We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Julia Soto a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Julia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you as a business owner?
Before becoming a business owner, I worked for a salon franchise for five years. It was through this experience that I learned many important lessons that would help me as I progressed in my career. I feel that the most important lesson I learned was in the area of customer service. When I began working for the company, management quickly realized my passion and devotion to customers and promoted me to Retail Specialist. This position required me to really focus on the importance of meeting all of the customer’s needs. I had to greet clients, answer questions, offer product recommendations, and address any issues or concerns promptly and professionally. This role helped me to fully understand that the customer is what makes the business. As a business owner, I continue to hold my customers in the highest regard. I make sure that they know I truly care about their hair, their health, and their general well-being.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
As a child, my mother worked a lot and my father really had no idea how to do hair. I discovered that one way I could contribute to the family was by helping with my sisters’ hair. I would wash, shampoo, and style their hair quite frequently. I soon learned that I actually loved doing this work. Not only did it help my sisters feel more confident and boost their self-esteem, but doing their hair also gave me a sense of purpose. At the age of 14, I started doing my friends’ eyebrows and charging a small fee for my services. I continued to enhance my skills by consistently practicing my craft, getting my cosmetology license, and finding professional development opportunities to keep learning and honing my skills. Currently, I offer a variety of services to my clients – braiding, custom color, make-up application, barber services, wedding updos, extensions, and silk press – just to name a few. As a licensed cosmetology instructor in Michigan, I also offer instructional courses on hair styling, barbering, and braiding as well as one on one education for future professionals in the field. But my brand is much bigger than just the services that I provide. As a stylist, I want to make sure that I take a more holistic approach. When my customers sit in my chair, I want them to feel safe, listened to, and cared for. I want them to look fabulous, but I also want them to feel fabulous. This is what sets me apart from others in the industry; I service the whole person.
In addition to my work as a stylist, I also maintain the role of Cannabis Event Coordinator. As someone who struggles with ADHD, I found that cannabis is a natural way to ease my symptoms. It helps me stay focused and remain calm. As a result of the success I’ve had, I’ve become very passionate about this work. I know that others who suffer, not just from ADHD, but from other illnesses as well, can also benefit. At a young age, I learned the ins and outs of the food management industry working in my father’s restaurant. My love and knowledge of cooking, passion for holistic wellness through cannabis, and my Puerto Rican heritage have led me to pursue cooking cannabis-infused cuisine. I am excited to continue learning and developing in this area in order to continue helping people the best way I can.
We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.
I keep in touch with clients through a variety of sources. I am very active on social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram. Using these platforms helps me to continue to promote my services by sharing photos, reviews, upcoming promotional events, and even my availability. I also have a website where I share my mission, an overview of my services, along with a gallery of my work and contact information. But I pride myself most in the relationships that I develop with my clients. This is how I foster brand loyalty. I ensure that my clients are satisfied 100% of the time; I check in with them after their appointments to make sure they are happy with the work that I did. I also provide them with recommendations and options to continue to promote healthy hair care at home. When you value your clients and treat them with dignity, respect, and care, you build loyalty.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Life is definitely unpredictable. You are forced to make changes on the go and adjust to situations and circumstances that may arise. When I was working for a salon franchise, I realized that I needed to make a change. While I enjoyed working there, I couldn’t help this gut feeling that I needed to go into business for myself. I learned so much at that salon in terms of leadership, customer service, and organization. I learned accountability and was allowed to have the time to refine my skills and grow. I knew that I had the tools necessary to be successful on my own, and I took a leap.
Contact Info:
- Website: jewlzdesigns.weebly.com
- Instagram: @juliasoto12
- Facebook: Julia Elyse Soto
Image Credits
Grace Malec of Grace Malec Photography