Rising from the Ashes – How Stacy Love Rebuilt Her Salon Business

When disaster strikes, many business owners face a difficult choice—give up or rebuild. Stacy Love, owner of Wilder + Free Beauty Company, chose the latter, proving that resilience, financial strategy, and a strong team can turn setbacks into comebacks.

A Dream, a Fire, and a Rebuild

Stacy’s journey began with a passion for hair and a decade of experience in the salon industry. After climbing the ranks from apprentice to stylist to owner, she merged two salons into the thriving Wilder + Free Beauty Company. With a growing team of 21 employees, her business was poised for long-term success.

Then, in September 2023, disaster struck. A fire forced her salon to shut down, leading to a 16-month relocation. Stacy and her team faced a 60% drop in revenue, falling from over $100,000 per month to just $40,000. She had to make hard decisions, including letting go of 11 employees, all while navigating insurance claims, construction delays, and the emotional toll of rebuilding.

Overcoming Challenges with a Clear Financial Plan

Through it all, Stacy remained focused on one key principle: separating emotions from action. Instead of reacting out of fear, she leaned on financial planning, savings, and professional guidance. Working with a Fractional CFO through Pivot Business Group, she developed a strategy to stabilize the business and prepare for future growth.

By January 2024, Wilder + Free was back in its original space, stronger than ever. Now, Stacy is focused on optimizing operations, refining expenses, and embracing the full potential of her business.

Lessons for Every Business Owner

Stacy’s story isn’t just about a salon—it’s a masterclass in business resilience. Her key takeaways?
✅ Have a financial plan—Unexpected disasters can happen; savings and cash flow strategies are essential.
✅ Build a strong team—Loyal employees and clear leadership help sustain a business through crises.
✅ Work with professionals—A CFO or financial advisor can provide clarity in the toughest moments.

Stacy’s journey proves that setbacks don’t have to be the end. With the right mindset and financial strategy, they can be the foundation for something even greater.

Want to hear more from Stacy? Follow her here! https://www.instagram.com/wilderandfreebeautycompany/, https://www.instagram.com/stacyatwilderandfree/, https://www.instagram.com/stacyreneelove/