We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Josie Stambaugh. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Josie below.

Hi Josie , thanks for joining us today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

Being a business owner for me in particular, has been amazing. My first advice for anyone considering opening their own business is do it alone. Having a business partner seems like a good idea, but if you truly have an idea, image or particular business plan in mind, having too many people involved will dilute your true vision. Don’t ever doubt you can do it alone. You can. That’s what I did and I’m grateful for it. I’ve tried the business partner route in the past, and it ended up being more frustration than reward, and now for the past few years I’ve done it as a solo owner but with the same great team of girls working for me.
I am a very creative person by nature, so having my job/career allows me to use my creative abilities each day. When a client sits in my chair and describes how they want their hair, I can visualize the placement and technique I am going to use. I’ve always loved science as well, and many people don’t realize in this industry how much we use science to formulate. I am not sure how well I would thrive in a “normal” job. If you put any artist, whether it be a painter, tattoo artist, or creator of any kind in a box or give them limitations on their work or vision, it puts restrictions on the outcome, while potentially not getting the full scope of their talent and abilities. I feel like a 9-5 office job would make me a different person, I’d lose my passion and not be as fulfilled as I am now. I love waking up everyday knowing I get to do what I love and make people beautiful.

Josie , 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’m the owner of The Gypsy Parlor in Olathe, Kansas. We are a metaphysical based, moody maximilist salon that offers hair, nails, spa and tarot readings. We are Olathe’s #1 rated salon, rated #1 from Kc Favorites and continue to receive continued recognition for our shop. I have been doing hair for 25 years. I also hold special events, such as mediumship readings, workshops, pop up events.
We are not the “average” salon you’re used to seeing. When you walk in, you see gallery walls with one of a kind, eclectic decor, making you feel like you just walked into a moody castle or maybe a shop in Salem, Massachusetts.
I am most proud of my team I have working for me. Without them, I am just a stylist. WITH them, I am The Gypsy Parlor. Terin and I have worked together for 11 yrs. She is very well known for her wedding hair and makeup around KC, she is an amazing overall hairstylist. Heather is our only nail tech, her hand drawn nail art is what she is known for, and just 4 yrs in the industry has been voted #1 in Olathe many times as well as recognized in national competitions. Megan has been with us for 4 years. She’s a hairstylist, but she also does waxing and facials, hair extensions and has won several awards for her skills in that area. Brittany started out as a tarot reader 4 years ago, then decided she wanted to do hair, so she became licensed and has now been working as a hairstylist for over a year.
Having a strong team with the same goals is so important. Having a team you trust, and can rely on is imperative.
My advice is also to be careful and mindful about the energy you allow in your space, and who you have working for and beside you. That creates your environment and the clients can feel it. The energy is so good in our shop and people say that everyday.

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

Letting go of control! This hasn’t always been easy for me, as I’m a planner and scheduler, I tend to try to do alot on my own to make sure it gets done. Having a particular idea of how exactly I want things to be, just didn’t end up being the case or working out as planned. Knowing that it’s not the end of the world if something changes, and also learning to delegate projects to others helped me take the stress off of my shoulders and also allowed me to free up time with my family. Luckily, I am married to a man who basically refuses to let me do everything alone. My team of girls at The Gypsy Parlor all have key roles and responsibilities and that has made my job as owner easier. Knowing you have trustworthy people around you, with the same goals and mindset is key. Strong leader, strong team, strong business.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Consistency, pricing and skill. Those 3 things are crucial in all industries. In the beauty world, it is very important to take pride in your work. I like to treat every client as if they were going to my brand ambassador when they walk out of the door. The hair they leave with has my signature, name and reputation on it. I am certified in 12 lines, continue to expand my education and I keep my prices affordable without selling myself short. I have, and continue to win several awards of recognition in KC for all of these traits. All my clients know I give 100% and value them. As well as my team, I make sure they always feel appreciated and treated with respect. You can be an owner or manager, but having a staff and clients that know they are valued is key to success.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/thegypsyparlorkc

Image Credits

Aristic Views by Stacey Smith