We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rachel Harned a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Rachel , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What sort of legacy are you hoping to build. What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?
I aspire to be remembered for the profound impact I’ve had on the incredible women I work with. There’s nothing more fulfilling than witnessing their growth, watching them become breadwinners, raise families, buy cars with cash, and achieve multiple promotions in a single year. My goal is clear – to help each women achieve her wildest dreams and show the world that the beauty’ industry is a real career where you can make a high income.
Beyond the workplace, my passion extends to giving back to the underserved in my community. Through my business, I aim to make a substantial impact on the lives of those who need it most. Building a legacy centered on empowerment, success, and philanthropy is not just a goal; it’s a deeply meaningful journey that I’m committed to every day.
Rachel , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am the founder of Bombshell Blow Dry Bar, a salon company in Holland, Michigan. As well as the owner of The Salon Professional Academy of Holland, an award winning beauty school. As a small business owner, I am passionate about coaching my staff to reach their highest potential and become wildly successful. My business has grown to become a million-dollar industry leader and a platinum member of the High-Performance Salon Academy, winning the Velocity, Momentum, and Industry Shifter awards. My school has been honored as a Redken Diamond Academy for 7 years consequently and is accredited.
As a salon coach, beauty school owner, and mom of two active boys I work every day to make sure life is lived to its fullest. 12 years ago, I also started an organization to provide gifts for pediatric heart patients and their families during the holidays. My 14 year old son had open heart surgery at 4 months old so this is our way to give back.
My dream is to mentor other salon owners by helping them create a solid salon culture just as Bombshell Salon & Spa has done over the past 9 years. My company has increased capacity and revenue exponentially in the last few years even after a 3-month shutdown threatened to damage our business during covid.
As a child, I was raised by two hard working entrepreneurs. I watched them run 2 businesses and then sell their company and retire early. Although our industries are much different, I feel like entrepreneurship is in my blood. I did not go to cosmetology school due to the misconception of the industry. I always dreamed of owning my own company and I didn’t think being a cosmetologist was a lucrative opportunity. Looking back now, I was completely wrong. If I had to go back and do it again I would have skipped the 4 year university route and I would have gone to cosmetology school. I can say that I use my schooling in marketing often and the edge that we have created makes us different and sets us apart.
What I am most proud of is the team I’ve been blessed with. My team culture emulates our motto, TEAM FIRST. To watch how a team collaboration work together to bring our out clients inner beauty, is admirable. I love watching my staff care for our community and physically touch their lives. When we were closed for 3 months in 2020, it became evident that our industry is a vital need for our community. I’m also blessed to have a team of givers. Making an impact on the lives of those who need it most make all the long and hard days worth it. Don’t get me wrong, being a small business owner means you never get to leave work completely. You live and breathe your companies. Your staff is your family and sometimes they get more attention than your biological family. It’s a sacrifice so many business owners make and I applaud their selflessness. I am proud to say that I am a leader in the beauty industry. I’m thankful and filled with gratitude for my industry.
Any advice for managing a team?
My advice is to lead with your heart. If you don’t have a pure intention for your team, they will see right through you. You need to put your team first and they will in turn put your clients first. You need to coach to their dreams and aspirations. Ask them what they want in the next year, 3 years, 10 years. Give them the opportunity to give feedback on how you run your company. Do employee surveys. Make time for retreats and team building. If your team can trust you and each other, they will stay. I’m not perfect, I’ve lost staff but each time I learn how to move forward and pivot. I listen to my staff but I still use a clear mind when making decisions.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
During the 3 month shut down I never stopped working. I never took a day off. As a team we provided our guests with root touch up kits. We created beauty boxes and hand delivered the products to porches. We had Facebook live sales and provided a pick up service. When we didn’t have answers for when we could reopen I joined the state’s covid committee to help reopen salons safely. My husband and I testified before the state representatives to fight for a day to reopen salons. A week later salons were given a date to reopen in our state. While we were closed we generated enough revenue to pay our rent and credit card bills. We never fell short on finances even though we could not perform services. If this happens again we will be thoroughly prepared.
Contact Info:
- Website: Bombshellbdb.com
- Instagram: Bombshellbdb
- Facebook: Bombshellbdb
Image Credits
Hzphotos