Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nathalie Noumen, owner of Extensionista, Inc., located in Calgary, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I have a hair extension salon and an online extensions training program called the EXTENSIONISTA ACADEMY. I provide hair extension services to women, and I teach fellow hairdressers all over the world my hair extension techniques and how to incorporate hair extension services on their service menu.
Many years ago, only celebrities and elite women were able to get hair extensions. But now, women of different ages and different walks of life are getting extensions to give them the longer and fuller hair they have always dreamed of. My customers are stay-at-home moms, teachers, nurses, corporate women (strippers 😉), and the list goes on.
Tell us about yourself
Born in Cameroon, French is my first language. I left Cameroon when I was 18 years old, and I joined my older sister in Houston, Texas, where I attended University. I first went to Lone Star College System in Houston, then transferred to Sam Houston State University (go Bearkats!), from which I graduated with a Bachelor's of Business Administration in Management.
I got married to an awesome guy and moved to Calgary, Alberta, at the end of 2010. We have four amazing children (4, 6, 8, and 10 years old).
I attended cosmetology school at Delmar College in Calgary. I am a licensed hairstylist. I specialize in hair extensions.
My first professional job in the cosmetology industry was at a hair salon in Houston in 2006. Over the years, I've held a few other jobs, such as computer lab assistant, call center operator, and mystery shopper... but I've never stopped doing hair. I even got a Texas real estate license in 2010 (which is probably no longer valid). I launched Extensionista Salon in 2011 in Calgary. I wanted to create a safe and private environment where women would feel comfortable talking about their hair insecurities or anything else they wanted to share. I get to meet some incredible women from different walks of life, which is one of the things that make my job so enjoyable.
I launched the EXTENSIONISTA ACADEMY in November of 2020. It's a complete online training program about hair extensions as well as business and marketing tips for hairdressers. FUN FACT ABOUT ME: I was born in a car ... literally! My dad was driving my mom, who was in labor, to the hospital to give birth to me, but I guess I was very impatient to see the world, LOL.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Seeing the smiles on my clients' faces after giving them the hair of their dreams is priceless. That boost of confidence it gives my clients is really what I do this for. Also, being able to help other stylists incorporate hair extension services into their service menu and give their clients the hair of their dreams.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
There are many challenges that come with being a business owner, but at the end of the day, I try to focus on the positive aspects. One of the main challenges I face is juggling work and family life. It's not always easy, but I try to do my best.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be honest and always have your clients' best interests in mind.
- Invest in proper training and never stop learning.
- Be patient. Success doesn't happen overnight.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.extensionista.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExtensionistaHairExtensions
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/extensionista_hair_extensions/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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