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A Salon-Grown Manager Who Leads with Heart
Having grown his professional career within the walls of Cloud 9 Salon and Spa, Nathan Dean has firsthand insight into client care, operations and the daily rhythm of a working salon. The salon's owner Kim Cloud (also his mother) is extremely proud to witness him grow the salon team and culture.
by Mya Shepard
July 9, 2025
3 min to read
Nathan Dean, manager and co-owner of Cloud 9 Salon and Spa, with Owner Kim Cloud.
Salon Today’s Meet the Manager series celebrates and highlights the managers, team leads, and directors in the industry who work to maintain the vision and goals of salons, barber shops and spas. In this profile, meet Nathan Dean. Nathan's versatility and adaptability to any role made him uniquely qualified to lead Cloud 9 Salon and Spa in Bartonville, Texas.
Nathan Dean, Manager and Co-Owner
Nominated By: Kim Cloud, Owner of Cloud 9 Salon and Spa.
Date of Nathan’s hire: February 2018
Salon Today: What is the manager's specific background/experience that made you believe they'd be a good fit for your business?
Cloud: “Our salon manager since 2018, Nathan grew professionally within the walls of Cloud 9 so he was a natural fit for the role. He began his journey with us at the front desk, where he gained firsthand insight into client care, operations, and the daily rhythm of a busy salon. After completing his apprenticeship under my guidance, he went on to build a loyal clientele as a stylist over the next 25 years. He has a deep understanding of both the technical and interpersonal sides of the business. Not only does he bring a wealth of experience behind the chair, but Nathan leads with heart when handling anything from hiring and cultivating team culture to overseeing building repairs and supporting the front desk team.”
ST: What personality characteristics does Nathan have that makes him a good manager?
Cloud: "As a husband, father and passionate people person, his calm leadership, problem-solving ability and commitment to our salon family make his such an asset to Cloud 9."
ST: How is he compensated?
Cloud: "He is salaried, paid monthly and he has ownership in the building where the salon is located."
ST: What are the three most important tasks the manager takes on at the salon/spa/barbershop?
Cloud: “First, and foremost, Nathan provides amazing feedback and perspective, which is why I love working side by side with my son. Secondly, he has developed the future generation of the Cloud 9 Team. Thirdly, he helps with the social activities for the team.”
ST: What type(s) of continuing education do you offer this manager?
Cloud: “We are proud members of several local business organizations, round tables, and Chambers of Commerce, where Nathan has the opportunity to learn from other business leaders and stay current on trends in leadership, team development, and customer service.”
ST: How has this manager helped you personally as the owner, or how have they helped grow the business?
Cloud: “Nathan has been instrumental in both the growth of Cloud 9 and in supporting me personally as the owner. Having someone I trust implicitly has allowed me to step back from the day-to-day operations and focus more on long-term growth and big picture goals. Nathan has a unique way of uniting our team and creating an environment where both stylists and clients feel valued. Because he grew within the company, he carries a deep respect for every role, and that shows in the way he leads.”
About the Author:
Mya Shepard, a Chicago-based communications graduate with a multimedia journalism background, draws inspiration for her beauty writing from her time as a salon manager at Salon Lorrene in Palatine, IL. Known on social media as Mya Ame'rie, she shares her perspective on community, beauty and culture.
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