We were lucky to catch up with Colleen Jackson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Colleen thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

I think it takes hard work and really believing in your vision. Never giving up on yourself and your dreams even if others don’t understand your vision. Every one’s success look different it’s accordingly to how you measure success.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Colleen Jackson I’ve been a hair stylist for over 30 years and a salon owner for 14 years. I attended a trades high school there I studied cosmology. I always wanted to attend that high school because of its trades. I knew early on this was something I wanted to do how ever in 9th I attended a high school that didn’t offer cosmetology so after my first year in high school I transferred myself a school that offered cosmetology the rest was history. I offer quality hair services such as silk press, cuts ,colors. When clients come to Beauti kafe it an whole experience of luxury and self care and relaxation. I want my customers to know that after all this time I’m just as passionate about making clients feel beautiful as I was when I first started styling hair. What sets me apart is simply customer service which seems to be a lost art today.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

When I started My first salon I had zero dollars to start with. I did try to go to the banks but they would not lend me any money. I was ALWAYS riding around the city looking for vacant commercial space I would set up appointment to look at the properties with no idea of how I was going to pay for the space. Then one day I found a space that was affordable but needed to be built out and the landlord was a builder and agreed to do most of the build out. So while the landlord did the build out part I had to pay for an architect, electrician, and plumber out of pocket. I also paid for furniture and equipment. I was working hard and not spending money on anything just on my business.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn being negative about not having help from financial institutions and also being stereotype. I would go in with 3 years tax returns 750+ credit score and all I heard back then was no. Not to mention I had thousands of dollars going in my account weekly and monthly. I was told that hairdressers/ hair salons were high risk.

Contact Info:

• Website: Beautikafe.com
• Instagram: Beautikafe_
• Facebook: Beautikafe
• Yelp: Beauti kafe