Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Amy Mahmood . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Amy , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.
Before taking on the challenge of running a salon, I was a medical student. I found out my fiancé and I were going to have a baby. The first pregnancy was very hard on me. My body did not take it well. I lost so much weight, throwing up all the time, and struggled in all my classes. I had no choice but to leave medical school to rest and have this baby. Long story short, I thought about going back after a one-year delay, but eventually, we were having a second child 18 months later. I became a stay-at-home mom for 14 years to three beautiful girls. Little did I know, my skills of cutting hair that I took up when I was around 10 or 12 would become a career later in my life. My father said I was the artistic one in the family, so he bought me a pair of shears to play and practice on my whole family and friends. Eventually, I ventured out to perms, colors, makeup, etc. Sadly, after 14 years of marriage, I went through a divorce. I wasn’t sure what to do with my life at that point. Going back to medical school was not an option since I knew how hard and long the hours those days were. Plus, my girls were still very young, and I couldn’t afford daycare. I needed something quick. My stylist and friend at that time suggested I look into cosmetology. She said the great thing about it was the flexibility that allowed her to work whenever she wanted and still be able to take care of her young daughter. I entered Evergreen Beauty School, and on the very first day, I was going to quit. I saw there were so many young girls, as young as 17, and three students to a station. There was no way I could be as good as these young girls. How could I compete with their generation? They were so good. My instructor, Ms. Ashley, said to me, “Amy, you can’t determine your career path in just one day of class.” She made me promise to sit in for a whole month and then decide after that. After 13 months, I graduated and got my license to become a professional stylist. I had a lot of insecurities being a stay-at-home mom for so many years. I didn’t think I was good enough. Looking at these younger girls and me in my early 40s, there was no way I could be as good as them. But my perseverance, diligence, and hard work got me where I am today. I must thank my instructor Ms. Ashley for encouraging me to stay and not quit that day! God bless her! So, fast forward six years later, I came to work for Kattwalk Salon, and I met a wonderful mentor and friend, Leann Gibson. She was the owner of Kattwalk. She took me under her wings and taught me so much more than what the beauty school could ever do. Nothing beats real-life hands-on experiences. I have Leann to thank for that, and I’m happy that we’re still good friends today! Three years ago, Leann got married and moved. She approached me and asked me to take over Kattwalk Salon. Again, I went into panic mode, and my insecurities kicked in that I’m not good or ready enough to handle all the responsibilities of running a salon or staff. I had only been in the industry for three years. The other stylists had been out for over a decade and some plus years. How could I know more than them? They had more years of skills and knowledge than I did. It was a risk I was too scared to take. A month went by, and I still didn’t give her an answer. She told me when we met up again that she wanted to trust someone who is passionate and genuinely cares and loves the salon and its clients. She chose me. I decided to take on that risk. I took 80% out of my savings and purchased the salon. I was scared. I didn’t know if I was going to be able to make that money back, break even, or go under. Money was tight. I was worried I didn’t have enough to pay for bills, products, employees, and other little things like running a webpage, supplying beverages, paper towels, toilet paper, replacing equipment, etc. I faced so many challenges of being an owner I didn’t know I had. For instance, I struggled with some staff members who didn’t see me as an owner but a colleague and weren’t used to being told what to do. I had to deal with clients at different levels of demands, wants, and needs. So how do I handle complaints? How do I attract more clients? How can I do more retail? What other means can I advertise? How do I keep my staff happy? How do I hire? How do I get involved in the community? How do I network? I was so overwhelmed and also tired from working long hours and many days. I thought I made a mistake taking the risk of owning a salon. I was afraid I wasn’t making money. Three years of ownership is coming on April 1st. I am happy to say I have learned a lot in the last two somewhat years. I learned that in every challenge that comes my way, there is always a way to rectify the situation. There is always a solution. I have the strength of patience that enables me to stay calm and not be too hasty. I think we all experience some stress in life, some of us more than others. I have experienced it on a daily basis. But I find joy in every challenge because I’ve been able to resolve it. And that’s what makes me a better stylist than I am today. Life experiences are priceless. They give knowledge, and knowledge is power. I have learned so much. Yes, I could have given up two years ago, but I’m not a quitter. In fact, I want to take it as far as I can and look back one day and say, “I did good.”
Amy , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
At Kattwalk Salon, our highly skilled and creative stylists pride ourselves on providing exceptional quality and personalized service for our clients. We offer designer haircuts, balayage, fashion color, keratin treatments, waxing, lash extensions, hair extensions, bridal or event makeup, to microblading. There’s something for everyone. We are a family-oriented, fun, and friendly salon. We value our clients as we want them to value us.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I think, or perhaps I know, what has built our reputation at Kattwalk Salon. It is simply being honest and genuine with your clients. Don’t fake being “all that.” Believe it or not, they can read you. My consultations with all my clients have been 100% real and truthful. I listen to their concerns and needs first, then I give them my recommendation. I’m always honest and upfront with my clients. I genuinely care about the health of their hair but also about giving them what they want or something close to that. We work together to get them to a point where they’re happy with the result. I’m not out to get them to pay a ton for a service or make them book more services they really don’t need. I know some stylists make their clients add on services or switch up services for a higher charge. I’m not about that. Your clients can get a feel for who you are from the initial visit. I’d rather be real and honest from the beginning. If I feel they don’t need a service, I tell them they don’t need it and send them home. You will create beautiful long-term relationships with your clients. They will trust you and further recommend you to their families and friends. We won Best Salon in Kent six years straight, all because of our loyal clients. So, it’s best to be honest from the start.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
What I’ve noticed about how we’ve gained new clients over the years is through reviews on Google and word of mouth. I send out text messages once a week to ask for their reviews about the services they’ve received at our salon. If I send out 10 review requests, I may get 3 reviews. It’s not exactly what I was hoping for, but it’s not bad either. Eventually, your reviews will build up, and people do read them. I receive calls or see online bookings from people who have read these reviews. People’s reviews have brought us more new clients than ever. It can be challenging to ask people for their reviews; most of the time, they’ll forget. But don’t give up; continue to ask for them. You may not get a lot in return, but some is better than nothing.
Contact Info:
- Website: Kattwalksalon.com
- Instagram: @kattwalksalon
- Facebook: Kattwalk Salon
- Yelp: Kattwalk Salon