Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Melissa Chapman, Founder of Melissa's Hair Care LLC., located in Colorado Springs, CO, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I run a salon, and my customers are typically people interested in the color of some variety.

Tell us about yourself

I started cosmetology school at 17 after having had a car wreck that took my front teeth. I was in high school at night and had wanted to become a rock star and didn't want to wait tables the rest of my life trying to make that happen. I figured I could take hair anywhere, and it might even be a way in. I don't know if I think of it as daily motivation, but I can clearly say this. I have ADHD, and anyone who has it knows we aren't always well received in typical work environments. I learned a long time ago I don't play well with others, and as a result, it only makes sense to me to work for myself.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Accomplishing the ability to be picky. After 30 years behind the chair, I have come to a place in my reputation and skill set where I can pick and choose who sits in my chair and what service I'm interested in doing. I no longer have to take just anyone in order to make a living and survive. As a service provider, it becomes very clear very quickly the kinds of people you like to work with and those you don't. Having earned that freedom is very valuable to me.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Saying no. When you own a business, everyone has their hand out to you, and they all think it's your privilege to give them your money. Have a lawyer or some kind of legal service to overlook your contracts, even though companies like Xfinity are predatory, and it is valuable to make sure you are personally liable. Make sure all your transactions through the business are with the business and not you as the individual. Cover your bases and don't bring on employees unless you have to; contract as much out as possible. Lean into the privilege the business provides you and get a good business coach to help you grow. I'm constantly learning and leaning on my support systems. Have a good therapist too. Owning a business in our current political and health climate has been one of the least desirable things I've ever experienced.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

In my city, we have a program called Thrive that I participated in, which was an entrepreneur program. I had started in the community college for business but after finding this program switched because it was much more focused on the specifics of what I was gonna need. It was invaluable and connected me with my business coach and a variety of other resources that brought me to the success I now have. It takes a village, and these people have been the support system that saw me through all that I've done so far. I wouldn't have made it without them.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Do it. Just do it; go out there and mess around and find out what you're made of. It'll suck, it'll be hard, and it'll be amazing. Even if you decide you hate it, you'll go forward with a new resilience you couldn't have gotten any other way. You'll grow super fast as a person. If you have the mojo for it, stop waiting and just go and document everything.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.melissashairtherapy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hairtherapycolorado
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hairtherapycolorado/

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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