We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lisa Conway a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Lisa, appreciate you 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?
From my experience, any business owner will tell you, it’s the passion for what we do that gets us up each morning. I have a real love for the work I do, the people I work alongside, the clients I spend my days with, and the role that Vantage Salon plays in our local community. For me, being a business owner comes with a sense of purpose, autonomy, and yes, happiness. It also includes long hours, stress, and taking on multiple roles. I don’t spend much time thinking about what it would be like to have a “regular” job – every job comes with it’s own challenges. I didn’t start this journey thinking it was going to be an easy ride and I wouldn’t trade either the good or bad days for anything else.
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
I’ve been a licensed and practicing hair stylist for almost 22 years, and a salon owner for 12. I trained and worked in New York before moving to Denver and opening my first hair salon, which ultimately grew into Vantage Salon. Because I started this work at such a young age, I’ve had a lot of opportunity to fine-tune who I am behind the chair and as a leader in the salon environment. In the beauty industry, we have the privilege of being unapologetically who we are. We are also living in a time in the world when the more outrageous we are as individuals, the more we can be rewarded with attention. What I’ve learned is that wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness and connection. That, along with stellar service and professionalism, remain the foundations of our brand at Vantage.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Any small business owner that has survived the last two years is as resilient AF in my book (yep, I said that). And those who suffered the tremendous heartbreak of having to close their doors, and discover a new path are even more so.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
The best source of new clients is always referrals from our existing clients. When our salon guests talk to their family and friends about their salon experience and hair happiness, we know we are doing what we set out to do!
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.vantagesalon.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vantagesalon/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vantagesalon/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-conway-1081b41a/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/vantage-salon-wheat-ridge
Image Credits
Photos taken by Lisa Coway