Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Marc Kang, owner of ANDO Salon & Laser, located in Halifax, NS, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Ando Salon is a hair salon in Halifax, Canada. Our staff is very diverse: locals, middle eastern and Korean hairdressers. Hence, we target every person in the Halifax area.
Tell us about yourself
I am Marc, who is from South Korea and have been in Canada Since 2016. My journey as a hairstylist started in 2009 in South Korea. My dream was to run a business in another country to share Korean beauty and style. ANDO was formerly Hair Artistic & Laser Clinic. Luckily, the previous owner, Zahi, offered to take over this salon. This business was slowing down as the owner and other staff who are family members of Zahi were preparing for retirement.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
It is my goal to keep my staff very busy. My goal is to find the talents of my staff, which is the most confident service, haircut color, or others, and find and choose customers for them. A Korean hairstylist named Jandi was hired in 2020, and for the first month of her employment, I observed her work. She has a talent for straightening hair and smoothing keratin. She does an excellent job, but she only has a few customers. I pondered who would need or want straightening and smoothing for Jandi. A few months later, we found suitable customers for her, and now she is one of the most popular stylists in Halifax. Her sales were $3000-$5000 per month until marketing was found. Since marketing was found, her sales have more than doubled. As an owner, my accomplishment is bringing customers to my staff.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Finding the right person is the hardest thing for an owner. I believe hairstylists should be very humble about their skills. This is my priority to hire someone. If someone is too much confident about self, there is no more improvement.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Consistently Marketing
Now Everyone uses Social media. For example, Instagram is a very powerful marketing tool. I also use Instagram for marketing and consistently post videos or photos. It just takes a few minutes to post, but many people give it up because it takes a lot of time to bring customers. Trust me, if you keep posting for a year, at least 20% of your appointments will be from Instagram. - Following Trend
As a hairstylist, following the fashion trend is a must thing. Hair trend is changing every month and year, just find a tv show or movie and look at the actor or actress's hairstyle. - Try to do your best.
I am only focused on my customer when I am working and try to make them beautiful as much as I can. In my experience, the customers will realize what we are doing and then leave us to work.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.andosalon.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andosalonandlaser/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marc_kang/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.
