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

Alright, Nina thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

I was a salon owner for 11 years and a hairstylist for 20 years It is my life and all I know. I had a dream to become an independent educator and really wanted to serve the commission salon owner and all stylists. But I owned a salon and leading my team and showing up for them way my number 1 priority. So after a few years of sitting on this idea and working around the clock. I decide to sell my business and start my own consulting business in Jan of 2017. It was scary, it was hard. I mean really hard. I had doors close in my face all the time. I had many sleepless nights. I had many moments of wanting to quit and just give up.

You see I was in the industry for over 20 years but not many people knew about me. I was basically starting over. So I spent hours and hours a week on Fb and IG just building relationships and serving my community with a ton of education. and FINALLY after year 3 it started to pick up momentum. The reward was bigger than the risk for me. Serving others and leading from that space was what really pushed me through it all. And if I hadn’t taken the leap, I definitely would be looking back kicking myself. I love what I do and I love my beauty industry community. You live life one time. Take the leap, you deserve it.

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 began my career back in 1996 and after styling for a few years, I quickly moved up in the ranks from salon manager to district manager of eight (yes, eight!) salons.

I successfully managed 55 employees and had eight direct reports, all while taking the chain to a 20% profit in the very first year for all eight stores. This time in my career was critical to my growth as I quickly learned how to create and maintain a sustainable brand, strong profit margins, and motivated team members. From there I was invited to be part owner and manager of a chain of salons in West Palm Beach, Florida.

The part not enough people talk about…

It wasn’t all rainbows and butterflies. Alongside all the sparkle and shine was a woman struggling to stay afloat.

I was a salon owner with $90K debt by year 4. I almost closed my business twice by year 5 because I didn’t know how I could afford to keep it running. By the end of my first year in business, I had $800 left in my account… When the creditors came knocking in year 4, ready to remove all my salon furniture, the only option I had left was to sell my home to KEEP my business…

The good news?

I was able to turn my business around, and from year 5 I was seeing 20-30% growth year on year, and bringing in an average 20% profit. My team grew exponentially, and when I eventually did sell my salon, it was because I wanted to… and for a good profit!

I’ve quite literally been there and lived it. I’ve hit rock bottom, and climbed to the highest heights.

And this is why I want to help future generations of stylists and salon owners to build a business that brings in nothing but joy and profit! Today I help stylists and owners build their business and their confidence through online courses, one on one coaching, in person education, and speaking engagements. I think what makes me different is how vulnerable I am. I am willing to share my mistakes so I can help others avoid making them. I am an open book and will share my story to help others.

We’d appreciate any insights you can share with us about selling a business.

First I would like to say selling a business isn’t bad. I think there is this perception if you feel your business it MUST be failing. I sold my business in 2016 because it was at its most profitable state. I also sold it beanie I knew it was time. Listen to your gut. If you feel like its no longer serving you are you’re no longer able to serve your team it may be the to look at other avenues. If your business is very profitable it may be time too.

One of the biggest things I learned was the importance of having a business assessment. It is so important to understand the valuation of your business before you decide to sell it.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

Brand loyalty is huge. It takes a lot to create that trust and it’s so important to nurture it as well. I stay connected by being accessible. I would say DM is where I send most of my time. I have created a safe space where my clients or potential clients can reach out for advice. But let’s not put our eggs in one basket. I also am really big into email campaigns. It’s so import to build that list of people in your network and communicate with them at least 2x per month. Educate them share good news,or what is up and coming. People love to know you care about them.

Contact Info:

• Website: ninatulio.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/ninatulio