Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Pringle.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I really didn’t set out to be a stylist – or a business-owner for that matter. I thought I’d get a business degree and enter the music industry – be a band manager or something equally cool. But my Senior year of high school I met a girl from a salon in Santa Monica (I was from Simi Valley), where she told me I could work as a shampoo girl after school.
I jumped at the chance, mostly to be a part of something (anything) happening outside my usual Ventura County scope. Turns out, I loved it. I loved watching everything from simple cut/color clients to huge transformations, loved connecting with people and working alongside such creativity. I was ready to go all-in, but my parents really struggled supporting the idea. They begged me to try out at least a few college courses, so I went to Moorpark College and assisted in the salon on the side. After about a year of that, I gave up the balancing act and headed into Cosmetology School. I worked as a server at Chili’s during school, and that not only helped me pay the bills but really get a solid grasp on customer service. Fast forward past graduation and several years as an assistant, learning the ropes, and I because a National Educator for a well-known beauty brand, traveling up and down the west coast training stylists, while also building my clientele behind-the-chair. After a few years, I grew tired of the travel and decided to stay at home and focus on my stylist career. I finished my training to become a Master Colorist, and several years later opened my own salon – the first incarnation of Swanky: a boutique salon in Thousand Oaks with 7 stations. Within 4 years we outgrew the space, and moved to our current location in Agoura Hills – 2500 square feet with 23 hair stations with one nail tech. This month (August) we celebrated our 6th anniversary!
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?
The first real hurdle was right at the beginning of my career, convincing my family that being a stylist could be a lucrative career. We’ve had all the usual growing pains of any small business, but we have really cultivated a team of solid, loyal, flexible and creative individuals, and we help one another out. I’ve gotten married, had two kids and bought my first home in the last 7 years of establishing Swanky – in mean, I was signing the lease to our current location in the hospital bed the day after having my second daughter, Marlowe! Being a mom, a business owner and a full-time stylist is a struggle and a gift, every day. It takes constant tending, and realignment, but this is where I belong, right in the middle of the chaos and beauty.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Swanky Salon – what should we know?
We are a 24-chair full-spectrum hair salon, specializing in haircutting, coloring and styling for women, men and kids. The whole family can come, and they often do. We love that! We also offer specialty services, like hair extensions, updos and special occasion hair, waxing, make-up and nail services. I’m really proud of my employees and fellow stylists, and the general vibe of the salon – it’s beautiful, friendly and unpretentious. I think coming into a salon can be intimidating sometimes, but we really strive to be considerate of each client and his/her personal needs. When guests visit, they are welcomed right away with a smile, given something warm to drink and often offered a small bite to eat. It comfortable and airy, and we have an awesome range of high-end products that we use on every client from start to finish, and a great retail offering so you can maintain your new look at home. And of course, highly-trained and capable stylists!
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
It’s pretty much what I used to get in trouble for daily as kid – I’d be chit-chatting with the kid next to me in class, and the teacher would ask me to repeat what she just said – and I could. I always could. I’m a multi-tacker through and through, and I’m really social. That really comes in handy when juggling the ins and outs of the business with family life and still be able to have a really good, in-depth conversation with my client, which I love to do. Because talent matters, but your clients won’t come back if they don’t know and trust you.
Contact Info:
- Address: Swanky Salon
30115 Agoura Rd.,
Agoura Hills, CA 91301 - Website: www.TheSwankySalon.com
- Phone: (818) 597-0700
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swankysalon/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSwankySalon/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/swanky-salon-agoura-hills-2
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