Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Bhutia.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Going way back after graduating from Arcadia High School, I thought it would be great to have a trade under my belt to get me through college and life. I went to Beauty School and got my license to work with hair. It seems now, many years later that was a good choice. I went to college. Studied English. Wanted to become a teacher but also wanted to do some traveling. So I set off to Japan and later Taiwan where I taught English as a second language. I worked mostly with children, lots of them. Really enjoyed both countries and ended up staying for about five years.
Afterwards, I traveled for about a year. Saw a lot of China. Was able to go to Tibet and traveled overland, partly on the top of a truck filled with tennis shoes, into the magical kingdom of Nepal. Amazing adventures. When I came back home to Los Angeles, somehow I just didn’t feel like I could fit into education here in the states. Decided to get back into doing hair. I had always loved cutting hair and resisted working with chemicals just because I hated the smell. One of my clients at the time, who is now a dear friend, suggested I work in a children’s salon since I was good with kids; She was right! Doing children’s hair was a perfect spot for me to bring many of my life’s experiences together.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I was building on a craft I loved so that made my way smooth. I had the ease of loving my work, which is a gift. But mostly my way has been smooth because I have had so much support from my family, friends, employees, and dear clients. My family never doubted me or any of my adventures; They have helped with tasks like painting, supplying unique items and making the unique tree that adorns my playroom. My dear friends gifted me their confidence and a huge golden ball of luck by giving me my start-up funds to get the ball rolling. Through the years, I have had some tremendously capable staff who understood my vision and supported me in carrying it out. And my dear clients that gave me the courage to venture out on my own. They have been my anchor; I am so grateful. Where I am today would not be possible without my loving family, true friends, gifted staff or wonderful clients.
I think my greatest obstacle has been creating a quality service that wasn’t compromised by economics or the other way around is true too! I worked in several salons where what was expected and the time allowed for the services didn’t really equate to a great end results. Now that I have my own salon, it’s still tough. I have to really discipline myself, focus on what’s important and watch the clock!
And of course, then the pandemic came along! Never saw that coming. Never anticipated the juggling and holding patterns that would be our new normal. But my struggles are not just mine on that one.
The Shaggy Monkey Children’s Hair Salon – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I own a small business called The Shaggy Monkey Children’s Hair Salon. We specialize in cutting kid’s hair. Our approach is to provide a comfortable environment where children can learn that this aspect of self-care is fun, maybe even relaxing. Our hope is that young people can learn to be comfortable with the experience; they can learn to voice their likes and dislikes for their own appearance. They are able to learn what they want for themselves. I am most proud of our work with children who in the beginning have a very difficult time with their haircuts. These clients have challenges ranging from sensory issues, disabilities, or being on the autism spectrum. Every October for the last eight years, except for this year, Shaggy Monkey has hosted a field trip for the Center for Developing Kids. Their ‘Good to Grow’ class works with children and their parents on typical human things like getting haircuts. It is a great organization and I am so proud to partner with them in this small capacity.
I think what sets The Shaggy Monkey apart from other kid’s salons is we aren’t over the top. The colors in the salon are cheerful but not super bright. The feeling is more like being in a home that’s been a little dilapidated by a tree and the outside. We have one television that the clients have to share and compromise on what movie they want to watch. Before COVID, our waiting room had a dollhouse, a train table, some toys, and books. Hopefully, soon we can bring all the fun stuff back out. Yet even then and now, it’s a very simple place.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Wow! That’s a huge question. I’ve had so many proud moments during my career. But if I had to name one right now, I guess it would be when my big kids come into the salon. Many of them are very much taller than me now and in high school or college, a few even have little ones of their own. I remember giving them their first haircuts. Some of them didn’t like it very much, but they grew to tolerate and then even enjoy it. Many of them call or text to make arrangements for an appointment themselves. I love hearing about how they are learning to drive, dealing with teachers, and living their lives.
Pricing:
- Haircuts: $25
- Adult Haircuts: $25 and up
- Other services are temporary on hold due to Covid.
Contact Info:
- Address: The Shaggy Monkey
1605 Hope Street, ste.110
South Pasadena, CA
91030 - Website: TheShaggyMonkey.com
- Phone: (626)799-4247
(626)861-1276-text only line - Email: [email protected]
- Yelp: Shaggy Monkey Children’s Hair Salon
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