We recently connected with Pearl Gonzalez and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Pearl , thanks for joining 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?

It feels like turning 30 was my turning point. I realized that if I am perfectly healthy and live to be 100, I have already lived 1/3 of my life but if I fall ill, I’ve lived 50% of my life span. At the time I was not happy with how my life was going. I had done 3 internships in 3 separate the hair salons and it was either I continue giving other people most of my time and profit or I take the plunge and create my own path. Which I chose option 2. I took out the savings I had at the time…which wasn’t much, and poured it into what is now “Bombshell locks studio”. I didn’t know all that was required to start your own business, but I soon realized. It was everything from business accounts, chairs, cards, a lot of color tubes to the simplicity of which color of towels to buy? Bombshell locks studio is a boutique style suite which allows my clients to have all their hair care services done in one location. I offer all types of hair extensions- with quality hair & color, cut, smoothing treatments, etc. The first 2 years of being independent I was working 6-7 days a week, to accommodate my clientele. As time progressed, I was able to cut back to a more flexible schedule that still offers my clients various day/hour options. In this business, availability is key.

After 15 years of complete focus on hair, I decided to create “Green Aura Photography”. Which is another industry I knew I would enjoy. It’s really been a new adventure for me, going through photography courses and slowly gaining clients has been a nice start to my new business venture. It also created more appreciate and admiration to the photographers who are thriving because it is a bit more challenging. As well as an expensive business. No one really explains everything you need to create that beautiful photo that will get you the “likes” and bring you new clients. Some of the things required are: cameras, lenses, editing programs, portable lighting, etc. Just those items will definitely put a dent in your pocket haha… but that’s just the norm when creating a new business. You have to invest time and money. My best advice is give yourself 18 months to start seeing a profit/following. A new business will definitely humble you and teach you patience.

Pearl , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hi everyone! My name is Pearl Gonzalez. First off, I am grateful to be on this platform! I am a hairstylist, a freelance photographer, a mother and a fiancé. My personal goals are to create a life with zero regrets. I became a hairstylist in 2006. I started out as an intern, which means low hourly pay, staying late after work hours to do hands-on training and constantly questioning if this was a good idea. For new stylist, I really feel for them because hair schools sell this dream that you’re going to have your own schedule, make lots of money and have a great time. They fail to leave out that the first 5 years, you’re really just trying to survive, working 40+ hours while giving most of your earned money away. After 5 years of working under someone in a salon, I decided I wanted to break free and become my own boss.

Starting out, I had no experience running a business, much less the extra income to create one. My first month after opening was a success, it was a sign for me that it was meant to be.

My clients have now become my bonus family. Some people have family and friends, I have family, clients and friends.

Last year, I created “Green Aura photography”. I’ve always loved photography and knew I wouldn’t mind devoting my free time to capturing memories for people.

The thing I’m most proud of is being able to make a thought turn into reality. I never understood when people said you can make anything happen if you put your mind to it…until now. It’s very true, if you really want something, you just have to focus, create a plan and make it happen. No one can stop you from creating your reality…expect yourself.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy has been word of mouth. My main promoters are my clients! I’ve gotten so many new clients from my clientele telling people about me. Which goes to show, treat each client like they are your number one priority and they will treat you the same way. It is like, The Law of Reciprocity, which states when people receive something, they feel compelled to return the favor in kind.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn was just because I am consistent doesn’t mean the world will be consistent in return. There’s been times a client is on a certain medication and their color doesn’t come out as planned even though I’m consistent on my part, life will throw a wrench in the mix. Understanding things will arise that will be out of your control and making sure you have a solution ready is ideal. Life is a game of chess.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bombshelllocksstudios.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/bombshelllockshairextensions?igshid=MWI4MTIyMDE=
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063529900253
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pearl-gonzalez-103a7b22
• Other: Green Aura photography: https://greenauraphotography.com/ IG: https://instagram.com/green_aura_photography?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100078352354561