We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kristen Colon. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kristen below.
Kristen, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I knew from a young age I wanted to be a cosmetologist and educator within the beauty industry. I knew my purpose was to help women find confidence and beauty in any way I could through doing their hair, lashes, makeup but also to be that lending ear when they needed someone. Some say us stylist are like therapist which can be true on some levels. I feel a persons purpose should always keep evolving throughout the years as I have experienced. I have done hair for 20+ years and within that time I have added new roles to my career including educating for other stylist to share any knowledge, tips, tricks as I am an open book. We should always be lifting up others in anyway we can. My newest role has become a mentor to the employees of my business which I feel so passionate to teach them skills on their techniques of doing hair but also to teach them their numbers in the business of their service sales, retention of clients, and with this they can create opportunities within their careers. I also love to share business information with other business owners by hosting gatherings with other salon owners.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am a salon owner with my husband/business partner. We grew up in the industry together and dreamed of a salon concept unlike anything we had ever worked in. In 2023 after owning a salon for 8 years we finally made our vision come to life. The Beauty Society and Co. A 6,000 sq ft building that once was a warehouse is now a beauty market place. We have a complimentary cafe for guests with beverages and snacks to keep them comfortable ( think Starbucks), hair services, brows, lashes, spray tan machine, barber, tattoo artist, photo studio, education space, blowdry lounge, a boutique, and home decor for sale. I am driven to continue adding to what we can offer our guest. My dream is to either open up more locations or possibly franchise our brand and guest experience. I run this business fueled on passion, heart, and eagerness to do more. We aren’t your average salon who will just do your hair because you want it, we are not money driven, it’s truly about beautiful and healthy hair.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Running a business is not about going to school for that degree, in my experience, it’s about having a skill that you continue to grow and nurture to give your guest your everything. From there you gain loyalty, build relationships, and excel in customer service. Once you have accomplished that then there is the side of business you learn as you go. The ups and downs are what make your brand a legit business. I wasn’t the best with numbers side of things in the beginning it was the moment I decided that my new passion was to learn the ins and outs of every moving part of it, that’s where the growth really set it. I attend classes in person and online every opportunity I get to keep growing for my team. The best advice I can ever give someone is it’s not about you, it’s about your team and clients.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
Biggest challenge and I know so many of us all have this when running a business is Organization. This can be the most overwhelming step to not only achieve but be consistent on. I find myself motivated and hit the ground running but can get side tracked so easily. My tools to achieve organization is to create schedules, hold my self accountable, create daily, weekly, monthly tasks. I use a product called is a digital notepad as I am old school and have to write things out. The best advice I was given in a moment of feeling overwhelmed by the notorious To Do List was to prioritize the big stuff and what doesn’t get done that day roles into the next day to complete. And that’s ok!
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.thebeautysocietyandco.com
- Instagram: @thebeautysocietyandco @kristenmcolon
Image Credits
Bella Piety
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