Erin Raber, owner of Pin-Up Curls Salon & Spa in Fort Wayne, Indiana, has over 21 years of experience in the beauty industry, including 13 as a salon owner. Known for her passion, authenticity, and dedication to empowering others, Erin has built a thriving salon recognized for its exceptional services and strong culture.
Pin-Up Curls embodies Erin’s values of dreaming big, teamwork, and fun. Under her leadership, the salon has been honored as a Salon Today Top 200 salon nine times for achievements in Salon Culture, Growth, Leadership, Philanthropy, and Marketing. Erin is committed to mentorship and helping her team reach milestones, from personal achievements to becoming industry educators.
As Pin-Up Curls celebrates 13 years, Erin reflects on her journey with gratitude, continuing to foster a positive, innovative salon environment while making a lasting impact on her team, community, and industry.
In the beginning of my career, I never dreamed of becoming a salon owner. It was when I attended my first education event (“Living Lab” at Hair by Bennie and Friends in Louisville, KY) that my eyes were opened to the endless opportunities the beauty industry offers. During this event, Bennie and his team gave me a new confidence I didn’t know I had!
The first time we were named a Salon Today Top 200 salon was an experience I’ll always remember. It felt as though we had won the Super Bowl! I couldn’t believe that my little salon had achieved something so monumental. We were a small team, but we were fearless, determined, and full of heart. That recognition wasn’t just about me – it was about the incredible team I had around me and the passion we poured into our work every single day. I was so proud of what we accomplished together, and that moment solidified that our hard work, late nights, and big dreams were worth it. It reminded me that anything is possible when you believe in your vision and the people standing beside you.
I’m incredibly passionate about what I do and very hard on myself. I’m extremely empathetic and wear my heart on my sleeve. I want so much for everyone around me that I often feel like I’m never enough. It’s something I struggle with every day, but one thing about me is that I never give up. I believe in learning from mistakes, asking for help, and surrounding myself with people who inspire me. At the core of everything I do is teamwork. That’s what drives me every day—building something meaningful with my team and continuously working to be better together.
