Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jen Baudier, Founder and Co-Owner of Bella Style Salon, located in Slidell, LA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I was a 25-year-old single mother who opened a luxury salon in a recession 14 years ago in a small town where $35 haircuts were the norm. Over the last 14 years, we have been able to create something special in our small town for the woman who craves laid-back luxury. We have the best clientele who have been very loyal over the last 14 years of growth and changes we have been through as a company. For the last seven years, we have been named by Salon Today as a Top 200 Salon in the Country.
Tell us about yourself
I've been in the beauty industry since the 8th grade. It is all I've ever wanted to do. I dropped out of high school to get my cosmetology license three years earlier than graduating from high school. Most people doubted I would really make it, including most family members, but I always knew I was here to do big things. I chase challenges when most would run from them. One of my dear friends says it's my superpower. Over the last three years, I've shifted gears away from just being a salon owner to now I am a salon owner coach, Co-Founder in a salon recruiting technology called Matchable, and most recently, I am solving the need for cool salon-branded apparel for our teams. I enjoy working and being challenged.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Moving our small 800 sq foot salon to a 3,800 sq foot 100-year-old building I bought and taking us to 7 figures in a small town.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Becoming attached to people on your team and when they leave, never seeing or speaking to them again. It's the ugly and sad side of our industry.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- If you want to work less, don't open a business. I find even after the 4 "jobs" I have, I still have too much time on my hands.
- Don't listen to people who are not living the life you are trying to create. If I had listed to anyone, I wouldn't be where I am today.
- Marry a smart person!!!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://mybellastyle.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jen.baudier/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenbaudier/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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