We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Viktorija Sinkeviciute. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Viktorija below.
Viktorija, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
LivedinMane Co was created at a time in my life when I didn’t think I had it in me. It was a last minute decision that as of now has completely changed the trajectory of my life as a self employed, small business owner!
I stayed as a commission employee the majority of my career. This meant I always had someone to dictate the way I was professionally. Working under many employers in different states over the last 7 years, I’ve realized that the kind of experience I want to perform, wasn’t feasible under someone else.
My specialty is providing my guest with the healthiest, natural looking color that is long lasting and grows out beautifully.
My relationships with my guest’s mean the absolute world to me. Not only am I there to make them FEEL beautiful, but I make sure they know they also a friend in me. It’s a beautiful combination of professionalism and friendship.
These days, hairstylists wear SO many hats: Hairstylist, Colorist, Friend, Therapist, Photographer, Marketing Expert etc,
My biggest accomplishment is creating my business, relationships, and that I’m at a place in my life where my “job” doesn’t feel like one. I enjoy what I do, how I do it and in a world where the daily 9-5 can feel exhausting, I’m doing something that gives me success and satisfaction. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world!
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 first job was at 16, as a shampoo assistant at my local hair salon. This position gave me the opportunity to get a second job during the summer assisting an independent stylist. I maintained my two jobs as a junior in high school and realized there was a home for me in the beauty industry.
It wasn’t an easy juggle, but the balance taught me the importance of work ethic, responsibility and team work at an early age. Since then, I have always kept those qualities as my own boss.
My experience as an employee under other salons left me feeling like the quantity of guests was more important than the quality they were receiving. These days, most balayage services can go up to 5 hours! It is a luxury service that I am determined to make a space for the regular corporate/stay at home woman can take the time to feel an escape, that feels like my attention is dedicated just for them.
Has your business ever had a near-death moment? Would you mind sharing the story?
I opened my business on January 2, 2023. Ten days later, I had to put my business in hold because of a car accident. I had a broken wrist which as a hairstylist, is doomsday. I endured lots of wrist, neck and back pain.
After i got my wrist surgery, I waited less than two weeks to heal and went right back to work. As a brand new business owner, I couldn’t bear to give up. I made multiple calls to find someone to help me perform my services. Having a schedule booked with appointments 3 months in advance, I was not about to give up on my sacrifices!
I had the universe behind me and got in touch with an old co-worker that was able to help me until my wrist healed which was my saving grace. The most touching thing about this experience, my assistant was in beauty school while she was assisting me full time. Her growth of knowledge in such a short time really has been as accelerant for me to consistently stay resilient and to never give up!
How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?
The biggest assets us hairstylists/service providers have is the internet! Seriously, back in my early days the best we had was a hair magazine, hair books on the coffee table that you can choose for your inspiration. Today, we have the best tool in the world… social media!
Instagram and Pinterest has immensely helped my business. I constantly make sure I’m active, interact with my clients, post pictures of hair I’ve done for inspiration. Most of my clients use the photos I take of them after their service as a headshot for their career. It is so rewarding to see them feel so confident about themselves, enough to repost it on Instagram. The biggest compliment is them sharing my work with their friends!
Social Media a great way to keep up with them professionally and personally!
Contact Info:
- Website: [email protected]
- Instagram: @livedinmane