Episode 131

How I Started Salon deZEN and Built My Brand | Maria Elizabeth | Owner + Founder + Stylist | Salon deZEN | VA

Tune in to hear Maria’s very informative and educational journey to salon ownership and what her brand is all about!

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KEY TAKEAWAYS:

-- Maria's career started out in a high school program; she got her license and started a 1-year apprenticeship. After getting on the floor, she moved to DC from Michigan to work at a salon. Four years later, she opened a salon with a partner.

-- The partner wanted out after a year of being open, and Maria bought her partner out.

-- Maintaining relationships for as long as possible is key to long-term success.

-- WANT TO OPEN A SALON? Be open and honest with your employer; they may become your mentor!

-- Get classes BEFORE you open a business on branding, marketing, and basic business.

-- Check out SCORE for mentorship!

-- Salon deZEN is a salon with an “inclusivity” mindset. They want everyone to feel welcome and supported!

-- INTERESTED IN JOINING Salon deZEN? Apply online and fill out the form to help Maria get to know you. After an interview, Maria will tailor your growth opportunities and journey to you based on your confidence and abilities.

MENTIONED IN TODAY'S EPISODE:

-- Follow Salon deZen on Instagram

-- Follow Maria on Instagram

-- Check out Salon deZEN's website

-- Check out SCORE for free business advice from experienced Mentors

-- Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program


The Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.


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About your host

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Robert Hughes

“I THINK HAIRSTYLISTS ARE THE COOLEST, NICEST, AND MOST FUN GROUP OF PEOPLE ON THE PLANET! I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT USHERING IN AN EMPOWERED-STYLIST FUTURE, AND I ABSOLUTELY LOVE GETTING STYLISTS FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE TOGETHER IN A NON-COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT WHERE WE CAN LEARN, LAUGH, AND GROW TOGETHER.”
-Said by ME!
Robert started his hair journey as a kid in rural America offering haircuts on the street to kids in the neighborhood, not realizing, one day, he would find himself working the front desk at a hair salon while in high school. From there, his experience from salon-to-salon has included the front of the house, back of the house, stylist, educator, and consultant. It was during this movement through various salons he developed a passion to empower stylists and educate owners on how to raise the industry standard of excellence, mutual respect, and professionalism amongst stylists, managers, owners, and clients. Robert currently is the General Manager and a Master Stylist at Violet Salon in Georgetown, DC.