We were lucky to catch up with Anatalie David recently and have shared our conversation below.

Anatalie, appreciate you joining us today. Often the greatest growth and the biggest wins come right after a defeat. Other times the failure serves as a lesson that’s helpful later in your journey. We’d appreciate if you could open up about a time you’ve failed.

Like a shooting star on my way to mars, my two salons were doing great! We had plenty of cash flow, my personal savings was thriving and I had just purchased my first home. I decided the next best thing to do was to move halfway across the country and open a third location. While the concept was grand, I was blinded by the possibility of this new venture and ignored major red flags. I ended up closing that location within a year but I learned valuable lessons. 1) advocate for yourself – my landlord was not upholding their end of the bargain by providing my salon with the parking spots promised in our lease. I was able to get out of my lease because I stood up for my rights and kept receipts. 2) You need more than honesty and good character. In fact having those two things can sometimes be a weakness, but it’s nothing I would change. I have learned to trust what people do not what they say. Just because you say you have management experience doesn’t mean you do. 3) You can’t train give a shit! People will either put in the effort or they won’t – again refer to #2

Anatalie, 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 natural born entrepreneur! I was creating business plans and playing restaurant and hotel manager as a child. I also grew up on the stage, so I have a flair for the dramatics. I was raised in my mother’s salon in Houston in the 90s. Fast forward 30 years and enter my teenage fever dream that are The Hair Room Salons. My salons are gender free, safe spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community and those that love them. Our motto: no egos, no attitudes, just fun times and great hair, embodies our culture. We want you to feel like you’re just hanging out in your besties bedroom. We are more than just great hair, we are an experience.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

We are authentic! From our branding to our insalon experience you know exactly what you are going to get before you even walk in, a new best friend.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

It starts at the top! I never ask my team to do something I wouldn’t do myself. I treat them like family, but with the structure and accountability of a transparent boss. I have check ins and one on ones with all of my staff. When issues arise, we mediate until emotions diffuse and everyone gets a chance to be seen and heard. We promote a heavy sense of transparency and open communication. It’s important to learn what and how each employee is motivated and to lean into that. Also retreats and fun outings are always a great way to keep the spirits up.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thehairroomjc.com
• Instagram: anatalienicole
• Linkedin: Anatalie David
• Other: TikTok anatalienicole