From Bartender to Beauty CEO: Gina Micheletti’s Journey of Risk, Resilience, and Reinvention
On this episode of Pivot to Profit, Pam Jordan sat down with Gina Micheletti, founder of Slay Bae Beauty Co. in Nashville. Gina’s path from bartending on Broadway to running her own salon has been anything but ordinary—full of bold risks, tough lessons, and unexpected opportunities.
Gina grew up with a strong work ethic, watching her single mother run a nail business outside Memphis. Though she pursued broadcasting in college, she couldn’t shake her love for cosmetology. After years in the service industry, she found her calling in hair extensions, eventually becoming an educator with Bellami Hair and building a reputation as an industry expert.
Her entrepreneurial leap came with challenges. After outgrowing her salon suite and hybrid setups, Gina signed her first commercial lease. What started as a $150,000 estimate quickly ballooned to nearly $1 million in unexpected buildout costs. She was forced to walk away, losing tens of thousands in the process. Still, Gina pressed on, securing another space, weathering debt, and learning firsthand that bigger isn’t always better.
Despite setbacks, Gina discovered a new passion: business itself. While she once feared scarcity, she now embraces money as a tool, applying hard-won lessons about leadership, payroll, and profitability. As she shared with Pam, hiring A-players and setting clear expectations has been key to stabilizing her salon.
Of course, Gina’s story isn’t just about business. She also appeared on Married at First Sight—an experience that, while not leading to lasting romance, helped her grow personally and professionally. Though reality TV boosted her visibility, Gina has learned to balance her lifestyle brand with her professional education platforms.
Looking forward, Gina envisions building a multimillion-dollar salon while creating financial freedom for herself and her team. Her resilience is proof that setbacks don’t define success—they shape it.
Listeners can follow Gina’s journey on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/gina.doesmyhair/ , https://www.instagram.com/slaybae.beautyco/ , https://www.instagram.com/slay.signature/