Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ariel Fuentes. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ariel, appreciate you joining us today. Has Covid resulted in any major changes to your business model?

Before Covid, I was working for a corporate salon for many years. Working for minimum wage hourly pay; doing over 20 haircuts a day. Getting written up for not doing haircuts in under 15 minutes and not upselling customers. It was exhausting, but I felt security in a steady paycheck. When Covid happened, I was completely out of work for almost 9 months while the salons were ordered to close. I opened up my home to a few clients and provided haircuts out of my garage. I suddenly came to the realization that it was much more fulfilling working for myself, taking my time with clients, and making my own schedule. It was a light bulb moment where I realized I could not go back to the way things were.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’ve been a Licensed Cosmetologist for over 10 years. My passion started in high school; I would color my hair all the colors of the rainbow and give haircuts to my friends. Shortly after I graduated I attended Cosmetology school in Riverside and got hired at a corporate salon immediately after. I was working for that salon on and off for 6 years; thinking that it was the best opportunity I was ever going to get. In reality, it was a bad place to be. I was working long hours for minimum wage pay, but I was conditioned to be comfortable with a steady paycheck. When Covid happened, I was working out of my garage and I realized that I could be happier working for myself as an independent stylist. During Covid, while the salons were mandated to close, I visited Joshua Tree and stumbled upon the Beauty Bubble Salon and Museum. I was completely in awe of the beautiful collection that owner Jeff Hafler had curated. Talking to Jeff, I expressed to him how unhappy I was working for a corporate salon and how I was thinking about starting over on my own. He told me that he had been doing hair for over 30 years and wanted to take a step down from hairdressing. He offered me a chair in his salon and even offered to help me build my clientele. It sounded too good to be true, but as soon as the governor said we can reopen Jeff called me the very next day.

I returned to my corporate salon 5 days a week, then drove an hour and a half away to Joshua Tree 2 days a week to work at the Beauty Bubble. It was a struggle working 7 days a week; but as I got more and more confident in my skills and my clientele started to grow I felt comfortable cutting the corporate cord.

Working for myself as an independent stylist at the Beauty Bubble was the best thing I could’ve done. I fell in love with the desert and the creative community of people that live there. As my confidence and skill set grew, I was receiving incredible opportunities. However, nothing has made me happier than the amazing clientele I have built over the years. In this small town, community is everything. I’m so grateful for the support and love I get from friends/clients. Those relationships are what I’m most proud of and keep me going every day.

Starting at a corporate salon isn’t bad to start, I got a lot of practice and learned a lot from my coworkers. However, being my own boss has opened up so many doors and creative opportunities. I hope I can encourage other stylists to make the jump. It’s scary at first but it’s the most rewarding and hardest thing you’ll ever do.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

My most effective strategy for growing my clientele is being a good listener. If you truly listen to problems and concerns that clients are having and effectively address them then they are going to trust your skills and come back. I’m always getting told by clients that I’ve been one of few to listen and execute what they ask for. Once you earn trust with your clients they will have no hesitation recommending you to friends and family.

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

Being involved with the local events helped me build my reputation within the community. I have done free hair cutting events for the local community college, face painting for the day of the dead festival, worked on local independent films, etc. Not only is it rewarding and fun to be involved in the community, but people know my face and have gotten to know me before they even sit in the chair.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @arieldoeshair
• Yelp: Beauty Bubble Salon
• Other: Email: [email protected]