We recently connected with Shannon D. Bushnell and have shared our conversation below.
Shannon D. , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.
When I was 28 years old I made a flying leap of faith and bought my first home. I had just started out on my own in my career., had next to no resources and yet I possessed a tenacious desire to own real estate. My other friends had baby fever but I just has house fever. I found my mortgage broker advertised in the back pages of the free paper for assisting first time home buyers. I got in touch and got a pre-approval. I met my real estate agent at an open house for a home she was the listing agent for. We hit it off immediately. When she found out I was unrepresented and doing my own research on RMLS she offered to be my agent. I found my mortgage broker in the back pages of the free paper and got a pre-approval. Together we were on a mission to get me a solid asset. There were lots of twists and turns, trials, tribulations and tears. I had to be coaxed out of anxiety paralysis at least once and eventually sealed the deal. Signing on my home was one of the proudest moments of my life. I never regretted the risk I took. The lessons I learned and the skills I gained during that time definitely paved the way for me to take other bold steps in my life which have paid off time and time again.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Shannon and I have a BFA in photography and printmaking and a license in cosmetology and hair design. I have been a stylist for 20 years and specialize in curly hair. I am also a tarot reader, astrologer and energy healer with 15 plus years experience. My dream was to have a space where people felt comfortable coming for any and all of the services I offer where I could also conduct classes and showcase local artists. I am excited to invest in and provide access to products that align with my ethics and aesthetics. I feel strongly that supporting brands and businesses that make sustainable choices, give back to the community and create a healthy work environment for staff and employees is meaningful and helps foster a positive future for our culture. As a hair stylist I focus on helping clients feel most like their authentic selves and help to solve challenges they have with their hair. In my work with tarot and astrology I work with people to gain clarity about their lives. The energy work portion focuses on alleviating negative patterns or unblocking stagnant energy and promoting holistic wellbeing through releasing what no longer serves. I am most proud of the fact that I opened my own business and finally have true autonomy in my career. It feels wonderful. I want people to know that I show up for them in a non-judgmental way and that love is the main ingredient in all that I do.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
For me, I think being honest, consistent and a clear communicator has been the most effective means of developing and maintaining a clientele. Having a good reputation depends on clients trusting you enough to return and also to refer you to others. The consistency and quality of your services is tantamount. The foundation of that trust is built by the qualities I mentioned above.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
I funded my business in part by continuing to work at my former place of employment and purchasing things for the business over time. I took out a small loan from a bank I have a line of credit with and I also sold a chunk of cryptocurrency when it went up in value. Those three things in conjunction set me up nicely for my initial start up.
Contact Info:
- Website: frondsalon.com
- Instagram: @shannondawnhairstylist
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556005240741
Image Credits
Shannon Bushnell