Today we’d like to introduce you to Blair Golden.
Hi Blair, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I started with a diverse background in Design, Marketing, and Fashion, having contributed to various fashion startups in roles ranging from Product Design and Development to Marketing, Retail Design, Merchandising, and Photo Shoot Production and Styling. My experience has been primarily with startups and small businesses, where I’ve thrived in dynamic environments, wearing multiple hats and utilizing my skills while continually learning on the job.
My journey with Virgo Salon began through a close friendship with Mateo, the co-founder and a highly successful celebrity hairstylist. Mateo expressed his desire to transition from a hectic on-site shoot schedule to establish a salon concept focused on organic, plant-based products and chemical-free services. Despite lacking prior salon experience, I was initially hesitant, but once we embarked on this venture, I found myself completely engrossed in the process.
In the initial stages, we identified a gap in the market not only for our holistic approach to haircare but also for competent stylists skilled in working with diverse hair types, including Wavy, Curly, and Kinky textures—a forte of Mateo, who had previously worked with many Celebrities of Color. The combination of these passions laid the foundation for Virgo Salon. We went from doing simple curly dry cuts to now offering a wide variety of services including Non-Toxic Keratin, Organic and Natural Color, Healthy Perms, The Ginacurl and more!
Our success story is rooted in creating a comfortable, inviting, and client-focused environment, consistently exceeding client expectations, and infusing every appointment with education. Virgo Salon stands out for its distinct environment and vibe, which sets us apart from conventional salons and resonates well with our clients. My lack of salon-specific experience turned out to be an advantage, as I approached the design and planning of our spaces without preconceived notions, allowing me to explore the client experience from a fresh perspective. This approach heavily influenced not only our interior design direction but also our overall operational philosophy.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has certainly been a journey filled with bumps along the road, but our strong vision for the brand and our unwavering commitment to quality and exceptional service have allowed us to not only survive but thrive over the past 6+ years. As someone with no prior experience in the cosmetology world, I faced a steep learning curve. However, I quickly discovered a genuine interest in learning about the Organic products we carry, such as Oway and Davines, as well as delving into topics like curl types, porosity levels, and scalp health.
Starting from scratch is always daunting, especially as we were determined to build a loyal customer base and establish trust within our community from the outset. Clients entrust their hairstylists with a great deal, making it a position of vulnerability and this was never lost on us. We always wanted to provide a sanctuary for our clients to explore their unique curl patterns and learn how to best navigate toward their hair goals.
Our journey to where we stand today was guided by a client-first approach, providing exceptional customer service and value. Initially operating from a tiny one-chair space, we dedicated ourselves to exceeding client expectations, hoping to inspire them to return. Thankfully, they did. They graciously shared their experiences through reviews and word-of-mouth, gradually helping us expand organically. We invested time in understanding each client’s needs, offering practical, holistic, and stylistic solutions to various challenges they faced.
Throughout this journey, we’ve gleaned invaluable lessons, from structuring our business to navigating complex customer service issues and fostering a healthy company culture. The growing pains were plentiful, yet we’ve embraced them as opportunities for growth. While challenges are inevitable in business growth, it’s crucial to remain aligned with our original goals, using them as motivation to progress thoughtfully and efficiently.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As I’m not a stylist by trade, my role encompasses nearly every facet of the business. From designing our spaces and overseeing employee management to handling purchasing and spearheading marketing initiatives, I willingly take on any task required. What distinguishes me is my diverse and extensive experience in small businesses and startups, shaping me into a versatile and highly adaptable professional. Moreover, my ability, alongside Mateo, to envision and bring to life our current accomplishments is a unique aspect that I’m not always certain others around us were able to perceive. This visionary perspective, I believe, sets me apart.
I take immense pride and gratitude in every success and each step of growth we’ve achieved over the years. These milestones are a hard-earned reflection of both Mateo’s and my enduring faith, creativity, ingenuity, and adaptability. Witnessing our modest project flourish into what it has become today is a journey I would have never anticipated, and I am eternally thankful for the unexpected transformation.
What do you think about happiness?
For me, happiness extends beyond the external to the internal realms of personal growth and self-discovery. The pursuit of goals, overcoming challenges, and the perpetual journey of learning infuse my life with purpose and fulfillment. Engaging in passions and hobbies becomes a haven where I lose myself in the sheer joy of the present moment, creating a canvas for self-expression.
Gratitude, a simple yet potent force, is a constant companion in my pursuit of happiness. Taking a moment to appreciate the simple pleasures, expressing thanks for what I have, and fostering a positive mindset elevate my mental well-being and shape my outlook on life.
In the midst of life’s chaos, moments of mindfulness and connection with nature serve as anchors for my happiness. A solitary walk in the park, the soothing sound of waves, or the awe-inspiring beauty of a starlit night ground me, offering a respite from the demands of daily life.
Above all, the essence of my happiness lies in the authenticity of my choices. Understanding myself, embracing my values, and aligning my actions with my beliefs contribute to a life rich in meaning and contentment. While the sources of my happiness are diverse and deeply personal, the common thread that binds them is the pursuit of a life filled with purpose, genuine connections, and gratitude.
Pricing:
- Dry Cuts- Starting @ $135
- Non-toxic keratins starting @ $425
- Organic Full Tints starting @ $175
- Organic Balayage starting @ $425
- Healthy Perm starting @ $385
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ilovevirgo.com
- Instagram: @ilovevirgola
- Facebook: Facebook.com/ilovevirgola
Image Credits
Breana Otey
