Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Leanne Stine, Founder of Hairlines by Leanne, located in Pennsylvania, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Hairlines is a one-chair, gender-neutral hair salon specializing in custom haircuts and relaxing spa services to its surrounding communities. The salon was designed to attract a diverse audience with its inclusive vibes and meticulous proficiency. People are often forced to choose between a full-service, unaffordable salon focusing on chemical applications or a barber shop offering lickety-split, inexpensive fades and buzzcuts. These establishments hold their traditional lures but Hairlines accommodates folks who want any length on any type of hair without gender-biased pricing. Spa services are motivated by the massage portion and less on the fancy polishes. Even though Hairlines is a new business, the clients are already noticeably compatible with the salon's energy, making it fun to go to work.
Tell us about yourself
As a youngster, I remember my Mother constantly trying to find a new location to hide her vintage hairdressing kit, which included sharp, oversized shears. Much to her dismay, I always found it. By the age of five, I finally gave my first-ever haircut with my three-year-old brother as my willing test subject. Aside from our Mother being upset that her blonde-haired son was going to have a buzzed head, my observant grandmother pointed out that there wasn't any blood drawn despite the scalped patches. From there, I was very committed to my dolls always having a fresh cut, even though the lack of growth was a huge disappointment. In tenth grade, we were asked to choose a potential career to shadow, and without hesitation, I chose hairdressing. The next year I joined VoTech through our high school to begin training and following some minor diversions, I was licensed for Cosmetology and working full-time before most of my peers knew their life's direction. I am truly passionate and secure about my craft, but I always felt that my career path was limited, knowing that I wanted to cut all lengths of hair and on all blends of humans. Building my business meant professional freedom from the constraints of conventional standards and management. Having creative freedom is so liberating and knowing that I have an opportunity to help a guest feel respected and build confidence through their salon experience is an honor.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Opening a salon in the middle of a global pandemic and then finding it to still be in business two years later. Metaphorically it felt like I was drowning, and any time I would get a breath, my head would get shoved back down. When I finally surfaced and could breathe, I was so affected by the fight that it took time to recalibrate and feel proud for having persevered. I was in survival mode for so long that I was in a stupor when the salon finally put down roots. Inherently, the word "accomplishment" holds unique significance, but one day at a time, accomplishments are being made.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Learning how to turn down its volume. A business and its future are always at the forefront of the owner's mind, and they absorb all of the day-to-day requirements, expectations, and pressure involved. Because our livelihood and reputation depend on its survival, it can be difficult to fully immerse into non-work related moments without business tapping my shoulder. Sometimes I just let my friends know if I need to avoid talking about work so as to eliminate obligatory conversation. It forces us to be more creative and attempt to turn off work-related thoughts for a short time. Funny enough, I am admittedly doing this interview during a holiday family gathering.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Ask for help and advice from other entrepreneurs. Have them tell you the pros and cons and their current concerns.
- Avoid wasting energy on uncontrollable circumstances. Save your strength for the capacity to handle challenges within your element of control.
- Don't expect others to care about your business as much as you. It was hard for me to hear, but I found it to be valid. It helps to carry realistic expectations of self and others.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.hairlinesbyleanne.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100045496547762
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hairlinesbyleanne/
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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