We recently connected with Rhonda Brown and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Rhonda thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to start by getting your thoughts on what you are seeing as some the biggest trends emerging in your industry.

One of the most notable trends I have observed within the salon industry is the decline of the traditional salon environment. There has been a significant increase in the popularity of suite-type salons. This business model involves a building that houses multiple small, individual salon spaces, each approximately 102 square feet in size. Stylists are drawn to this concept as it allows them to operate as their own business owners and have greater control over their work environment. As a result, the traditional salon model with multiple stylists in one location is experiencing a decline.

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?

As a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in the hair industry, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. My journey began at a young age, where I was captivated by the vibrant atmosphere and camaraderie within my mother’s hair salon. Inspired by their passion and dedication, I took a leap of faith and embarked on this fulfilling career path at the age of 19.

Since then, I have had the privilege of serving as an educator for two renowned global hair brands, sharing my insights and techniques with aspiring hairstylists. In 2004, I realized my dream of opening Salon LaFaye, a haven dedicated to providing exceptional hair services.

My work has been recognized and featured in various hair publications and magazines, showcasing my expertise and creativity. I have had the honor of collaborating with Beyoncé’s hairstylist on stage and have been acknowledged with prestigious awards. My clientele spans a diverse spectrum, from soccer moms to prominent local news personalities.

My areas of specialization include curly hair, technical haircutting, and lived-in color techniques. I am deeply passionate about this industry and find immense joy in transforming the lives of my clients through the art of hairstyling.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Indeed, when I initially launched the salon, I possessed a certain level of confidence in my abilities and knowledge. However, through experience and encountering various challenges, I came to realize the importance of seeking advice and learning from others. Now, I actively seek opportunities to gain insights and expertise from salon owners, managers, and anyone who can contribute to my professional growth.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Since the establishment of our salon in 2004, the nation has faced substantial economic challenges. The housing market collapse in 2008 was the initial setback. We observed a significant decline in demand for color services. In response, I modified our offerings to include less intricate hair color treatments that required less time and product. As a result, our clients were able to maintain their attractive appearance while adhering to a budget, and we were able to avoid financial losses. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, resulting in the closure of our business for a period of two months. Upon reopening, we implemented modifications to our appointment scheduling system to accommodate an increased number of clients, which enabled us to recover a portion of our lost revenue within a relatively short timeframe.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.salonlafaye.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/hair_by_rhondalafaye
• Facebook: Facebook.com/salonlafaye

Image Credits
I took the pictures