We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Diana Olivares. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Diana below.
Diana, appreciate you joining us today. Day to day the world can seem like a tough place, but there’s also so much kindness in the world and we think talking about that kindness helps spread it and make the world a nicer, kinder place. Can you share a story of a time when someone did something really kind for you?
My clients were the ones who urged me to open up my own salon. When I first opened, I had to buy a lot of the tools, supplies and appliances.
I was so surprised and happy when my clients began to show up with some of the things I needed as gifts. Some of the things they brought me was a towel warmer, an anti fatigue mat, a mini fridge, a pair of cutting shears and a Bose speaker.
It really meant so much to me because it showed me that they truly wanted me to succeed and they wanted to help me in my journey.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I was at a point in my life where I was ready to find a career. After being a stay at home mother for 7 years, my youngest was in school and I felt a calling to find a professional path.
I went to a hair salon for the very first time, and was instantly intrigued by the art of it all. I never considered that so much creativity went into hair. I’ve always been creative and used to get in trouble at school for doodling during instruction.
I prayed on it and felt guided to pursue a career in hair. That was 12 years ago now, so I guess you could say it worked out.
Do you have any stories of times when you almost missed payroll or any other near death experiences for your business?
2020 was a tough time. Not being able to work, really hurt my finances. I save money every year for a summer vacation with my kids, and luckily, that year I had a pretty good sum saved up.
We were shut down for 7 weeks and I still had to pay my bills and make sure I had money for rent. I was reaching the end of my summer funds. It was the very last week, and I had no more money left. I thought that was it for sure.
I was at the point where I was considering asking for handouts, when I saw on the news that salons were allowed to open! My phone blew up instantly and within 30 minutes I was booked solid for two months!
That was a huge relief. I thank all my clients who offered to pay me for their standing appointments, even though they weren’t able to come in. I truly have some of the best clients in the world!
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
My clients bring me business. When I first opened, I had about 20 clients. They would bring me their children, spouses and parents to help me build my business.
I joined a networking group and that really helped me grow tremendously.
Some of my clients are in sales and own their own businesses themselves, so I’ve gotten a lot of free advice and guidance from them. I appreciate any bit of knowledge anyone is ever willing to share with me.
I would say about 90% of my new clients come from word of mouth.
The support I get from clients and the networking group is enough to keep my business in good standing.
