We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kelsey Schuepbach a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kelsey, appreciate you joining us today. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later

Owning a business is not for everyone, especially in the beauty/ Salon industry, it is hard work! I have gone from graduating cosmetology school to working in a Family owned salon, to a corporate salon, to my own suite, to Co-owning and working in a large Salon and Spa. I believe that everything in my journey and the timing for it all was meant to be. At times I wish I would’ve started things sooner, but personally I think if you dwell on where you are not, or the what ifs it can steal your joy and the beauty of your individual journey. There is a lot I have learned along the way, and so many aspects that I have grown in through the years. What I wish is that I would’ve had the confidence in myself to know that I could do it all before it all happened. That first time you make a change it seems so daunting and out of reach. But instead of focusing on the timing of everything, allow yourself to believe in yourself, make those plans, and bring your dreams into reality. Never settle and make those dreams come true.

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?

HI, my name is Kelsey, I am a wife, mom of 2 amazing kids, and a dog momma of two rescue pups. I have been doing hair for about 12 years now. I have always loved hair and makeup, but didn’t think of it as a career until I didn’t love what I was doing in college and during a “therapy” session with my own hairstylist at the time was encouraged to try it. I went to cosmetology school and fell in love with everything and never looked back. I have developed a niche and a passion for Color over the years. My passion is blondes and blonding creating beautiful AND healthy hair. I love dimensional and lower maintenance colors, and hair extensions. I have used Redken, Schwarzkopf, Wella, and most recently L’anza for my hair color and haircare. I have used hotheads hair extensions and techniques in the past, but I use Bellami hair extensions and placement for the last couple years. I am always striving to find the best colors and products for my clientele and myself. I am passionate about bringing the best services and haircare that I can to each person that sits in my chair. I think it is crucial to continue with education, there is always something new to learn no matter how long you have been in the industry. I invest in my education to invest in my business and clients. I truly care about each person that I encounter and strive to be a safe place personally and professionally. I want to listen to each clients concerns and goals. I think there is a balance that can be achieved in giving my clients their goal or dream hair while also being realistic. I am so proud in the passion and drive I have. It has gotten me to where I am along with extreme hard work. Owning a business is overwhelming and so hard, but just like motherhood it may be one of the hardest but most rewarding journeys.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

As everyone knows, no matter what industry you are in managing is hard. You will always have personalities that conflict, issues, and hardships. I don’t think there is a way to make anything perfect. But I do know with experience that listening and validating is always the way to go. Sometimes there is something externally going on, and sometimes its internal. There are things that are impossible to fix or help when you are dealing with different personalities and different ways people do things. But finding out the issues and ways to help or compromise to make situations better goes a long way. You can’t create the perfect environment every single moment but you can show kindness, validation, and hear people out. I think also making sure that each member of your team feels appreciated goes a long way. Honestly it can simply be encouragement or acknowledgement of something. Understanding that everyone works and thinks differently and encouraging that mindset and respect in your team is crucial.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

I think the most effective thing is constancy. In alI areas of your services provide a consistent result, experience, and expectation. I have a wonderful clientele that I have grown from word of mouth. I keep up with and I am consistent with things like social media, but honestly, I have gained the most clients from existing clients. I treat everyone in my chair with the same respect and excellence no matter what. I build relationships and trust personally and professionally. When you invest in being your best in your craft, your clients notice too. And don’t be afraid to ask for referrals, it’s the best compliment you can receive.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.societysalonandspakc.com/
• Instagram: Hair_by_kelsey_
• Facebook: Kelsey’s glam page
• Other: Email: .[email protected] Salon Instagram: Societysalonandspa