Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kira Antuna. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Kira , thanks for joining us today. It’s easy to look at a business or industry as an outsider and assume it’s super profitable – but we’ve seen over and over again in our conversation with folks that most industries have factors that make profitability a challenge. What’s biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

One of the primary hurdles we have experienced is the high operational costs associated with running our salon. These costs include not only the lease for the physical space but also the expenses for utilities, salon equipment, and high-quality beauty products. Given the competitive nature of the beauty industry, maintaining an attractive, modern salon with the latest equipment and products is essential to attract and retain clients.

Another significant challenge is the dependency on skilled professionals. The success of our salon largely hinges on the talent and expertise of the stylists, aestheticians, nail techs and lashe artist. Since opening we have had a high employee turnover rates due to being a new salon and not having enough clients to keep the employees here. Salon clientele may follow a departing stylist, which we have had happen and its impact the salon’s revenue and profitability.

During economic downturns we have also experienced clients cutting down on speding which hit us hard, since beauty services is a luxsury service, not something people need to servive. When this happens we do often offer promotions and discounts to attract clients, which hurts our profit margins. Additionally, with the challenges of marketing and managing a business, these are juist other factors that make it challaninging for us to stay up in a profit margin.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

We were both born and raised in Los Angeles and have known each other since 2000. Cristina, who is my sister’s best friend and practically a sister to me. I never imagined we would work together, but here we are now. Cristina, who previously worked in the beauty industry, found inspiration to pursue nail art after the company she worked for closed during the pandemic. Being a single mom of two boys, she always did her own nails to save money. After obtaining her manicurist license , she built her own clientele by offering nail services from home and through house calls. On the other hand, I, Kira Antuna, pursued a degree in marketing and management. Starting as a hobby, I began crafting candles and bath and body products, leading to the establishment of my own company, KNA Boutique, in 2014. Although I had never envisioned entering the beauty industry, my interest was piqued when I was hired to handle marketing and design for a lash company post-graduation. This sparked my passion for the beauty industry, aligning perfectly with my bath and body product line. I decided to return to school to obtain my esthetician license, which I have held since 2016. Starting my business from home, I offered services through house calls before renting a room in an established salon in 2017, expanding to employ three individuals before the pandemic hit. During the challenging times of the pandemic, I lost my entire business and had to rebuild from scratch. Enduring numerous hardships, including a severe ankle injury requiring three surgeries, while striving to revive my business and maintain financial stability was a trying period. This is when Cristina and I found solace in each other’s company. She would visit me at home to do my nails, uplifting my spirits during recovery, and our bond grew stronger than ever. We began offering lash and nail services simultaneously from my home, and a client in real estate introduced us to our current location. What started as a casual visit to the premises turned into us signing a lease within 24 hours, transitioning into proud salon business owners.

We run an extensive beauty salon known as a one-stop destination for all beauty needs. Our services cover hair, nails, lashes, facials, body treatments, permanent makeup, brows, waxing, makeup, and hairstyling for special occasions. Alongside, we offer the full range of KNA candles, bath and body products, as well as a selection of our preferred beauty items and brands. Our salon hosts various events, including shopping events to back local businesses and activities for both regular and new clients, like meditation sessions, vision board workshops, and special discount beauty days. On May 1st, 2024, we have a day planned to provide complimentary services to all as a gesture of gratitude for our clients and the community. Our salon plays a crucial role in boosting individuals’ confidence, creating a space for women to connect, share stories, and enjoy quality time with a fantastic group of women. Engaging conversations and a warm, family-like atmosphere are common during services, fostering a sense of community among employees and clients. Actively participating in the Crescenta Valley Chambers, I, Kira Antuna, serve on the board to enhance our involvement with the city. Through my engagement in the Crescenta Valley community, I have connected with inspiring nonprofit leaders, contributing to our salon’s continued growth. We have organized donation events to aid these nonprofits by donating a portion of our sales to their causes.

We take immense pride in our journey and how we have grown together through the highs and lows of our daily lives. Opening this establishment entirely with our hard-earned money, sweat, and tears without giving up on our dreams is a significant achievement. Our commitment is unwavering, and we have been working tirelessly to keep this beautiful place thriving, creating a space for everyone to come together and support one another. When you visit us, we aim to uplift your spirits, welcome you with positive vibes, and establish genuine connections with our clients. People return because they appreciate our sense of community and the love and acceptance they receive. Continuously generating fresh ideas, staying current, and engaging with our audience on social media are some ways we strive to deepen our connection with our clients.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Ensuring that you embody your expertise is crucial. If you are a lash artist, your lashes should always be impeccable; if you are a nail technician, your nails should be flawless. This is a great way to attract new clients as it initiates conversations about the services you offer and your salon. Moreover, participating in chambers and engaging with the local community has significantly contributed to our growth. By attending networking events, we connect with individuals who align with our target demographic and share a common interest in looking their best.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

This experience has been significant for both of us. We’ve learned that investing too much money at the beginning without a well-structured budget was a mistake. We were overly excited about various endeavors without considering our client base, leading to financial challenges. If we had been more cautious, organized, and budget-conscious, we might have avoided many of these difficulties. This lesson has emphasized the importance of thorough planning, especially concerning finances and partnerships. Despite facing tough conversations, we have always maintained open communication, allowing us to find common ground and grow together. Through numerous challenges, our bond has only strengthened, and we are committed to continuing to support each other. We both acknowledge that we wouldn’t have wanted to go through this journey with anyone else.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.knaclawssyla.com
• Instagram: @knaxclawssyla

Image Credits
Kira Antuna, Cristina Mira, Mayah Person