From Behind the Chair to the Front of the Room: How I Became an Educator Without Losing My Sanity

erinrayhair
Jun 16, 2025
2 min read

If you've ever thought, "Who am I to teach anyone anything?" Girl, same.

When I started teaching in-person classes, I was terrified. I didn’t have a formal plan, a training manual, or a strategy. What I did have was a voice, a story, and a burning desire to help others grow.

This is the behind-the-scenes look at how I became an educator without losing my mind.

Step 1: Say Yes Before You Feel Ready

In 2023, I taught my first class.

I reached out to salons in cities I loved.
I sent cold DMs.
I packed my bags and hoped for the best.

It was messy. But it taught me that done is better than perfect!

Step 2: Ditch Imposter Syndrome

Here’s the truth: nobody is handing out a certification that says "you’re allowed to teach."

You learn by doing. I built:

Simple presentations.
Interactive formats.
Education around what I needed when I was starting out.

If you’ve helped a client, a friend, or a coworker, you have something to teach!

Step 3: Build a Brand That Stands Out

I knew I didn’t want to be just another educator saying the same thing.

So I focused on:

My story (solo suite to full salon to educator).
Branded swag.
Class names and formats that felt fun, not stiff.

Education isn’t about info dumps. It’s about connection.

Step 4: Market Like a Human, Not a Guru

My best students came from Instagram.

No funnels. No fluff. Just real posts that said:

"I used to struggle with this. Here’s what helped."
"Come learn with me. It’ll be fun."

Here’s how my marketing connected with my audience:

I used reels to promote upcoming classes.
I collaborated with brands and salons who shared my values.
I let people see me, not just the business I’d built.

Step 5: Keep It Real in the Classroom

I didn’t need a fancy clicker or certification.

I needed to:

Be real.
Invite conversation.
Leave space for vulnerability and questions.

The best feedback I ever got? “You made me feel seen.”

Final Word:

If education is calling your name, you don’t need to wait until you feel like an expert.

You need to:

Say yes!
Show up!
Share what you already know!

If you’re ready to start your educator journey, I’d love to help.

Join the waitlist for my coaching program here