I think a theme in my business ownership journey is that everything I’ve started was born from a need.
I see a need in my industry, so I fix it.
That’s how Harper Ellis Hair Co. started, and that’s how my salon started too!
Salon Ownership | From The Beginning
Before I ever dreamed of starting an extension line, I was a hair stylist who was ready to hustle.
I had moved back to Arkansas after living in Las Vegas for a while, and was working independently behind the chair. I had started my career working in large scale salons, and I missed everything about it! I missed the culture of working alongside other stylists, and I really missed the “big city” feel. At the time, Fort Smith didn’t have anything like that.
I wanted better for myself, but also for my clients. Yes, mastering your craft and skill is important, but I felt like the professionalism and customer experience was missing!
I also wanted to start a salon where people were excited to come to work. I wanted a place where people felt relaxed and loved. I wanted a team that pushed each other to grow and cheered one another on!
Dreaming it up is the easy part, right? So…how did I make it happen?
I had no idea how I was going to pull it off. The reality was I had spent almost all of my savings remodeling a home. So what did I do?
I refinanced my home! Seems smart, right?
While this maaaay not be the financial advice I would give to someone looking to open a salon, by the grace of God I was able to fully pay it off. 5 years into my salon being open I paid the loan off in full and now have a debt free business. What. A. Blessing.
Creating A Work Environment
That being said, my salon has been F A R from perfect. There have been so many ups and downs, like there are in any business owning journey! Even though all the hardships, I will always keep my eyes on the positive, because at the end of the day the positives will always outweigh the negatives.
At the end of the day, it boils down to my team. They are incredible. I have some of the best stylists in the industry that call my salon home, and I will never take that for granted.
I couldn’t be more blessed with the opportunity to own and operate this place.
Salon Owner’s Retreat
Are you interested in the nitty gritty of salon ownership? Do you want to hear about all the mistakes I’ve made, so you won’t make them?
In June 2023, Harper Ellis Hair Co. hosing it’s first ever Salon Owner’s Retreat! I’ll be walking you through my wins, losses, what I’ve learned, and what I would do differently if I was opening a salon today!
This class is for ANYONE! Existing salon owners, those dreaming of owning a salon, and everyone in between. This is also the first Harper Ellis class where you don’t have to be certified to attend! (WOOHOO!)
I’ll be sharing everything from training your staff, stylist contracts, leadership, how to be profitable, booth rent vs commission, and SO MUCH MORE!
You’ll also hear from my incredible team of industry experts who will cover everything from taxes & LLCs to marketing pillars! You can learn more about the class HERE! This class is almost sold out, and we’re only hosting one this year- so you don’t want to miss this!
Will I see you there?
