I started my business 16 years ago. I have a degree in marketing and a minor in communication from Marquette University in Milwaukee Wisconsin. I was an outside sales for 18 years and I sold beauty products. I left that to pursue my passion in hairdressing, I started my business a few months after graduating beauty school and I haven't looked back. With years of experience in the beauty industry I was able to grow my business where it is today. I am a boutique woman's hair salon that specializes cuts,colors,make up, and skincare. I love what I do I'm passionate about my work and I want to help women not only feel beautiful on the outside but feel great on the inside as well. It is what I was meant to do and I want to use my gifts to the best of my abilities. I'm open to have more women clients at my boutique salon. I listen to my clients when I am behind the chair, they’re my best network. They’ll bring their friends and spread word-of-mouth. They’re your most cost-effective advertising. This career choice, are for those with the motivation, flair and skills to spend most of their day meeting people and making them look fantastic. I believe many of the additional skills that you’ll pick up during a hairdressing career are transferrable - like taking your customer service skills into hospitality or retail; perhaps moving straight into a management role if you’d previously been running a salon.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
First and foremost was having the passion and desire to JUST DO IT. The rest was plain hard work, determination and drive to get it up and running. I also obtained advice from other business women whenever I had a question or needed some help.
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
I have always been a self motivated person so starting my business was just part of my personality and desire. I am a creative, independent, motivated, self-starter kind of person. I love doing hair, but I enjoy the everyday challenge of having my own business.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
My biggest challenges have been keeping up with the fast pace world of social media, keeping clients happy by giving them new and fresh ideas, finding new and different products that women would want to buy, and developing an attitude of change, growth and perseverance for my business.
How did you overcome these challenges?
At the beginning of every year I think about what I have accomplished and what I want to accomplish. I write down the challenges and then write down the solutions to my concerns. I review them throughout the year to keep myself on track towards my goals. If I can’t solve the problems myself, I hire experts to help me.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
I push through it by talking to other hairstylist friends and business people.
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
I distinguish myself from my competitors by focusing on my business alone and by keeping my goals at the for front of my mind. I do not worry or concern myself with my competitors I just keep my eyes on my business and things ALWAYS work out.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
Do things that you’re uncomfortable with because that means you are growing as a person and a business owner
Stay open to growth, change and development
Listen, listen, listen to others!
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Just do it
Say “no” when you have to
Do what you love and you will never work in your life again1
Be open to others that can help, assist and aid your business for growth and development
