Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebekah Leaman

Rebekah, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

I began my career as a hairstylist in 2007. After working for a large corporate salon for a few years, and then an independent day spa for another few years, I was ready for a change. I never considered opening my own business but a friend mentioned that she knew of a property that was looking for a new owner. It was in a great small town, but I was skeptical that it was the right move for me. In spite of my hesitations, I went with my husband to look at the space the week before Thanksgiving in 2013. I was immediately taken with the potential of the property. It was small enough to not feel overwhelming, but big enough to allow room to grow. My head was immediately filled with dreams of how I could create the environment I had always dreamed of working in and providing for my clients. The business side of things intimidated me, but my husband came from a family of entrepreneurs. He saw the dreams I had and encouraged me to take the leap. We signed a lease the following week and after 2.5 months of renovations, Salonovation opened it’s doors in February 2014.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

In the weeks after we opened, I discovered that I was pregnant with our first child. The timing felt a little crazy, but also perfect because I was excited to be able to dictate the terms of my maternity leave and the hours that would work best when I returned. But a few weeks after that, I was served with papers notifying me that I was being sued by my previous employer for violating a non compete agreement. A part of my life that I had hoped would be joyful and exciting was suddenly filled with stress and fear. I am thankful that some very brilliant lawyers did their best to help me keep my doors open and settle the situation as quickly as possible. Little did I know how much I would regret signing a piece of paper years earlier, thrown in a stack of hiring paperwork, and brushed off as “not a big deal”. But I learned 2 valuable lessons through that experience. 1) Always listen to your gut when something feels off. There is a reason you feel that way, and you will regret it later if you don’t listen. 2) The work environment I was building would be structured so that I didn’t need a legal document to trap employees – the best employees are made when their values and goals are recognized via their own free will.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

In the same way Salonovation specializes in providing a customized experience for our clients, we also seek to provide custom career paths for our staff. Our industry is unique in that there is a space for everyone because a stylist’s niche is determined by whatever they are passionate about. While some salons may try to create their brand by creating uniformity in the customer experience, we embrace our differences. I try to find ways to encourage my staff members to find whatever brings them joy, and then lean into that. We all work best when we perform in our strengths and passions.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?

I network in multiple ways – vertically and horizontally. For vertical inspiration, I find professionals who have the same ethics and goals that I do, but are a few years ahead of me in other industries. I sit with them and pick their brains and ask them what they would do in specific situations. I take notes and revisit them. Horizontally, I gather with other industry professionals who are in the same situations as me and facing similar challenges. I gain so much insight from hearing how they are finding solutions to their own challenges.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.salonovationpa.com
• Instagram: salonovation
• Facebook: salonovation