Back in 2010, I had to choose between staying at the salon or going mobile
I mean, the salon was steady, but a client in Seattle offered me a regular gig doing updos for her events if I traveled. I picked mobile, bought a rolling kit for about $300, and started booking hotel ballroom jobs. It was rough at first, figuring out lighting and setup alone, but after maybe 8 months, I had a solid weekly schedule. Anyone else make that switch and have tips for keeping your tools organized on the go?
Mobile was the best call for me too. Tbh, the freedom beats a salon chair any day. For tools, I use a tackle box insert in my roller bag for all the small stuff, like clips and pins. Keeps every bobby pin in its own little spot so you aren't digging around. A carabiner on the handle for your extension cord is a lifesaver, stops you from forgetting it. Labeling the outside pockets of your kit saves so much time when you're in a rush.
Wait, a tackle box insert for bobby pins? Doesn't that rattle around and spill when you're rolling your bag? I tried that and it was a mess every time I went over a curb. I switched to a small zippered pouch with clear plastic windows, the kind for craft beads. It lays flat in the main compartment and nothing escapes. The carabiner tip is solid though, I do that for my cord too.
Yeah, the tackle box insert sounds good in theory but it's a mess on wheels. I use a heavy-duty tool roll for my shears and combs, and I keep my hot tools in a separate heat-proof sleeve inside the main bag. That way nothing gets crushed and I can grab what I need without unpacking everything.