We recently connected with Alaina Carr and have shared our conversation below.
Alaina, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump right into the heart of things. Outsiders often think businesses or industries have much larger profit margins than they actually do – the reason is that outsiders are often unaware of the biggest challenges to profitability in various industries – what’s the biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?
It’s common to perceive certain industries as highly profitable from the outside, but as we’ve discovered in our discussions, profitability can be a significant challenge in many sectors. In the beauty industry, despite its potential for innovation and growth, profitability faces obstacles. One major challenge arises from the influx of unlicensed practitioners and the influence of large corporations. While the industry welcomes new talent and trends, it also suffers from the presence of individuals solely motivated by financial gain, rather than a genuine love for the craft and commitment to client satisfaction.
As a licensed Cosmetologist, I prioritize delivering a comprehensive service experience to every client. However, recent regulations in Ohio allow certified stylists to perform certain services without a full license. This creates an uneven playing field, where certified practitioners can charge similar prices for services but may lack the skills and understanding of licensed professionals.
This discrepancy in qualifications can lead to customer dissatisfaction, as clients may unknowingly choose stylists who offer subpar services. Despite the efforts of licensed professionals to maintain high standards and provide value to their clients, they often face challenges in competing with unlicensed practitioners.
Ultimately, profitability in the beauty industry is hindered by factors such as regulatory loopholes, inflated prices, and a lack of consumer awareness. If these issues persist, licensed professionals will continue to struggle to maintain profitability amidst growing greed and ignorance within the industry.
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?
Alaina “AC” Carr is not just a hairstylist; she’s a visionary entrepreneur and master stylist, committed to transforming lives one hairstyle at a time. With over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, Alaina’s journey began at a young age, sparked by her fascination with braiding, a skill passed down by her mother. This early passion led her to pursue formal training, culminating in a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management and a Master of Science in Human Resource Management.
Alaina’s professional path took her across various roles and locations, from working at an accounting firm in Virginia to serving as a Platform Artist and Styling Mentor at Synergi Salon in Columbus, Ohio. In September 2016, fueled by faith and a burning desire to make her mark, she took the leap and founded AC Styles, LLC.
AC Styles is not just a salon; it’s a sanctuary of beauty and empowerment. From traditional salon services to innovative hair restoration and replacement solutions, Alaina and her team offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet every client’s needs. Whether it’s crafting intricate braids or addressing hair loss concerns, Alaina’s expertise and passion shine through in every service.
What sets AC Styles apart is its unwavering commitment to client satisfaction and holistic care. Beyond styling hair, Alaina prioritizes educating clients on healthy hair practices and empowering them to embrace their natural beauty. Her dedication to ongoing education and industry certifications ensures that clients receive the highest level of expertise and professionalism.
Through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, Alaina’s resilience and faith have guided her journey. From navigating the challenges of relocating to Cleveland to adapting her business model during the pandemic, she remains steadfast in her commitment to serving her clients with excellence.
Looking ahead, Alaina envisions expanding AC Styles’ footprint, bringing the salon experience directly to clients’ doorsteps with full-service mobile salons. Her goal is not just to style hair but to uplift spirits and instill confidence in everyone she serves.
For Alaina, AC Styles is more than just a brand; it’s a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and passion. Whether you’re a longtime client or a newcomer, Alaina welcomes you to experience the artistry of enhancing your natural beauty with AC Styles. Schedule your appointment today and embark on a journey to hair transformation and self-discovery.
We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.
Since the age of 10, I knew I would be an entrepreneur. It all began with braiding, introduced to me by my mother, who was a neighborhood braider. At 15, I applied to the vocational Cosmetology program at my high school, where I discovered my niche during the Open House.
After completing the two-year course with high honors, I passed my Ohio Board of Cosmetology exam with flying colors, becoming the first in my class. However, my plans faced a hurdle when my mother limited my salon work to 20 hours per week due to college responsibilities. Determined to pursue my passion, I prioritized my career over college.
In the following years, while working various jobs, I built up a clientele on the side. Yet, I felt unfulfilled and sought something more. In 2016, after my husband’s military discharge and our relocation to Ohio, I took a leap of faith and launched my own salon, AC Styles, LLC.
Through word of mouth and social media, my business grew 15% in the first year. However, a move to Cleveland drastically reduced my client base. Prayer led to a solution: a booth at my mentor’s salon in Cleveland while I continued serving my Columbus clients, introducing the concierge service concept.
Over the next three years, I managed two salon locations and traveled for client education and styling. But balancing family and business became challenging. In December 2019, fate intervened with a class in Atlanta on film industry set etiquette. Little did I know, the pandemic would alter my plans.
During the lockdown, I adapted, discontinuing salon contracts and shifting focus to mobile services. Despite challenges, my clientele embraced the convenience, leading to an 85% decrease in salon services and a 50% increase in mobile services in the first six months post-lockdown.
Today, my concierge services see a 10% annual increase, with plans to expand to three new cities and states within two years. By December 2025, I aim to offer full-service mobile salons, bringing the salon experience to clients’ driveways.
The journey has been arduous but fulfilling. As an entrepreneur, I trust in the path that God has set for me, and I am committed to following His lead.
How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?
I maintain communication with my clients through various platforms, primarily utilizing text messages and emails. Given my busy schedule, having a digital paper trail allows me to ensure clarity in communication, manage appointments efficiently, and refer back to previous conversations when needed. It also provides flexibility for both me and my clients.
Additionally, I leverage social media platforms such as FaceTime, Instagram, and TikTok to engage with my audience and showcase my work. While I don’t adhere strictly to recommended posting frequencies for businesses, I prioritize human interaction and word-of-mouth branding. However, I recognize the importance of utilizing these platforms for brand visibility and plan to enhance my presence in the future.
Moreover, I utilize apparel as a means to promote brand recognition and foster loyalty. AC Styles is more than just a salon; it’s a brand dedicated to educating people about healthy hair and styling techniques. I prioritize each client’s experience, offering a one-on-one styling experience without the hassle of waiting or distractions. This personalized approach resonates with my clients, who appreciate the exclusive and top-notch service they receive.
Contact Info:
- Website: www,acstylesme.com
- Instagram: @acstylesme
- Facebook: acstylesme
- Yelp: AC Styles LLC
- Other: Instagram: @iamalainaelizabeth email: [email protected]
Image Credits
Adrian the Photographer; Alaina “AC” Carr