We were lucky to catch up with Gisela Lopez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Gisela, appreciate you joining us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

I was burned out, which happens behind the chair to many of us. I decided either I was going to teach or I was going to start my own business behind the chair. At that time I’ve had been working for salon owners for 10 years! I was hating going in to work, I was stuck, not growing and burned out. One day I simply decided to go on my own. I knew my next move was to try to have my own business or quit the hair industry. I was missing out on seeing my son grow, by spending so many hours at the salon where I wasn’t growing. I was super nervous and anxious. I didn’t even know where to start. Many questions went through my head, for example ” What if my clients don’t follow me?” “What if I don’t make enough money to pay my rent?” “What if I don’t have what I need in my inventory for an unexpected client?” “How do I open a business account ?” Etc.

I did some research and within 2 weeks I was all set up to start, I had contacted a salon where they leased stations to stylists, went in for an interview and by the 3rd week I was setting up. I went to a huge amount of inventory, called my clients, opened up social media business pages, my business accounts and headed to work. I had to learn to market myself, taking pictures, keep up with social media and all! But let me tell you that first 2 weeks on my own I made more money than I’ve ever made before!

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?

I became a stylist kinda my accident. It wasn’t ever my first career choice, we have moved in the middle of my high school years and the school offered the Cosmetology program. I decided to joined and when I graduated I got licensed. I did an assistant program for 1 year then went to work at a commission salon. I went back and decided to get my Cosmetology Instructor License, since I always wanted to teach. I wasn’t crazy about running a classroom full of women at the time. When I decided to go on my on, I knew it was game time. I learned as much as I could. Taking webinars to learn how to run a business on social media. I always love learning, and till this day I take many classes, from marketing, business and of course new Hair color techniques.

Education is very important in our industry. I believe once you’re stuck we have to step away and get refocus and find inspiration again.

I love education. I love educating my clients in how to properly care for their hair. I will be the first one to tell them no, if they want a service that is unrealistic for their hair. Healthy hair is a must! I think that sets me apart from many in the industry. Honesty is the best way to start a relationship with my clients.

I enjoy sharing about our lives. I love to connect with everyone that sits in my chair. They truly become like family.

A few years ago I jumped on the Hair Extensions wagon, I once again thought about it before jumping in. I went and took several certifications before offering the service. It has become one of my favorite services. The confidence a woman has when they’re in love with their hair is amazing to see! They transform into the beauty queens they are!

I recently started offering One on One classes for Hairstylists that want to learn my techniques, formulations and such. Since teaching was always on my mind, I feel like one on one is better for me since I can focus all my attention on one student at a time.

I’m an open book. I love sharing about my life with my followers, clients and potential clients. What you on camera is who I am. I think it’s important for clients to see who we really are.

I know social media is an important role in our careers. I know we all feel like it’s another job. As for me, I love it because it’s fun, that is what it supposed to be. It helps us build our brand, but it can’t be taken too seriously. I love having fun with it

How did you build your audience on social media?

Keep showing up! Yes, that is the key. Social media is about consistency. Yes it’s stressful, since the algorithm keeps changing, but that’s the beauty of it. We need to keep learning.

I usually take classes along the year from other beauty professionals and learn from them. Social media mentors are everywhere. If you’re struggling with social media I strongly suggest to get with a social media mentor.

My advice is keeping showing up, don’t compete with other accounts, do you. Show your face, yes I know some people are camera shy, but showing your face on stories, reels and your feed helps your audience connect with you!

Don’t worry about not having thousands of followers, you can be successful with the followers you have! Followers doesn’t equal success.

Consistency! Yes that is it! Set up a calendar on which you choose days and times you post. No you don’t have to post every day but you do have to stay consistent! Show up on stories. Do some polls, ask questions, connect with your Audience. Always reintroduce yourself from time to time, so your new followers get to know you.

On your social media calendar choose days to post a picture, another days to post reels, other day to do stories etc. To make it easier as you start. Most of all have fun with it!

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

My dedication to grow! By no means I want to be social media famous or anything, but I love connecting with others in my industry. I love inspiring others, I do so by sharing my knowledge, as well as being open to learning from others. I network with stylist in my area as well as other states and even other countries. This is a beautiful industry and we can find inspiration everywhere, it’s just a matter of taking it in.

Being supportive of others can take you a long way. I have met so many beautiful people through social media and when I do get the chance to meet them in person, at a class or event it feels like Christmas morning.

Contact Info:

• Website: Hairartistrybygisela.com
• Instagram: Hairartistrybygisela
• Facebook: Hair Artistry by Gisela

Image Credits
Ashley Owen’s Photography, Glimpses of Grace Photography