Now Hiring Stylists in Lebanon, NJ: Why Indigo Collective Is the Career Move You've Been Waiting For
- Samantha Pennington
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
You didn't go to cosmetology school to feel burned out, undervalued, and stuck.
And yet — that's exactly where a lot of talented stylists find themselves. Working 5–6 days a week. Lackluster or no benefits. Unclear or no growth plan. No one investing in their future. Just a chair, a commission split, and the hope that something better comes along or things where you're at just magically "get better."
Something better is here.
Indigo Collective — a three-time Salon Today Top 200 Aveda Concept Salon in Lebanon, NJ — is hiring. And we're doing things differently.
We're Not for Everyone. And That's the Point.
Most salon job posts read the same: "Now hiring stylists! Great location! Fun team!"
That's not this.
We're a small, intentional team of exceptional stylists who believe your career should give you more than a paycheck. It should give you a path. A purpose. A place where you're genuinely proud to work with a team you enjoy working with.
Indigo Collective is on a mission to serve with heart, inspire confidence, and create moments of care and joy for every guest.
We're more than a salon — we're a team that cares deeply about people. And we don't just hire for open roles. We hire for impact.
What We Offer That Most Salons Don't
Let's be honest — benefits in the salon industry are rare. We think that's a problem. Here's what you get at Indigo Collective:
💜 4-Day Work Week
Your life outside the salon matters. We built a schedule that respects it. More time for your family, your hobbies, your sanity.
💜 Paid Vacation
Take time off. Actually unplug. Come back inspired. Burnout has no place here.
💜 401(k) with Company Match
We invest in your future — not just your career behind the chair. Because where you're headed 10-15 years from now matters to us today.
💜 Aveda Continuing Education
In-person and virtual training through Aveda, plus a retail commission fund to support external classes, workshops, and certifications. Your growth never stops.
💜 Career Growth Roadmap
Our Level 1–4 system gives you a clear, transparent path from emerging stylist to salon leader — with milestones, KPIs, and mentorship at every stage. No guessing. No politics. Just performance.
💜 Personal Growth Roadmap
We don't just develop stylists — we develop people. Goal-setting, leadership coaching, and support for the life you're building beyond the chair.
What We Don't Care About (That Most Salons Do)
This is the part that surprises people. And it's the part that matters most.
🚫 The Perfect Dress Code
Show up elevated, but you do you. We love individuality. Your style is part of your artistry — own it.
🚫 Handholding
We can teach skills, but we can't teach drive. Work ethic isn't optional — it's essential. If you're self-motivated and hungry, you'll thrive here.
🚫 Policing Your Vacation Time
Take time off. Live your life. Enjoy it how you see fit. Just plan ahead, make sure the team is supported, and don't inconvenience your clients. We trust you to be an adult.
🚫 Quantity Over Quality
We'd rather have a few exceptional stylists than a salon full of mediocre ones. Talent and standards beat headcount every time.
🚫 Income Over Culture
We don't care what level you earn at. If you disrupt the culture, you have to go. Integrity and respect will always outweigh revenue. Always. No exceptions.
Who We're Looking For:
We're currently hiring for two roles:
✂️ Level 1-2 Stylist (2–3 Years Experience)
You've got a foundation in color and cutting and you're ready to sharpen your skills with more support and hands on education. You're coachable, hungry, and you genuinely care about your guests. You want a growth path — not a dead end.
✂️ Level 3-4 Stylist (5+ Years Experience)
You've built a career and you're looking for a team that matches your standards. You specialize in balayage, blondes, brunettes, grey coverage, hair extensions, textured hair, or hair loss solutions. You lead by example and you protect the culture as fiercely as you protect your craft.
Both roles share the same non-negotiables:
Self-motivated and passionate
Caring, kind, and professional with every guest and co-worker
Hard-working and reliable — you show up and deliver
Open to feedback and committed to continuous learning
Aligned with our values: growth, respect, excellence, accountability, transparency, and service.
Our Level System: Your Career, Mapped Out
One of the biggest frustrations in the salon industry is not knowing what's next. At Indigo Collective, your path is clear:
Level | What It Means |
Level 1 | Building your book, developing foundational skills, learning our systems and culture |
Level 2 | Growing demand, refining specialties, consistent KPI performance |
Level 3 | Strong clientele, recognized specialist, mentoring others, leadership emerging |
Level 4+ | Full book, top performer, brand ambassador, salon leader |
**Pricing increases with each level based on demand and expertise. Advancement is earned through performance — not time. Not politics. Not tenure.
A Little About Us
Indigo Collective is an Aveda Concept Salon located in Lebanon, NJ, serving Hunterdon County and the surrounding communities of Annandale, Somerville, Califon, Hackettstown, Raritan, High Bridge, Bridgewater, Glen Gardner, and Flemington.
We've been named a Salon Today Top 200 salon three times — not because we're the biggest, but because we're intentional about everything we do.
We use exclusively Aveda products — vegan, cruelty-free, and high-performance. We measure color precisely to reduce waste. We use eco-friendly sink heads that cut water and energy usage by 65%. We care about the planet as much as we care about the people in our chairs.
Our founder, Samantha Pennington, built Indigo Collective on a simple belief: that a salon can be a place where stylists grow into leaders, guests feel genuinely cared for, and excellence is the standard — not the exception.
What It's Like to Work Here
A typical day at Indigo Collective:
You arrive prepared and on time
You consult with each guest — listening, educating, recommending
You deliver beautiful, consistent work using Aveda products
You recommend take-home products that support your guest's results
You pre-book your guest's next visit before they leave
You clean your station, restock, and leave the salon better than you found it
You participate in continuing education and a positive culture — because we grow together
It's not glamorous every minute. But it's meaningful every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the schedule?
We operate on a 4-day work week.
Salon hours are Wednesday–Thursday 11am–8pm, Friday 10am–6pm, Saturday 9am–4pm.
Do you offer booth rental?
No. We're a commission/team-based salon. Everyone contributes to and benefits from the collective.
Do I need to bring a clientele?
For experienced stylists (Level 3–4), a following is preferred.
For Level 1–2, we'll help you build — but you need to be proactive.
What products do you use?
Exclusively Aveda — vegan, cruelty-free, and high-performance.
How does the interview process work?
Submit your application
Phone chat with Liz, our Director of Relationships (15–20 min)
In-person salon tour + working interview
Offer within one week
Ready to Make Your Move?
If you read this far, something resonated. Trust that feeling.
📞 Call or text: (908) 840-4064
🌐 Apply online:indigocollectivenj.com/careers
📍 Visit us: 1386 US 22 West, Suite 5, Lebanon, NJ 08850
This isn't just a job post. It's your next chapter.
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