We were lucky to catch up with Sarah Ruprecht recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Sarah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Is there a heartwarming story from your career that you look back on?
After I first opened my business, I had a patient come in. It was an average day and began in average conversation. I can’t remember exactly what I said, but it triggered my patient. At first I felt horrible, then they began talking. From her social media and casual convo, you would think it their home life was perfect. However, it wasn’t. I won’t go into the details, but they were struggling. After our appointment ended, we both went on with our day. About 7-8 months later they came back for an appointment. They told me that what I said in the treatment room that really stuck, and they had made some major changes in their personal life. With tears in their eyes, I was handed a kind card with a beautiful note in it. On that day, I realized my actions and words speak much louder than any treatment I could offer. We are put in positions in our life to help those around us. It’s important to remember that and lead a life of courage and kindness.
Sarah, 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?
Growing up my parents always called me the “determinator.” As a child I never truly understood the meaning behind this. Of course, I understood that it meant I was hard working- but that was the extent. Fast forward to my adult hood, I have come to learn that being a “determinator” or “hard worker” is truly something that you don’t come by often. For me, it comes natural. That is simply how I was raised. My mother was a single mom for a portion of my childhood. Watching her work from 8-5 Monday-Friday and some weekends, I never knew any different. You work hard, you eat, you sleep, and repeat. Like I said, being a hard worker comes easy to me. What doesn’t come easy? Not working hard. As crazy as it sounds, I tend to feel guilty when I allow myself a day off, or a few hours to relax. Owning a business is so much more than customer service and marketing. It is 100% the dedication, the sleepless nights because you need to finish a renovations, staying up to date on taxes and insurance. This list could go on forever. Now that I am officially two years in, I am learning to pour not only into my business, but myself and personal life as well!
Any advice for managing a team?
My business started out as a 1 man show. For the first year, it was only me! Once moving into my new space I had a 1,800 square foot building with a lot of rooms to fill! With this came the time to be extremely nit picky. Not only did I need to choose employees that were great at their craft- I also needed to choose people that had a kind heart, great skill, and willingness to learn, but also those that I truly enjoyed being around. 1,800 square feet sounds decently sized until you are 4 feet away from someone at all times! The dynamic I have created within the ladies of The Beauty Room is truly God given. We have managed to maintain a drama free, happy, and positive environment. My biggest piece of advice to someone when looking to hire employees is to put your own emotions aside. Not only do your employees represent their work, but they also represent you, your business, and the rest of your staff!
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Reputation is a tough one! I was born and raised in Cleveland. I knew EVERYONE! My parents taught me at a young age to bite my tongue and love others. Not because we wanted to stay out of drama, but because the value in loving someone is MUCH more than keeping face. It’s allowing others to know that they have someone. At the the end of the day, you can’t please anyone. Not even the Creator of the earth could do that. The best you can do is be kind to potential and non-potential clientele! Not because you want to make money off of them, but because those are the best practices to adopt within yourself.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.TBRspalon.com
- Instagram: @thebeautyroomspalon
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/tbrspalon