Lauren Cassidy embodies the very essence of a professional hair dresser. She is a PureArtist for PureOlogy and trains nationwide for salons and stylist in styling, finishing and cutting. She is an advanced colorist with Schwarzkopf and is a Redken Certified Hair-colorist.
Lauren is known for her enthusiasm, passion and commitment in hair color and hair design. Her approach to her art form comes from her belief that every person needs to have their own individual flair. Lauren composes innovative hair color and contemporary hair designs in her studio, develops her own photo shoots and videos, and enjoys every bit of it. Her size may be small, but her fun, caring and irresistible personality is huge!
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
I have always been a self motivated person so starting my business was just part of my personality and desire. I am a creative, independent, motivated, self-starter kind of person. I love doing hair, but I enjoy the everyday challenge of having my own business.
Tell us about your business.
I have been in business for 16 years as of January 2018! I specialize in women’s hair cuts, colors, eye brow shaping and makeup. I own a boutique salon in Bloomingdale, IL and provide one-on-one service to all my clients. I sell PureOlogy, Schwartkopf, Glo Skin Care, and Halo Makeup.
Are you currently running any promos/contests/giveaways that you would like our readers to know about?
All new clients that come to the salon receive 50% off hair cuts, 25% off color, $10 off deep conditioning mask. Also when you purchase a $100 gift certificate you’ll receive a FREE $25 gift card for yourself or a loved one.
List awards/certifications/
Certifications
- Redken Certified Colorist since 2007 to present
- Schwarzkopf Certified Colourist since 2004 to present
- PureOlogy Pure Artist since 2004
Awards
- Glancer Magazine – 2005 Salon Business Person of the Year
- 2014 Over 40 Female Business Program – Female Business Person of the Year and
- Cooperative Collaborator
Accomplishments
- I have done many fashion shows over the years on my own, with other businesses and with the Carol Stream Chamber of Commerce
- I have worked with many photographers and professional models to do photo shoots for magazines, print ads, weddings, and head shots
Where is your business based?
Bloomingdale, Illinois.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
First and foremost was having the passion and desire to JUST DO IT. The rest was plain hard work, determination and drive to get it up and running. I also obtained advice from other business women whenever I had a question or needed some help.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?Â
Keeping my customers first, listening to their needs and being an honest and humble business owner has been the most effective way of raising awareness for my business. Also, having a good website, being active on social media, and joining local networking groups has helped!
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
My biggest challenges have been keeping up with the fast pace world of social media, keeping clients happy by giving them new and fresh ideas, finding new and different products that women would want to buy, and developing an attitude of change, growth and perseverance for my business.
How did you overcome these challenges?
At the beginning of every year I think about what I have accomplished and what I want to accomplish. I write down the challenges and then write down the solutions to my concerns. I review them throughout the year to keep myself on track towards my goals. If I can’t solve the problems myself, I hire experts to help me.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
I push through it by talking to other hairstylist friends and business people.
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
I distinguish myself from my competitors by focusing on my business alone and by keeping my goals at the for front of my mind. I do not worry or concern myself with my competitors I just keep my eyes on my business and things ALWAYS work out.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
- Do things that you’re uncomfortable with because that means you are growing as a person and a business owner
- Stay open to growth, change and development
- Listen, listen, listen to others!
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
- Just do it
- Say “no” when you have to
- Do what you love and you will never work in your life again
- Be open to others that can help, assist and aid your business for growth and development
What are your favorite business tools/resources and why?
I use Mindbody Connect which is a business management program. I like it because it’s really effective and easy to use.
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
I read Beauty Launchpad Magazine every month to learn about new trends and find new products. It inspires me a lot!
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?Â
I need a computer assistant during certain times of the year.
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
I always have goals. 2018 is going to be a great year. I have four goals this year;
- Create a strategic social media plan every month
- Network with other business owners
- Continue my salon education
- Give THE BEST customer service to every client that walks in my salon
I write all my goals down and look at them often.
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Website www.VisionForTheArtofHair.com
Facebook www.facebook.com/visionsfortheartofhair
Yelp www.yelp.com/biz/visions-for-the-art-of-hair-bloomingdale
Google+Â Visions For The Art Of Hair
Instagram @visionsfortheartofhair
Twitter @VisionsForHair