Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lynn Baird. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Lynn thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
For me it started as a little girl. I loved all things beautiful. I gave all of my dolls and Barbies haircuts. My pets were next. Anything that had hair or fur, I would find my Moms sewing scissors and go to town. My Grandmother had a wig collection and I would play hair salon and set them all lined up in a row and pretend they were clients. It simply was meant to be my calling in life.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
At 20 years old, after a mandatory one year of college (from my Dad) I set out to find the best salon in the area in which I lived, and establish myself there.. I dressed as a professional, marched into the salon I chose and asked to see the owner. I introduced myself to him, told him I was going to be a hairstylist and wanted to work for him. He hired me on the spot as a receptionist and then went on to train me as his apprentice.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Being a business owner is not always easy. When you invest yourself and help others, they sometimes make decisions that can affect your business. In my 33 years as a business owner, I have had stylists that I have helped build a clientele decide to leave and take their clients with them, some in close proximity. This is always hard, but I believe in treating everyone with respect, hold your head high and get to work rebuilding what you have lost. I try to stay on good terms with everyone.
Let’s talk M&A – we’d love to hear your about your experience with buying businesses.
I purchased my salon from someone who was ready to retire. This was a great way to start, because it was already established and had all the equipment in place. We agreed on a price and I purchased it on a land contract with a down payment. I was so happy when I was able to pay it off. I then went on to purchase the building my salon was in, that way I could control the rent. Setting goals and reaching them as an entrepreneur is very rewarding.
Contact Info:
- Website: caledoniahairco.com
- Instagram: caledoniahairco
- Facebook: caledoniahairco
- Other: lynnbaird.lifevantage.com My wellness business that stemmed from seeing so many people struggling with health issues