We recently connected with Katy Malak and have shared our conversation below.

Katy, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

Starting a salon and spa from the ground up was a long-term goal of mine, but I had never pictured it happening so soon at this point in my life. After having some challenges with a job in Ohio, my mom suggested that I move 2 hours back home to Indiana and start my own salon and spa. At the time, I didn’t think the idea was even feasible, but after further conversations and consideration of all the factors, I came to the conclusion that it was more than possible. Once I figured out that it was not only possible, but that I was actually going to do it, I started working on it immediately. Over the course of the next 7 months, I came up with a business plan, logo, website, content, talented individuals to work with me and most importantly – a location. My parents played a huge role in helping me find and renovate my business. My dad has his own construction company and worked 12 hour days for months in order to renovate an old building that had a fire 22 years ago into a beautiful salon and spa. While the renovations were being done, I worked every single day on everything else that needed to be done for my business. This included figuring out the best point of sale system, creating a handbook and rental agreements, creating a booking site, ordering retail and all the furniture and equipment needed, hiring and figuring out schedules, calculating commissions and product costs, creating a cohesive design concept, and so much more. About 3 weeks before opening, my daily routine shifted from paperwork and behind the scenes work to painting doors, trim, and putting equipment together. I was extremely excited when this happened because that’s when I knew we were almost there. The night before my first day of clients, my family, friends and I were all in the salon until 10:30pm cleaning everything, along with moving and staging furniture and decor. My first week at the salon went absolutely incredible and I couldn’t ask for better clients. Overall, this journey has been a whirlwind and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I am so thankful to everyone who made Wave Salon & Spa possible and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.

Katy, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I have been in the beauty industry for 6 years, obtain a cosmetology license, esthetician license, bachelor’s degree and am the owner of Wave Salon & Spa in Winchester, IN. I have always loved all things beauty related and decided back in 5th grade that this is what I was going to do when I figured out it was an job. I have a genuine passion for hair, skin, makeup and the creativity that goes into it. Helping others feel confident and beautiful keeps my passion for my job alive. This industry is very rewarding and I love doing any and all of the services I offer. When it comes to my services, I perform a variety of hair colors, cuts, styles, facials, dermaplaning, brow services and spray tans. I take a holistic approach to self care by focusing on the body as a whole rather than just the hair or skin by itself. By achieving this, I offer crystal add-ons to skin services to help cleanse their energy. You’ll also find calming music and scents when you walk in. I want everyone who comes into Wave to leave feeling balanced, whole, at peace, and of course beautiful.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Growing up in the town where you start your business can sound like a good way to have guaranteed clientele. Although, this isn’t always the case. What I have learned by working in 3 different salons in 3 different cities is that people will usually come back for 2 reasons: the quality of the work and the experience. I have learned to provide high quality work by always listening to my clients wants and needs. I have also done by best to pay attention to the small details in order to give the best experience possible. Doing these things consistently has allowed me to learn over the years and has given me the confidence and ability to open my own salon and spa.

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

In this life, majority of the population is taught that we need to go to college and find a high-paying job and work our way to the top if we ever want to become successful. Now, there is nothing wrong with that, but what most of us forget is that we have the capability to create our own reality. We don’t always have to follow a specific path that the rest of the world seems to have laid out for us. Like my dad always says, “the only things in your way are fear and atmosphere.” If we think about it, most of us are held down by fear of some kind. I unlearned the lessons and concepts tied to success that the world has been teaching us for our whole lives. When I shifted into the mindset that I could create my own reality no matter what, that’s when I realized that literally anything is possible. All my aspirations and dreams are possible; I just need to turn them into my reality through whatever means necessary. Even if I go about achieving my dreams in an unconventional way, that’s fine because they are my dreams and no one else will do it for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.wavesalonandspa.com
• Instagram: @wave.salonandspa
• Facebook: Wave Salon & Spa
• Other: Booking Link: https://linktr.ee/wavesalonandspa

Image Credits
Katy Malak