We were lucky to catch up with Christina Holloway recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Christina thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
At Simply You, my mission is to warmly welcome every client who walks through our doors, fostering an environment where everyone feels accepted and valued. This commitment stems from a personal experience from my childhood when my mother and I faced ridicule at a salon due to her disability, cerebral palsy. That moment left us humiliated, and I vowed that if I ever owned a business, it would be a sanctuary free from judgment—a place characterized by compassion, support, and inclusivity. I am wholeheartedly dedicated to this mission and will continue to uphold these values in the salon.
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 am Christina Holloway, the CEO and Owner of Simply You Salon & LLC, a welcoming space that I established in 2016 and moved into my current location in 2017. At Simply You, we provide not only a range of services, including basic and spa manicures and pedicures, but also motivation, support, and love. Our retail offerings include talking tees that promote mental health awareness and natural body butters and creams. We also cater to the disabled with travel services and have created a Kids Korner for our younger clients. Additionally, I have developed an after-school and summer programs within a local library. This program is aimed at children in underprivileged areas, teaching them about the beauty industry through creative arts. This initiative is one of my proudest achievements, as it also encourages parental involvement through some of these projects, workshops & events. Another great moment has been hosting my podcast for over 3 years sharing love, inspiration & information many people. Yet, despite facing numerous challenges, I take pride in my perseverance and am grateful to my clients, customers, family, and friends for their unwavering support. As Simply You continues to grow, I invite everyone to join us on this journey of growth and self-expression and unwavering perseverance.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
The COVID-19 pandemic, a global crisis that affected us all, prompted me to pivot my business not just once, but twice. When I was forced to close my salon temporarily, I faced significant challenges, including how to maintain my clientele and manage rent without any income & an unexpected move. Amidst the uncertainty, I found solace in a single guiding principle: to keep the faith. As the situation evolved and restrictions began to ease, I reopened the salon, adapting to new rules and regulations that seemed to change daily. This experience compelled Simply You Salon to embrace creativity while ensuring compliance. Ultimately, the necessity to pivot taught me that such challenges do not signify failure; rather, they can enhance one’s ability to trust the process and emerge stronger.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Delivering good customer service is reflected in the positive ratings and feedback I receive across various platforms, applications, and social media. I prioritize treating my customers with fairness, ensuring they feel heard and understood. While it can be challenging to achieve complete customer satisfaction, I focus on identifying solutions that benefit both parties. My commitment to quality service has bolstered my reputation and led to valuable referrals, as satisfied customers share their experiences and showcase my work. Ultimately, customer service is built on the experiences of clients, and I strive to excel in this area, which not only enhances my market presence but also increases my marketing strategies and strengthens my brand.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://simplyyoumore.com
- Instagram: simpmyyouplus
