a position.
Brand-wise, what I’m most proud of is the culture we’ve built. It’s a standard-driven environment where people are challenged to grow, supported through that growth, and recognized when they perform at a high level. That culture translates directly into the guest experience.
What I want readers to know is this: The Color Bar isn’t just about great hair—although that’s a given. It’s about investing in a better experience. It’s about walking into a space where there’s intention behind every detail, and where the people taking care of you are operating at a higher level because they’ve been developed that way.
We’re building something that’s meant to last—and something that continues to raise the bar for the industry.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happy is growth—seeing people step into something bigger than they thought they were capable of.
There’s nothing more fulfilling than watching someone come in unsure of themselves and, over time, develop confidence, skill, and real momentum in their career. When a stylist hits a new level, builds a full book, or starts leading others—that’s the win for me. Because it means what we’ve built is actually working.
I also find a lot of fulfillment in creating structure out of chaos. Taking an idea, building systems around it, and watching it scale across multiple locations—that process drives me. It’s not just about growth for the sake of growth; it’s about building something that’s sustainable, something that gives people opportunity and creates consistency at a high level.
And then there’s the guest side of it. When someone walks in and feels taken care of, when they trust our team, when they keep coming back—that reinforces everything we stand for. It shows that the standard matters.
At the core of it, what makes me happy is knowing we’re building something meaningful—something that impacts people’s careers, confidence, and daily lives. That’s what makes all of it worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Colorbartx.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colorbartexas/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheColorBarTXConroe/
