We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alisha Spangler a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alisha, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today. Risk taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
Taking a risk:
Without risk there’s no growth. It’s kind of like a cascading effect, or at least that’s how I look at it. My risk is becoming a salon owner which has seen many ups and downs. Without taking the risk of becoming a hair stylist after beginning a completely different career path, and without taking the risk to start my own salon just shy of 7 months out of cosmetology school and 10 clients on my book, without the risk of adding to my team and taking away, without the risk of powering through a pandemic and being on the verge of an economic collapse, I would not continue to take the risk to be a salon owner and employee like minded people that wish to grow with my brand. I’ve taken the risk to move locations to a neighboring town and grew more than I could have imagined. Taking a risk requires grit. I never would have thought I would be 6 years into owning an amazing salon and spa that continues to thrive and grow daily while turning customers into family. I’m so thankful I took the risks to get where I am, that I continue to bet on my team and myself, that I push through even when times are hard, and that I persevere with grit. I will continue to take risks to scale and push through the hard times to achieve the dreams of my brand and team mates.
Alisha, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am a hairstylist and a salon and boutique owner. My passion for helping others and getting to know people on a personal level led me to beauty. I’ve always had an interest in fashion and beauty which contributed to my interest in the industry. While I own a full service salon and spa, my favorite services are lived in color, hand tied extensions, and smoothing treatments. I have an interest in educating clients about their hair and I have gained a particular passion for thinning hair as many people are experiencing that since Covid. I thrive on creating a salon environment that is different than most. Before doing hair, my experience in salons were dry, cold atmospheres that were not welcoming. My team and I strive to provide a welcoming environment that feels much like your home away from home.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
I believe my reputation has grown with being raw and honest with my clients. Often times my clients refer me, this is because I have built trust with them, therefore they want to share me with their peers. I make each appointment about them. I allow them to confide in me and I remember their victories and struggles. I listen intently to them, provide guidance when asked, and follow up when I see them again.
How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?
I keep in touch with clients mostly through texting, but also through social media. In today’s time, we are very fortunate to have social media as a communication platform. Hairdressers before me relied on word of mouth, whereas now most everyone uses social media. I make an effort to post daily on social media. I also think of my clients as family. If they pop in my head, I text them. Sometimes it’s just to say, “Hey, you’re on my mind!” When you build rapport and treat your clients as you want to be treated, loyalty is established.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.merakicosalon.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/merakico.salonllc?igsh=MWQwbm5rbHU0a3N3aA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MerakiCo.Salon?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Cindy McNew Makayla Hutchins