Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Misty Lehmann. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Misty thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
I Started working in the hair salon as a receptionist. I did that for 6 years. As time passed I realized how much I loved the industry and the joy I witnessed everyday. It was my calling.I went to night school while working the salon during the day. Even as a little girl, I would be at my Orchestra concert. I used to play the violin and my dad would comment on what a social butterfly I was. He was Military and thought that is what I needed to do. It’s funny looking back now thinking I am exactly where I was called to be. I love people and love serving whether it’s my clients, my team, or students when I’m facilitating for L’OREAL. I acquired a small salon a year before Covid happened and was excited to begin my journey. As Covid crept in I was approached to sell. I wasn’t ready at that time. I already had sacrificed so much of myself to keep it going.I had a vision and as time passed the same people offered a partnership. We then expanded and added 2 more partners that are amazing. I am only one person. I partnered with people that had the same core values and vision I had. We just celebrated our 1 year anniversary. Our culture is exactly what we dreamed of, teamwork, collaboration, and lifting each other up. we have turned down some high profile, moneymaking stylists for our culture. We spend so much time in the salon. It should be something you look forward to not something you dread. If you hate going into work find a new salon home.
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 started off in this Industry at 19, 18 years later the Key is the client. It’s so valuable the relationship you have with your clients. They become like family. Life is hard enough, communication is key. The consultation is the most important part. I have no ego behind the chair. My Job is to make them feel beautiful. I can give them my recommendations and use all the knowledge I have but at the end of the day It is their hair. If you want it, I’ll do whatever I can to do (IF POSSIBLE). Patience has built my business. Most of the time clients just want to be heard. Just listen!
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Covid was interesting to say the least. I would call clients everyday and check in. You build such a deep personal connection. I would go into the salon and sell their color and homecare products to them. It was such a breath of fresh air during such an isolating time.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
Being a doormat. I used to bend my schedule all the time. It’s Okay if they can’t make it when you’re available. It’s also Ok if they don’t want to pay your prices. It’s not personal. Value is perceived differently by everyone. Stay Kind you never know who they will refer or maybe they will return. In key Don’t take anything personally.
Contact Info:
- Website: Beautiquememorial.com
- Instagram: Hairbymistylehmann
- Facebook: Hairbymistylehmann