We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Suzette Washington a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Suzette, thanks for joining us today. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?
I’m beginning to see more and more business owners ‘’Build Out.’’ This is a term that I use to describe a businesses ability and willingness to service one client in many ways.
Starbucks is a great example of a business model that has mastered this concept very well. Starbucks started out selling coffee beans and tea. As they have expanded over the years, they now offer coffee, tea, cappuccinos, frappiccinos, lattes , breakfast sandwiches, lunch items , cake pops, cake slices, egg bites, oatmeal, yogurt, milk, water, coffee mugs, tumblers., and etc.
As business owners we should take a look at our own unique business models and ask:
What else can I offer my clients?
What would make me a ‘’One Stop Shop’’ for them?
Some salon suite owners have created their own line of hair products, cosmetics, shea butter,
t-shirts, and more. They market these items to the clients whom they service on a regular basis, as well as marketing via content on their social media platforms. Social media helps to create visibility as well as drive traffic to their websites; creating a constant flow of revenue, increased profits, and demand for services.
Suzette, 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?
In 2019, I was featured as a co-author in a book called Entrepreneurial Elevation by Dr. Cheryl Wood, International Motivational Speaker. The name of my chapter is called ‘’Seize The Moment.’’
Earlier this year I released my very own book project. ‘’Systems Beat Genius’’Manual outlines My proven systems for Healthy Relaxed Hair with or without Hair Color. It is a detailed step-by-step instructional guide. One of the challenges a lot of hair stylist have is how to correctly relax and color hair. The solution is in the WHEN and HOW …when to relax and when to apply which type of hair color.
This manual’s information will help professional hair stylist to:
•Boost their confidence when working with relaxed hair
•Implement a system for salon owners and their team
•Grow existing clientele
•Demystfy the false information surrounding relaxed hair Pertaining to the wellness aspect of my brand; I’ve developed 100% All-Natural Vegan Bath Bombs. Using high quality essential oils and natural ingredients.
They come in two different scents:
•Rosemary/Orange• ( detoxifies, relieves sore muscles, improves circulation, and provide invigorating relief)
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
Creatives are individuals who use their intuition and their mind’s eye to visualize what cannot be seen by others. Once the mind envisions these ideas and concepts that individual ( the creative) has the responsibility to make manifest that which cannot be explained to nor comprehended by non-creatives. Creative individuals possess courage and are true risk takers.
Non-creatives however will join in and support the creative person(s) once there is manifestation.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
Initially owning a hair salon was never a goal of mine. After working in a commission salon for 5yrs I decided to try booth rent. This new way of doing business taught me how to save and budget for booth rent, supplies, equipment, etc. After nine months of booth renting the salon was due to close abruptly. I did not have time for a well devised plan.
Well, God always has a ram in the bush! Exactly 2 doors away a building was becoming available.
The capital I needed to obtain my first salon was from my own personal savings from applying a method I used for booth renting. All of the monies came from my savings and from taking on extra clients, working longer hours, and cutting out unnecessary spending.
Contact Info:
- Website: therealitybrand.com
- Instagram: @theerealitybrand
- Linkedin: Suzette Washington
- Other: [email protected]