What's in a name?
Urban Betty is an homage to Chelle’s grandmother Betty Virginia and Chelle's given name Betty Michelle.
Spotlight on Urban Betty
Owner Chelle Neff and Armstrong McCall North Austin go way back. When Chelle first started out after finishing her cosmetology license in high school she worked for AmCo in one of our stores! I was so thrilled to hear we were a small part of her journey. She has been moving and shaking ever since. Urban Betty has a giant list of awards and accolades, but my favorite part of chatting with Chelle is her amazing energy. She shares her philosophy of always giving back within her community, and uses her business as a platform to inspire others to do the same. This year marks the 8th annual clothing swap benefitting Safe Place! Not only does this create awareness for Safe Place (http://www.safeaustin.org), but it involves her staff and community in a really fun and unique way.
Chelle started her career as a hairstylist in high school and opened her own salon in 2005 with 6 chairs and only two stylists. Urban Betty has grown into 24 stations with 20 stylists. Chelle, the owner, was awarded Philanthropist of the Year by Austin Fashion Week in 2014. Urban Betty supports several causes annually through donations and events such as collecting donations for Movember, and acting as a permanent drop-off location for Project Princess. Urban Betty helps support women fighting cancer by offering complimentary haircuts during October, and half-price throughout the year for those who wish to donate their hair to Pantene Beautiful Lengths. Chelle participated in Big Brothers and Sisters for two years as well as being named Entrepreneur of the Year by Austin Under 40 Awards for 2016. Urban Betty has received the Salon Growth and Best Practices award from Salon Today 200 for 5 consecutive years.
In continuing our chat I asked Chelle what her biggest challenge has been in her experience as a stylist and building a successful business. Learning not to care what others think, and learning to “stand in your own power” is something we all relate to. I’ll leave you with this quote shared by Chelle: “What you think of me is none of my business.”