Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Matthew Traiger, Owner of Jesamondo Salon & Spa, located in Natick, MA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Jesamondo is a full-service salon and spa. We have 24 hairstylists, three makeup artists, three nail technicians, three estheticians, two massage therapists, and a reiki master. We have been in business since 1980 and are the premier destination in Boston for all your beauty needs. Our customers range from age 5 to late '90s.
Tell us about yourself
I'm a CPA that left public accounting and corporate finance in 2010. I became a self-employed CPA/CFO working with Fortune 500 companies as well as small businesses. In 2014 I bought Jesamondo Salon & Spa, which was one of my clients as a CPA, and now I don't have to do any more CPA work, thank god! Lol. My passion has always driven me, and working at Jesamondo is my favorite passion project.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Before the pandemic, we were the 9th largest Goldwell salon in New England. As of today, we are the largest Goldwell salon in Mass and the second-largest Goldwell salon in New England, including salons with multiple locations.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Customers, employees, the property, you name it. Lol, the owner never gets a day off, even when it's a day off.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- You have to be aggressive.
- You need to understand cash flow (accounting/finance knowledge).
- Say goodbye to any free time; if you're self-employed, you need to have the mentality of a workaholic.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I have by far the best team in all of Massachusetts, no doubt about that. Also, BradMondo started his career at Jesamondo and is the son of the former owner of Jesamondo, Jesse Gesimondo, who was the owner 1980-June 2014.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://jesamondo.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jesamondo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesamondosalonandspa/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jesamondo
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jesamondo-salon-&-spa/
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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