From Passion to Purpose: How Rachel Babb Built Honey into Morgantown’s Premier Salon
The Journey to Honey
Rachel’s path to entrepreneurship wasn’t a straight line. Growing up in Morgantown, she always felt driven to succeed academically, eventually enrolling at West Virginia University. But once she arrived, she found herself questioning her direction. “The goal was to get to college. I got to college. Now what?” Rachel recalled.
It was this moment of uncertainty that led her to cosmetology—an unexpected pivot inspired by a family friend whose success in the beauty industry opened Rachel’s eyes to new possibilities. “I went to beauty school thinking, ‘If I like it, great. If not, I’ll use it to work my way through college,'” she shared. But it didn’t take long for Rachel to realize that this “placeholder” was actually her true calling.
Embracing the Business Side
Rachel’s journey through the beauty industry began in traditional salons, where she worked as an employee and eventually transitioned into an independent contractor role. “Most people don’t realize that when you work in a typical salon, you’re basically a 1099 independent contractor,” she explained. “You’re renting a space, running a small business within a bigger business.”
It wasn’t until a client referred to her as a business owner that Rachel had a lightbulb moment. “I was like, ‘What do you mean?’ And then it hit me—I have a business license, I run and operate a business. But my mindset was just different.”
That shift in perspective set the stage for Honey’s creation. Rachel spent five years as an independent contractor, dedicating her final year to business education, preparing herself to launch her own salon.
The Power of Mentorship and Coaching
One of the pivotal moments in Rachel’s journey came from an unexpected mentor—a salon owner who saw potential in her even when Rachel wasn’t sure of her path. “She told me, ‘If this is your last stop, you’re not reaching your full potential.’ I was a little offended at first,” Rachel admitted with a laugh. “But a year later, I told her I was opening my own salon, and she was incredibly supportive.”
Rachel also credits much of her success to business coaching. She began working with an industry-specific business coach eight years ago, focusing on elevating her skills not just as a stylist, but as a businesswoman. “I did her program for five years and then enrolled in a salon leadership program for a year before opening Honey,” Rachel shared. “Now I’m working with a different coach focused on numbers and the business side of things.”
This commitment to continuous learning and mentorship helped Rachel avoid one of the most common pitfalls for entrepreneurs—feeling isolated. “I was warned about how lonely it can be to own a business, but I haven’t felt that yet. I’ve been intentional about creating spaces where I have support.”
What Makes Honey Special
Honey is not your average salon. Rachel and her team specialize in low-maintenance hair solutions—think warm brunettes, rich redheads, and subtle highlights. They steer clear of fantasy colors like pinks and purples, focusing instead on hair health and scalp care. “We specialize in damage correction and prevention services that promote hair growth,” Rachel explained.
Honey’s commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed. In their first year, they won Best Hair Salon for West Virginia Weddings—an achievement Rachel is determined to maintain as they move into 2025.
Sustainable Beauty
Rachel’s passion extends beyond just styling hair—it’s about using products that align with her values. Honey exclusively uses Daveness products, an Italian brand known for its environmentally friendly practices and commitment to sustainability. “They’re a B Corp, which means they have to meet high standards for environmental and social performance every year,” Rachel noted. “Their products are gluten-free, mostly vegan, and use minimal plastic.”
For Rachel, it’s essential that the products are as good for the planet as they are for her clients. “It’s important for me and my team to minimize exposure to chemicals. And I know our clients are taking home products that are great for their hair and the environment.”
Looking Ahead
As Honey continues to grow, Rachel remains committed to elevating the perception of the beauty industry and supporting her team and clients. “My career hasn’t always had the best reputation in society, but I want to change that. I want to feel confident in what I do and help others feel the same.”
With her dedication to education, sustainable practices, and building a supportive community, Rachel Babb is not just running a salon—she’s building a legacy in Morgantown, one healthy head of hair at a time. Ready to experience Honey for yourself? Visit honeywv.com to learn more and book your appointment today!
