Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Geoffrey Gonzales, owner of La Section Barbershop, located in Montreal, QC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are the most versatile barbershop in the Montreal area. With services such as haircuts, coloring, braiding, teeth whitening, piercings, and tattoos. We are a one-stop-shop. Our customers vary from any age group; we make sure that we are able to accommodate everyone. Having such a young and dynamic team, we are very active on social media and as well in person. Having also multiple awards in hair competitions puts our notoriety at the top. We are a young and passionate group of individuals coming from low-income neighborhoods, and that’s what makes us so unique.
Tell us about yourself
What made me open my hair salon is that I wanted to create a community, being able to share my passion and help other hairstylists grow in their respective way. Being through many barbershops, I went through many different types of ownerships, some bad and some good; I just wanted to make sure if I opened a barbershop one day, I would treat my team how I would want to be treated. What motivates me every day to do what I do are the people, from our amazing team to our great clientele and most especially to our family and friends that support us in what we do.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner was being featured in multiple magazines such as Barber EVO and also being named best barbershop of the year for two straight years by CultMTL.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing as an owner is consistency. It is important to lead by example and make sure your team is right. But as a business owner, you are constantly working even when you are not at your workplace. You are constantly thinking about the next moves and making the right moves in order for your business to strive. The hardest part is a true mental battle that is worth it.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be Coachable; learn as much as you can from your peers.
- Be Passionate; passion will lead you to profits.
- Put in the work, work hard, and make sure you are always working towards your goals.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Life is Short, Do what makes you happy.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.lasection.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lasectionbarbershop/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lasectionbarbershop/
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.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.