Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Damon Henrichs, CEO of ManBasics Speakeasy Barbershop, located in Spring, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We treat our mostly male customers (though we do have several ladies who use us as well!) to a haircut "experience" instead of just cutting hair. Our venue is a "speakeasy" with a full bar inside, and of course, you get a complimentary drink with every service (we specialize in the Whiskey Old Fashioned). We feature classic movies and big band swing music instead of ESPN reruns and lour pop music.
Tell us about yourself
My business partner and I are both serial entrepreneurs. We really enjoy the challenge of starting and running a business. We got our business started when an opportunity to create a brand of men's personal care products sort of fell in our lap. Every step along the way seemed logical until we found we had created a barbershop franchise!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I'm really proud that Tobe (my business partner) and I have crafted a brand from scratch. I'm also thrilled that we have a work environment that employees don't dread coming to every day. Of course, it's a "job," but I like to think our employees have fun. I know I do.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Not saying what I REALLY want to when someone leaves a dishonest review, LOL. I will literally write a long-winded angry, brutal response. Reread it a couple of times, then delete it and start over and post a polite rebuttal.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Know your numbers. I have seen so many people open a business, and it is clear they had no idea how much they needed to sell each month to make a profit or even just to make rent. In every venture I have begun, I started by creating a "pro forma" income statement trying to project a breakeven revenue number and then one that reaches my profitability goal. I decided not to move forward on at least one venture when I realized it would be nearly impossible to make a profit.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://manbasics.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manbasicsspeakeasybarbershop
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manbasicsspeakeasy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/manbasics/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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