Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sarah Griffiths, Owner of Treo Organic Salon, located in Seattle, WA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Treo is a collective of skilled and experienced stylists that bring passion and art to life through hair. We are a team with the same core values, practicing sustainable beauty, providing luxury services, and giving back to the community. Our clients are like-minded people with the same ethos.

Tell us about yourself

My name is Sarah and I am the owner of Treo Organic Salon. Fifteen years ago, after working in the industry for so long, I became chemically sensitive to the products I was using. My dizzy spells, nausea, headaches, and skin irritations led me to doubt whether I could continue to work in the industry. That was until I discovered Organic Hair Color. I made the switch and saw my health improve quickly.

It not only changed my life, but it changed the lives of our clients as well. They noticed the smell was better, their heads didn't itch, headaches were long gone, and the results were long-lasting and better than ever. My goal since has been to create a space where all stylists and clients could have the benefits I was receiving.

Thus, Treo Organic Salon was born. Sustainability and our carbon footprint have become a core part of keeping our business clean. We are 90% plastic free and are a member of Green Circle Salons, which allows us to recycle 90% of our waste.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I've constantly been learning how to pivot since we opened. Only two years into the business, Covid happened. I'm very proud that we found a way to manage the chaos and prevailed even while having significant capacity restrictions.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

There are a lot of ups and downs to being an owner. Sometimes it seems like everything terrible happens all at once. You are either flying high or low. But I'd say the most challenging thing is to try to make everyone happy. While that is my goal, we all know that is impossible. I try to be diplomatic and still do what needs to be done for the overall success of the salon.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Have a business plan.
  2. Be prepared to make mistakes.
  3. Don't  give up. Grow from those mistakes.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.treoorganicsalon.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/treoorganicsalon
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treoorganicsalon/


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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