We were lucky to catch up with Ashley McLeod recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ashley , thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with what makes profitability in your industry a challenge – what would you say is the biggest challenge?
In being a salon owner, the biggest challenge in profitability is we are always evolving in the beauty industry. With working behind the chair or a actual brick and mortar comes keeping several products on hand for each different service we offer. We all want to strive for the “best top notch service/products ” used or offered. With this also comes lots of what we call “sitting money”,in order to keep things we need for each client and to offer several services we have to keep lots of stock and products available to be able to achieve that. So its unrecognized that they think when we tell them a price, we make all this revenue ,they do not see not only the time it takes but the amount we spend per service per product used ,which varies greatly depending on how many products per service. This industry cost has skyrocketed each quarter of the year making it harder and harder to actually make a profit after you cover overhead costs. As a stylist (products/ booth rent) As an owner of a booth rental Salon ,we actually aren’t making money. We are keeping the doors open and creating a space where we want that space to look and feel like with others on your team with that same vision. This business is a revolving door on both sides. There is such a stigma with being a hairstylist or salon booth rental owner,that we make lots of money. The truth is they do not see what it takes to even make a third of what they think after its all said and done.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I have been around the beauty industry my entire life. My mother is a barber of almost 48 years. I started trade school in high school at 17 years old. I’ve been a licensed hairstylist for almost 23 years and owned my own salon for almost 17 years (June 19th) I wanted to create a space unique and different where everyone felt welcome and valued. We have an amazing team of 7 talented ladies and 2 more who will join us soon. With a industry who is always evolving, we strive to offer the latest services and stay up to date on anything that is trending and also educating clients with all aftercare or daily tips. We all greet each others clients with a smile and make them feel comfortable and welcome at all times. I am always trying to further my education in the industry as I love to make others feel and look their best inside and out. I recently just took a Trichology course through American Medical Association. I will be a Dual Licensed Trichologist after June 23rd. This is a bridge between dermatology and cosmetology and helps people who have hair loss or thinning hair due to medical conditions, genetics or other various reasons. The products I will offer are all FDA approved so no gimmicks . I’m super excited about this because I love to help others and that is part of why I chose the industry. I love listening to others life stories and making them feel confident,being seen and heard. I’m most proud of always having a supportive team to work alongside me who also is always evolving in the latest trends /education/products/services . I want people to know ,no matter your personality type, ethnicity, status or anything else … you will Always feel welcome at Glamorous Spalon 💓
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
* FINANCIAL * As a young business owner at 25 years old, I had three young children. I was confident in knowing what I wanted and have always been a go getter, you fall down, get back up and try again. I am from a very small town. I walked into a local bank to show them my business blueprint, my plan for booth rental spots and all my ideas asking for a loan. The man looked at me like I was crazy. He told me, ” I’m sorry, we can’t offer you a loan, most salons don’t make it past 5 years. ” Of course leaving there i was crushed and shocked especially being as prepared as I was. I decided ok that was my test,remember what your wanting and do not give up, try again. So I went to a different local bank in my actual small town (Benton,Ky) and they believed in me! If it weren’t for them and their beliefs in me I wouldn’t be where I am and I’m forever grateful.
*PHYSICAL* i have had medical issues since I was 22 years old. In 2017 I had a surgery that ended in complications and was almost fatal . I spent almost a month in the hospital in St. Louis, MO. I Was told by multiple doctors (Pcp/neurologist/physical therapist) that I would never work behind the chair again with my medical issues and chronic pain. I refused that and told them I most definitely would. It may look different than my old self… I “acclimated ” to my work space. I use an aerobic step so I’m higher than the client and don’t raise arms as high,I wear a back brace ,use ice packs and don’t schedule as many people as I once could … but I am still currently working behind that chair. I was pushed two different ways to give up …and I am not gonna lie, when you want to give up,I’ve learned that is when your being tested to rise higher than that and to the next level 💓
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
I had to unlearn saying “Yes” to everyone and everything…I’ve always been a people pleaser and hate saying no. Unfortunately I almost lost my family making myself too available to everyone. I worked super long hours,missed out on special family times and events. I now decide when to respond and when I’m available depending on my family’s and my needs first
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Glamorousspalon.com
- Instagram: Glamorous Spalon
- Facebook: Glamorous Spalon
Image Credits
American marketing and publishing