Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in beauty and cosmetics but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Brandon Ranney, Managing Partner of Armstrong McCall, North Austin, located in Austin, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Armstrong McCall is a beauty supply business geared solely to the licensed professional. My customers include hair Stylists, barbers, estheticians, nail technicians, brow specialists, massage therapists, and beauty students.
Tell us about yourself
I grew up in the beauty business. My father worked for 2 major manufacturers when I was a kid before starting Creative Salon Concepts, an Aveda distribution business. I also had friends whose parents owned DePasquale Salon & Spa, a large and well-respected salon in Northern NJ. Incidentally, they gave me my first job. Thirty-five years later, I'm still passionate as I was back then. My motivation comes from my love of logistics. The past years theme with my internal team has been RE-Imagine. I challenge my team and myself to re-imagine everything (merchandising, messaging, customer experience, processes, policies, etc.). Everything is up for conversation. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but it pushes everyone beyond their comfort zone, and that's where growth comes from. And I love watching people grow.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Not just surviving the COVID Era of business but coming out of it with double-digit growth year over year over Pre-COVID sales for the last 2 years. We managed to never close our doors during the hysteria of COVID, and we didn't furlough or lay off any employees.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
It's always on you. No matter what time of day, regardless of the challenge, as an owner, it falls squarely on your shoulders. How you respond and how you show up speaks volumes about who you are as a person and as a leader.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Have a strong understanding of economics. Whatever you think you know, learn more.
- Be resilient. Between online reviews and social media, you can become a hero or a villain at any given moment, and for almost any reason, a customer determines fit.
- Have fun. If you dread going to work every day, you're in the wrong role.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: http://www.amco-na.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/armstrongmccallatx
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/armstrongmccallatx/
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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