Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tammy Rapp. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Tammy, appreciate you joining us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

When I decided to open my own hair salon 9 years ago, I knew I had to be unique enough to stand out from the 50,000 other salons located in California. I was never good with fashion or decor. But there was one thing that has remained constant throughout my entire life…horror movies. It was 1981 when it all started, with a boxum vamp movie host by the name of Elvira.

It was a risk in the small town where I was located and I was a single mom of two daughters who didn’t have much of a budget to decorate. I contacted all of my horror artist friends and offered them a deal. They could display all of their artwork in my shop for sale and I wouldn’t take a commission when they sold. They only had to replace the sold work with a new piece. Some artists were even kind enough to just donate work to remain displayed. Those are still displayed today.

As we grew, I was able to purchase more props and art. Soon, we outgrew the building we were in and I was able to purchase a larger location after 6 years in business. I was beyond grateful. My weird idea had evolved into a social media magnet. We were featured on so many sites of horror and Halloween content creators, we exploded in popularity.

Once we moved into our new location and hired more staff, I stopped working on clients myself and took on the duty of full-time salon management and marketing. Well, I’m still the plumber, receptionist and cleaning service. That’s life for small business ownership.

Tammy, 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?

When we first came to town there wasn’t a salon in our area that catered to creative hair color. It was just highlighted blondes as far as the eye could see. When I first entered the business 26 years ago, if you had any type of fun colored hair you were typically a punk or skater. Nowadays, our clients are teachers, nurses, moms who just want to have fun with their hair. It’s a lot more accepted in society. I saw that need and wanted to cater to that. I also knew that most hairstylists are artists who truly want to be creative with their work and having a salon that offered that to clients. Since the public knows us for our creativity, their come to us for their ideas and orginality. Of course, we also offer blonde highlights. We are a full-service hair salon.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I recieved the keys to our new building without knowing in two months we were going to be hit with a worldwide pandemic. We were shut down three different times for a total of 7 months. I had no idea if we we’re going to make it. It was all absolutely devastating. My staff were in tears and I was surrounded my fellow business owners being crushed too. I used the downtime to work on the construction and cleanup of the new building so we could move in. I didn’t have control of anything but making sure our new location could be ready for everyone. It was a good distraction, but I was also in tears daily.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

When I first puchased my salon, I thought I could take on my regular cleintel while also managing the salon. Boy was I wrong. I quickly learned that I had to choose if I am going to be a hairstylist or an owner, but I couldn’t be both.

Contact Info:

• Website: LittleShopofHairdos.RIP
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/littleshopofhairdos
• Facebook: Facebook.com/littleshopofhairdos
• Yelp: Little Shop of Hairdos
• Other: TikTok: Little Shop of Hairdos

Image Credits
Tammy Rapp