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

Veronica, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

When it came to naming my business I was told that a single word single syllable name was the best. However I went the opposite direction. I wanted something that was not inviting, calming and inspiring that would align with my business which resolves around self care. I also like a clever play on words. This birthed the name Shear Gratitude. As I am so very grateful for the leap I took into this career.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I have always had a love for this industry from a very young age. However I felt pressure to go on to college after high school. I got my business/finance degree and went on to work in the corporate finance world for about 10 years prior to switching to the Hair industry. I was comfortable but it didn’t make me happy and I was not passionate about it. So I made the decision at almost 30 to go to cosmetology school. I worked both jobs for years while building my clientele and new business. Once I was able to make the full switch it was such a joy in my life. I want to make a difference in my clients life and make them feel welcomed, loved and better about themselves than when they walk in. Self care is so important as we do spend so much time working and doing things for other people. I also wanted to create an environment where everyone felt welcomed and comfortable, like you were having a glass of wine with your best friend. As I progressed in my career my goal became to open my own salon so I could create this environment for my clients and co workers. Many of my clients have been with me for over 15 years. We have shared graduations, weddings, births, losses, breakups, deaths, moves, career changes, we laugh, cry and support each other and of course do fabulous hair along with it . Most of my clients have become family to me and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I am so grateful to have a career I am so passionate about and able to share it with those around me.

Have you ever had to pivot?

My current business/career is a complete 180 from what I was doing. I worked in the corporate world in finance prior to opening my salon. I had a stable well paying job and was on course making upward momentum in my career. But I felt like I was stuck in a cycle and was not happy with where I spent the majority of my time. It was very challenging and scary to make such a big change in careers which also changed my entire lifestyle. I worked early mornings before school, which was Monday-Friday from 9-5 for a year. I did not have much of a social life or life outside of school and work for that year. Then after I graduated and passed the state board exam I worked part time building my clientele for years. Then eventually was able to do hair full time and my finance job part time for a few more years. Until finally I bought my own salon and left my finance job. That was a huge milestone for me and I encourage anyone to follow your heart, passion and dreams. They are achievable and worth the sacrifice to do what truly makes you happy. If you do that I believe no matter what you will be successful and fulfilled which shows through in your work.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for building my clientele has been putting my most authentic self out there. I believe in kindness and paying it forward when you can. Sometimes in business things can get competitive and your goals can become distorted if you focus on the wrong end result. I always try to treat my clients and co-workers with the utmost respect and honesty. Most of my business has been built in referrals through word of mouth and also different review sites. I am extremely proud of the family of clients that I have built!

Contact Info:

• Website: Sheargratitudesalon.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/veronicaoverhairchiever?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShearGratitudeSalon?mibextid=b06tZ0
• Yelp: Check out Shear Gratitude Salon