New Do, New You
- Apr 1, 2018
- 3 min read
I don't know about you, but there's something completely liberating about getting a haircut. I know my hair is the first thing I attack when I want to create a "new" me. Okay, so maybe attack isn't the best word choice...honestly I'm not gutsy enough to do anything TOO crazy to my locks. But, nonetheless, I love when I can transform myself for a few weeks with a great new do!
And a great do is what you'll get by going to Salon 3:16! Located in Woodstock, GA, Salon 3:16 opened in June 2013 by its loving owner Michelle Burell. Burell's salon offers your usual products and services such as cuts, colors, a washing station, and actual hair care products that customers can buy, but what's unique about this salon is that the hairdressers that you schedule with actually rent their "stations" out! Each hairdresser has their own room that is designated specifically to them and their clientele.
When I went in for my hair cut on Thursday (March 29), I made my appointment with a great high school friend of mine, Stephanie Dippolito. Stephanie's been a stylist for a few years now, so I messaged her through Facebook and told her that I was hoping to not only get my hair done, but that I would love to interview Michelle for my "Leading Ladies" blog. She was ecstatic about both!
Upon arriving, I was immediately offered a drink while I waited for Stephanie to become available. Once she was ready for me, Stephanie and I went into the room she uses at the salon. It's a large room, and the ability to call it one's own allows the stylists to customize their work stations to fit their needs. We chatted about what I wanted for my cut, and after agreeing on taking about 1.5 inches off and adding some layers, we set to work. I was in love with Stephanie's finished product. She knows what she's doing, folks!
Once I paid Stephanie, I was able to go in and talk with Michelle Burell herself. When I walked into Michelle's station, she was working away at performing a perm for her client. She looked at me and said that not many people still know how to perform true perms these days. It's a trick of the trade that doesn't get taught much anymore since most people want long, straight styles. Once she had finished up with her client, I properly introduced myself and told Michelle why I was there to interview her. She was more than happy to oblige to my interview on herself and her business acumen. Below are the questions and answers from our discussion...
Q: Who all makes up most of your salon's clientele?
A: About 90% are women, and the other 5% are kids and men. The age ranges from children to seniors.
Q: Do you have an online or social media presence?
A: We're on Facebook!
Q: Why did you want to open your own salon?
A: It's funny, because my husband wanted to own the salon, I just wanted to be a hairdresser!
Q: What is your biggest achievement of being a woman business owner?
A: Still being open and running smoothly! I'm amazed at our clientele.
Q: What struggles have you had being a business owner?
A: Just within any industry, being able to communicate and being a boss are big. I had to learn to find my voice. Losing employees also takes a toll since they rent their own stations. The hair industry is tough when it comes to filling those gaps.
Q: What's the riskiest move you've made professionally?
A: Being vulnerable and open to others, the business, and opinions.
Q: What advice would you give to women who want to open their own businesses?
A: Picture your business to the very last detail in your mind. Whatever the cost you think it's going to be to open something, double it! Take classes and educate yourself. Know your business and the ins and outs that come with it.
After concluding our interview and thanking Michelle for her time (and sneaking one more goodbye wave to Stephanie), I left Salon 3:16 feeling elated. Looking beautiful was a huge plus to my day, but being able to actually sit and talk with a local woman business owner took the cake. We live fast-paced lives. It doesn’t seem like we get to sit and talk to people anymore. Being able to do that, and see just how far another woman has come with making her dreams a reality, was more than I could have asked for on that Thursday.
If you're interested in visiting Salon 3:16 for yourself, the information for their store can be found below!
Address: 97 Grove Park Lane, Woodstock, GA 30189
Phone: 770.485.9791
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/salon316/
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