We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jessica Harvin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jessica below.
Jessica, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you tell us a story about a time you failed?
I opened my salon suite May last year. So, this year makes it one year. Unfortunately, at the end of this lease I have to close down my suite. This year I wouldn’t call it a failure, but more of a lesson learned. While, I was able to keep up with the rent I struggled tremendously. I found myself robbing Peter to pay Paul. Opening a salon suite without an already established clientele was just not a great idea. I truly learned that it pays the cost to be the boss.
Jessica, 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 opened Classic Glam Hair Salon, in May last year. I had previously worked for a blow dry bar for 5 years, and I was just ready to get out on my own. It has always been a dream of mine since I was in cosmetology school to open my own salon. I wanted a space where I could do hair my way, and not be pressured into meeting numbers for a company. I wanted to create a space for my clients to have privacy and have a space where they could relax after a hard day/s or week. I believe that lifting people spirit, and encouraging them while making them feel relaxed and beautiful was truly my gift from God. I love when my clients fall asleep while I am doing their service, because I know my job is done. They are relaxed and comfortable.
Having my own suite has definitely been a challenge because it was kind of something I just jumped into without the proper planning. So, I struggled in a lot of areas that I wouldn’t have if I had planned and saved more. I learned a lot in this past year, and I’m grateful to have this experience to move forward with.
Have you ever had to pivot?
I’m pivoting right now. My yearly lease is up, and I found a space where I can rent by the day or the week. I think right now that will be a better position for me. It opens up opportunity for me to afford to take more education and save money. I’ve built a small clientele in this past year and I plan to down size and grow larger over time. Obstacles create creative opportunity, so you have to keep going.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
I worked for TSA for eight years. After Covid I knew I wanted to do hair full time. I took the money out of my 401k, put it with my tax return and invested in my business. 
Contact Info:
- Website: https://classicglamhairsalon.as.me/
- Instagram: @classicglamhairsalon
- Facebook: Classic Glam Hair Salon LLC
- Yelp: Classic Glam Hair Salon