| Personal Care Service Edition |
A collection of short interviews and education from local business owners with amazing insights into today’s challenges. This week’s edition of “Business Owners Speak Out” focuses on Personal Care Service companies. FYI, All of the spotlight business owners have been invited to attend our virtual happy hour Business and Brews! Please join us today at 5:00 PM CDT to connect and network. Please enjoy their interviews with the ActionCOACH team! |
| |
| Blankanvas Blow Dry Bar & Salon owner, Krystal Soliz | |
| Blankanvas Blow Dry Bar & Salon was created on the foundation that every client is beautiful in his/her way. Our mission is simply to accentuate our clients’ individual beauty through our hair and makeup artistry. We are a full-service salon providing professional and gentle care, all approved by our expert makeup artists. DW: Who is your best customer? KS: The professional woman or stay-at-home mom that likes high quality hair services. DW: What has been the greatest impact of COVID-19 on your business? KS: It has impacted me tremendously. I’ve been shut down since March 17th and we haven’t been able to go back to work. DW: What are one or two actions you’ve taken to make a difference? KS: Personally, I have been seeking and gaining new knowledge. I have been taking online courses to perfect my craft. I’m learning new methods and techniques so my customers will leave with healthy, better-looking hair. In addition, I’ve been checking in with my regular clients to see if they need any products that aren’t available in drugstores. DW: It’s been said that smart people learn from their mistakes, but wise people learn from the mistakes of others. What are some mistakes that you’ve made that other people can learn from? KS: Undersell and over-deliver. I’m definitely capable of all of the services that I offer. However, there may be hair types or densities and lengths that I’m not used to. I want my clients to be comfortable and realistic, and then I blow their mind! DW: What is most inspiring to you today? KS: Making women feel beautiful inside and out. We believe every client is beautiful in their own way and I love helping them get to that beauty. Contact: (713) 380-2886 info@blankanvassalon.com | |
| |
| Share Wellness & Medispa owner, Dr. John Share | |
| Share Wellness & Medipsa provides aesthetic and wellness treatments to enhance and restore well-being for men and women. Founded by Dr. John Share, an experienced osteopathic physician, the facility was created from his vision for a holistic approach to health. Share Wellness provides a diverse and thoughtfully selected range of nonsurgical treatments focused on age and weight management and administered in a tranquil, inviting atmosphere. CR: Who is your best customer? JS: Men and women in their late 20’s to 70 years old. CR: What has been the greatest impact of COVID-19 on your business? JS: In order to keep my staff and the public safe, I closed my doors. As a physician who owns a med spa, we are in a unique spot where some of the business was still operational. When the original two-week stay-at-home order was extended, some clients had to be seen to keep their treatment on track and avoid serious complications. CR: What are two actions you have taken to make a difference? JS: The governor has allowed us to open up but we are changing how we do business. We’re going to do health screening questionnaires and check temperatures when clients arrive. We ask clients to wear masks and we will limit the number of people in our waiting room. CR: It’s been said that smart people learn from their mistakes, but wise people learn from the mistakes of others. What mistakes have you made that can help others? JS: There was a time I was too forgiving of an employee who did not follow policy. To avoid conflict, I allowed this employee to continue practicing with us. Part of owning a business is making hard decisions and removing personal feelings. Contact: 713.621.8200 info@sharewellness.com | |
| |
| Gloss Nail Bar owner, Quynh Nguyen | |
| Quynh Nguyen and her husband own Gloss Nail Bar, a nail salon located in the heart of Montrose. Quynh and her team specialize in all nail-related services, eyelash extensions, microblading, and waxing. CR: Who is your target customer? QN: Women who live inside Loop 610. They are students, working women, and stay-at-home moms. CR: What is in the biggest impact of COVID-19 on your business? QN: Since we’re in the service industry, we had to close. It’s unfortunate but most places were closed as well. We have been disinfecting and planning on how we can reopen with the given guidelines in place. People should feel comfortable when visiting our shop. CR: What are one or two actions you’ve taken to make a difference? QN: We are now offering nail kits online. Our customers can purchase professional grade polish and equipment to do their own nails and pedicures at home. CR: It’s been said that smart people learn from their mistakes, but wise people learn from the mistakes of others. Are there any mistakes you have made that could help others? QN: Don’t be so quick to react. When we first built the salon, a lot of things went wrong and I wanted to give up. My husband reminded me that if there is a will there is a way. CR: What is most inspiring to you today? QN: Women who can balance their work life and their family. I always strive to be present at work and present at home when work is done. Contact: (281) 974-2828 | |
| |
| Living Well with Sarah Cain owner, Sarah Cain | |
| Combining her love of nutritional consulting, exercise and overall wellness as well as leveraging the ID Life program, Sarah provides a nutritional support program that is customized to each individual and helps attain optimal health. Sarah develops short exercise plans for clients and helps them commit to a regular exercise regimen that delivers results and helps people look and feel great at every age. LN: Who’s your target market? SC: People who are suffering from lack of energy or want to have better nutrition for the body to run as it’s designed to do. They don’t have to feel bad, but usually what happens is people get to the point where they don’t feel good. LN: What has been the biggest impact of COVID-19 on your business? SC: People are more aware of how the body fights viruses and that they need to boost their immune system. People can access a free assessment on my website. LN: What are one or two actions that you have taken to make a difference? SC: I’m educating people on the importance of taking customized vitamins. I let them know we’re giving them what they need and not what they don’t. I know that one size doesn’t fit all. I’ve also been donating the immune support packs to all of our first-line responders and workers, and they’re so appreciative. LN: It’s been said that smart people learn from their mistakes and wise people learn from the mistakes of others. What are one or two mistakes that you’ve made along the way that can help entrepreneurs? SC: I think that constant effective marketing keeps you in front of people. I can’t assume that they know and trust me. Its Vital to take care of your employees. LN: What is most inspiring to you right now? SC: I want people to understand that your health is your wealth. If you take care of the earth you’re living in, it will take care of you. I think the most fun thing is you learn to adapt and reset. Contact: (713) 907-7533 sarah@livingwellwithsarahcain.com | |
| |
| Silver Sycamore owner, Jackie Spigener | |
| Silver Sycamore is one of the top wedding and event venues in Houston for your friends and family to share memories they’ll cherish for years to come. The western-inspired town of Sycamoreville lets you take a trip down history lane. We have an onsite bed and breakfast with and a restaurant. We believe in the old-fashioned way of taking care of our guests. CR: Who is your target audience? SS: Our audience for events includes couples getting married and corporations hosting parties. Our restaurant attracts older clientele, except for the weekend brunch crowd, which is younger. The bed and breakfast attracts older couples and families and couples for weddings. CR: What’s been the greatest impact of COVID-19 on your business? SS: The greatest impact has been the cancellation of all of our events. April and May are usually the busiest months because the weather’s beautiful, you can have the event outside and that’s when almost all our company picnics are. Our sales are very slim for the curbside pickup. Also, a lot of my employees have been out of work and many of them were turned down for unemployment help. CR: It’s been said that smart people learn from their mistakes, but wise people learn from the mistakes of others. What would you say are mistakes you’ve made in the last three years or so that other entrepreneurs could learn from? SS: I would say one of my biggest mistakes is wearing too many hats and not letting go. I try to control too much. I finally started letting go of stuff. It was like “Wow, yes, I can still make money and grow my business.” CR: What is most inspiring to you today? SS: What keeps me inspired is watching webinars, reading books and listening to podcasts. I continue to learn. I have a very regimented morning time where I get up and read and work on my goals. Contact: (281) 487-6007 | |
| |
| CrossFit Be Someone owner, Josh Melendez | |
| CrossFit Be Someone offers online personal training, nutrition coaching, group training, and one-on-one personal training. CR: Who is your target customer? JM: Anybody who wants to be healthy and fit for life. If you still want to kick butt in your nineties, we can help you! CR: What has been the greatest impact of COVID-19 on your business? JM: CrossFit is about having face-to-face interactions to push our members to reach their fitness goals. We have had to shift 100% of our business online. While some of our members have stuck with us, others have canceled their subscriptions. Some people need that extra push or motivation in front of them to workout. CR: What are one or two actions you have taken to make a difference? JM: I had to create a whole business online. I was fortunate enough to be a bit ahead of the curve, and was able to launch shortly after the stay-at-home order. I’ve been in a mentorship program for the last two years, which has made a huge difference in my business. CR: It’s been said that smart people learn from their mistakes, but wise people learn from the mistakes of others. What mistakes have you made that could help others? JM: Being an entrepreneur you have to be aware of the many hats worn in your business. My craft, or my talent, is coaching people. I’m capable of handling my finances but I think it’s best to let the professions do that so I can focus on my craft. Another big one is having systems in place. If something happens to you today, your business can continue. CR: What is most inspiring you today? JM: It’s actually my daughter. She was born a few days after my business opened. Watching her grow and learn to walk and talk in such a short time reminds me of the growth in my life and my business. Contact: (713) 962-5203 | |
| |
| Heights Skincare & Wellness Retreat owner, Stevie McCord | |
| Heights Skincare offers luxury holistic treatments. We go beyond simply treating the skin by offering a comprehensive approach to your spa experience. We combine years of knowledge with skill and intuition in a luxurious, healing environment. Our proprietary approach to skincare and wellness creates a relaxing, therapeutic environment where tranquility meets results. CR: Who is your target customer? SM: Anybody who wants to enhance their state of wellbeing. In this day and age, people want to have a little bit of selfcare. CR: What has been the greatest impact of COVID-19 on your business? SM: I am developing ideas for new products and the concept for my skincare line. I am diving into social media to learn and navigate the online world. The biggest impact is that I expanded my business a year ago and I put my life savings into creating a co-op space to mentor others in the spa business. I asked my landlord if I could defer rent payments for a couple of months, and he was unwilling to work with me. So, in my first year of business I had to shut my doors and it was devastating. Now I am starting over again, and I’ve partnered with an upscale natural salon. I am working towards getting another large space in the Heights. CR: What are one or two actions you’ve taken to make a difference in your business? SM: At this point, I don’t want to endanger anyone’s health or wellbeing. I have clients coming in June and I’ve changed things around to take additional precautions for their safety and my own. CR: It’s been said that smart people learn from their mistakes and wise people learn from the mistakes of others. What are some mistakes that you’ve made over the past three years that could help other entrepreneurs in their business? SM: Always make sure you are aligned with your landlord. Make sure your lease is protected and get an attorney to protect yourself. You have to know who to put your trust in. It has to be someone who understands your business otherwise it won’t work. CR: What is most inspiring to you today? SM: Despite all the uncertainty, I am excited for the future. We’ve had to embrace this new era working online and that’s good. It gives us a chance to become more innovative and learn a different way of life while still integrating the importance of the human touch. Contact: (713) 492-8660 Heightsskincare@gmail.com | |
| |
| The Greenhouse Day Spa owner, Darcey Matthews | |
| The Greenhouse Day Spa offers a tranquil, boutique environment allowing you to restore your spirit and discover your potential for true balance and wellness. We offer a wide variety of massage, facial, body treatment and waxing services tailored to your unique needs. CR: Who is your target customer? DM: Women from 35 to 60 are the primary target, but we do have a lot of gentleman that come in. CR: What’s been the greatest impact of COVID-19 on your business? DM: Business has been closed for seven weeks now. That’s been the most immediate impact. We had to make sure to cover all the financial aspects of the business. We were lucky to get in some PPP funds last week. With our sanitation and cleanliness guidelines, I feel that we’re ahead of the game in that regard. CR: What are one or two actions you’ve taken to make a difference? DM: We’ve stepped up our precautions. Each of the rooms are six feet apart. I also got face shields for our personnel so that the customers feel safer while their getting their treatments done. CR: It’s been said that smart people learn from their mistakes and wise people learn from the mistakes of others. What are some of the mistakes you’ve made in the past three years that other entrepreneurs could learn from? DM: I didn’t start social media marketing until five months after the spa opened, and I should have been on it well before then. The smarter thing to do is to find someone who’s social media savvy if you’re not. That way it is done in an enthusiastic manner. CR: What is most inspiring to you today? DM: I think the resilience of small businesses and the fortitude of people who have been so gracious to help make you feel like you’re not alone in your business. As a spa, we really want to do stuff for doctors, nurses or people who work at H-E-B. Their efforts are inspiring to me. Contact: (713) 485-4444 | |
| |
| Self Nurtured Woman owner, Carol Culver | |
| Carol Culver is holistic wellness expert-turned-transformational speaker and coach. It’s time that women realize they are way more creative, powerful, and have more capacity to love when you are really connected to self-love. Carol works with you to get past what’s holding you back so you can create the life you want. The Self Nurtured Woman is a three-step, intuitive process that supports your energetic health so you can naturally build a life of joy and love. DW: Who’s your best customer or your target audience? CC: Women who feel depleted, unsupported or unheard. DW: What’s been the greatest impact of COVID-19 on your business? CC: I have become clear about my message and how I want to help women. I’m learning how to get that message out. I hear my calling much more sincerely than I did before. DW: What actions have you taken to make a difference in the business and is it working? CC: I have offered some free services and products. I am creating webinars about not getting caught up in fear and how to stay centered, rooted and grounded. DW: It’s been said that smart people learn from their mistakes and wise people learn from mistakes of others. Can you think of any mistakes you’ve made along the way that other entrepreneurs can learn from? CC: One of the biggest lessons I have learned is we will always be presented with challenges and we have a choice in that moment to freeze or be stuck. It comes down to our mindset and how we view this. Turn challenges into opportunities. DW: What’s most inspiring to you today? CC: Connecting to mother earth and being in nature. We have had an amazing spring so far. Look for the beauty in things and listen to the birds. Contact: (281) 757-4041 carol@selfnurturedwoman.com | |
| |
| Pledge to Fitness owner, Andres Loperena | |
Pledge To Fitness is the ONLY one-stop-shop for nutrition coaching, personal training, and massage therapy. Whether for weight loss or muscle building, we have everything you need to sustainably experience your best level of fitness and well being. LN: Who is your best customer? AL: Our customers are between 30 and 80 years old, and are able to invest in improving their physical and mental health. LN: What is the greatest impact of COVID-19 on your business? AL: Since the closing of our studio we aren’t getting many new clients and the overall engagement of our existing clients has decreased. LN: What are some actions you’ve taken to make a difference? AL: We saw it coming from the beginning so we were able to quickly switch to an online platform. We can have one-on-one training, check-ins, and planning meetings with our clients this way. We also are implementing a new “On Your Own” Pledge Program. It comes with a nutrition guideline and different workouts divided over time. LN: It’s been said that smart people learn from their mistakes, but wise people learn from the mistakes of others. What mistakes have you made that can help others? AL: You have to act on goals when they come to you. Do them as best you can and stay ready for the unthinkable. LN: What’s most inspiring you today? AL: I’m inspired by my fiancé who is a nurse on the frontline. To see someone pushing through in the face adversity every day motivates me to do all I can. Contact: (713) 401-2841 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ If you know of a business owner wanting to be interviewed for this complimentary educational newsletter please send us an email by replying to this one! Please be safe, cautious, and follow all guidelines. Remember to support your local business and be kind to one another. 🙂 |
