We were lucky to catch up with PJ Holt recently and have shared our conversation below.

PJ, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How has Covid changed your business model?

The largest shift in my business occurred in March 2020 during Covid. The entire service industry in Colorado shut down for about 6 weeks. I was just starting to build my clientele back up again after a year sabbatical due to a death in my family. During the first part of the shut down, I really started to analyze my happiness. I was working in a salon that I really wasn’t happy at for at least 3 years. This salon had 6 other stylists, a receptionist, and a massage therapist and I knew that when we were able to come back to work I would be nervous working in a space with so many people and so would my clientele.

The most significant transformation in my business occurred in March 2020 during the Covid pandemic. The entire service industry in Colorado came to a halt for approximately 6 weeks. I had just begun rebuilding my clientele after taking a year-long sabbatical due to a family tragedy. In the initial phase of the shutdown, I took the opportunity to reflect on my happiness. I had been working in a salon for approximately ten years and hadn’t felt inspired for the last three. This salon had six other stylists, a receptionist, and a massage therapist. Recognizing that returning to work during the pandemic would make me and my clients uneasy in a space with so many people, I knew a change was necessary. At that point, I reached out to my friend Jen who had her own studio and asked If I could use her salon for my clients on the days she wasn’t there until I could figure out my next steps. Generously, she agreed and this was the first step towards my new direction.

With good timing, a retail space opened up in downtown Evergreen. With the support of my husband Steve and best friend Diane, we decided this was the best opportunity to start my own business. The amount of additional friends and family that showed up to contribute to make this a reality was overwhelming. Diane drove all the way out from Minnesota to help with the design of the salon. Steve helped with the business model and many components of the actual remodel of the space. Everyone including my kids jumped in to help with everything from painting, ordering supplies and equipment, and getting the space ready for opening day. Even during this build-out phase, Jen continued to let me work in her salon rent-free. Wow, my dream was quickly coming together.

Reflecting back on this path, I’m not so sure I would have pursued it if COVID didn’t happen. My intuition to take this risk created the company I now run called Pixie Hair Studio.

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.

Our goal is to ensure that each guest feels heard and valued, providing them with a memorable experience during their visit. Pixie’s offerings outside of styling services include seasonal specialty beverages, such as this month’s white peppermint hot chocolate, along with a monthly puzzle for added enjoyment. During the summer, we provide outdoor seating with a beautiful view of the nearby creek. We decided to exclude gossip magazines which helps create a space that encourages everyone to be present in the moment.

To create a sense of community and purpose, we host creative workshops and lectures on a monthly basis. Recent events have included a wreath making workshop and a winter candle making workshop. Upcoming activities feature a Women’s Cognitive Health Workshop, as well as plans for a self-confidence workshop and various other creative sessions. Our commitment lies in making a positive impact on our community, especially during a time when it is needed more than ever.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

When building my business, I knew that I needed more than my skills as a stylist so I searched for inspiration from other industry professionals. I discovered The Thriving Stylist Podcast, hosted by Britt Seva who has coached over thousands of stylists to reach their goals. Intrigued by her insights, I enrolled in her online coaching program through Thrivers Society. Her classes provided transformative tools and strategies, including the strategic development of my website to enhance visibility and connect with potential clients. Additionally, I gained insights into leveraging social media platforms effectively and learned to navigate client growth. Inspiration and guidance from others can be incredibly beneficial, just as sharing your own knowledge with those around you can be equally impactful.

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

Never underestimate the impact of a positive review. Typically, new clients begin their journey by checking Google or Nextdoor for recommendations and reviews. Once referred, they explore your Instagram, Facebook, and website to understand your style. Building trust and loyalty with clients involves authenticity and attentive listening once they come onboard. Embracing the 80/20 rule, where clients dominate 80 percent of the conversation, turns that listening into a powerful tool for building lasting connections. You can tell when a client is truly happy with their service by going out of their way to post a review.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pixiehairco.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pixiehaircolorado/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pixiehaircolorado