Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelah Coleman.
Hi Shelah, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
It all started in October 2022. I came home from a girls trip and knew some things needed to change. So I came home, got a business license and started a dream. By 2023 I changed locations for my hair practice and my boutique. I found a street fronted location that offered foot traffic and exposure. I went though pivotal changes in my business format. Started with booth rent and switched to a employee based concept. I didn’t want people in my business who didn’t care about my reputation, my name, or my journey. I wanted to build a brand of like minded individuals who had passion and heart. Fast forward to today. We have 12 people in staff. Each contributing to the goal and heart of the space. Now we are about to open a Spa and we can’t wait to have another business to the name. It’s known that my goal is always to uplift and motivate women to be extraordinary leaders in their community. Contributing to their local communities and challenging themselves in business in vital to their success. I started this business as a way to uplift and motivate myself and the fact that I now get to trickle that down to others is EVERYTHING to me.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all. My first year, two of my renters broke their lease to open their own spots. My husband had a kidney injury, and on year two he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. My brother died in my second year of business as well. All 3 of our vehicles broke at the same time and our washer and dryer and water heater went out at the same time. Not to mention the salon washer exploded also. All this in a compact period of time. It was a solid year of back to back trials and tribulations. I invested heavily in some new employees. Having one steal from me. The heart break and betrayal of that was awful. I fully invest in others so that was a huge lesson learned.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At my business, we are best known for our kindness, collaboration, and the pride we have in our work. We are also well know as having no territorial disputes over clients. Our clients are OURS. As a team we want all clients to be provided the services and ensure their needs are met. We communicate with each other and our clients on a consistent basis. We also offer education to our clients. We provide them with knowledge so then they know we aren’t gatekeeping information from them.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
From a business standpoint, I think booth and suite rentals will go to the wayside. More businesses will need to step up in a big way and offer fair and competitive commission and hourly. Offering 401k and days off are imperative.
As far as trends, I think super straight hair like in the early 2000s will make a comeback. All the 2000s is coming back it seems. So I see that a a big impactful movement fashion wise. I also think that they’re a huge niche for making old things new again and I think we need more of that.
I also see a lot of employers dog on Gen Z but I adore Gen Z and they have been some of my best employees.
Pricing:
- Headspa $90-210
- Haircuts $64-80
- Color $100
- Facials $75-$200
- Ktips $500-$1600
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.outspokenheadquarters.com
- Instagram: Outspoken_headquarters
- Other: https://www.hushsalonandspapnw.com
