We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Harley Rose Nemeth a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Harley , thank you so much for joining us and offering your lessons and wisdom for our readers. One of the things we most admire about you is your generosity and so we’d love if you could talk to us about where you think your generosity comes from.
This is a value of my family members that has literally been passed down through the generations. I’ve grown up watching my family members take care of others because they had a little extra to share or something to spare. When you grow up this way, it becomes second nature to you. And this has been one of the most rewarding parts of owning a business in my own community. If you need a shirt and I have an extra one, I should share that with you. Now as a small business owner, more than ever I understand the value of every dollar and it makes me work harder to show that each dollar has a place and hard work is never a wasted effort. Generosity can come in the form of a hand up even if that starts with a hand out.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
At Charming Lane Boutique in Clarksville, TN we are the boho-inspired one-stop-shop just over the river. We have hair stylists, a barber, an esthetician, spray tan technician, and permanent jewelry company housed under one roof. So you can get all the way ready for a night out, enjoy a day of pampering, shop until you drop, or just hang out on our couch and chat awhile. We have a lot of fun being a meeting point for friends and family members and the friends we choose to be family.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. Be yourself with no apologies. I think sometimes people misunderstand this as a “no filter” statement. You must always have a filter because, well read point #2, kindness matters. However you never have to pretend that you are anyone other than how you are. My staff members and co-workers know that if you want someone to cry with you I’m not the logical choice for that because it just isn’t me, but if you want someone to listen, brainstorm, and get a plan than that is my skillset.
2. Be kind even when you don’t want to be. I have learned in my years that you can make a point and be kind. You can be honest without being harsh. I try to always remember that I have no idea what is happening in the lives of the people I come across. They may be struggling under a heavy weight that doesn’t need my added pressure. Kindness goes a long way.
3. Be willing to not be perfect. You will make mistakes: in business, in hair, in life. It happens. And most of the decisions we make, even the big ones, are not life altering in the sense that it is unfixable. One day at a time is sometimes all you got in the tank and that is okay.
Also, don’t cut bangs for a client you know is having a crisis. They will regret that and, possibly, hold you accountable for their period where they lacked proper judgement. Remember that you are the gate keeper of your scissors, be comfortable to say “honey, you don’t want me to do that.” Trust me your clients will thank you.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Charming Lane Boutique has tons of clients and we add 4-6 new faces to the books almost every week. We are looking for an experience hair stylist that enjoys quick haircuts and color appointments. We do prefer an experienced stylist who has his/her own clientele that can help them stay busy while taking on the new clients who come in weekly. This would be a booth rent situation. We are not completely closed off to the idea of hiring a brand new fresh out of school stylist but we would have limits as to what we can assist with during the normal chaotic day at the Charming Lane Boutique. Never feel unworthy of the opportunity to come and chat with us. Everyone has to start somewhere so if you think you are a great fit for us, we’d love to talk. Also, we are looking for someone who can bring brand new traffic in as well. So whether you are seasoned stylist or new to the field, we are confident that we would all have something to learn, share, and grow together. Reach out to us at our email [email protected] with your resume.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.charminglaneboutique.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charming.lane.boutique/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boutiquecharminglane
Image Credits
Gracie Lynn Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
