Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mélissa Dignard, Owner of Moonstone Hair Studio, located in Orléans, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Moonstone Hair Studio is a Private, Holistic Hair Studio in a tiny historic building in The Heart Of Orléans. I created this creative space to offer a different salon experience to my clients without the typical hustle and bustle you'd expect in a large-scale salon. Moonstone Hair Studio is also an Eco Salon that recycles 95% of beauty waste (hair clippings, colouring foils, colour tubes, and more!) thanks to our partnership with Green Circle Salons! All products used during an appointment are non-toxic, cruelty-free, and naturally based.
My clients are usually busy modern woman that doesn't have time for high-maintenance salon looks. I offer lived-in, natural-looking hair colours that enhance my client's natural features and grow out beautifully without harsh regrowth. All without causing harm to the environment.
Tell us about yourself
Both my parents were entrepreneurs. Therefore, I knew at a young age that I also wanted to be my own boss. I started my hairstyling journey while in high school. I was working on both my college and high school credits. This was possible through a program called PAJO. This allowed me to start working in a salon at 17 years young. From there, I worked commission based for one year, and shortly after, I started renting my chair.
Renting a chain in a salon was a great way to work for me without the salon's responsibilities. After ten years of doing that, the pandemic hit, and the salon where I was working was sold, and I was without work during mandated lockdowns. That's when I took the opportunity to open my own studio, to offer a private and safe space for my clients and me. The space was an instant hit for the one-on-one, cozy & eco "vibe."
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Being just that, a business owner! No risk, no reward. I personally know many hairstylists that changed their career path when the world was uncertain. Many tell me I was "brave" to have opened my business during a pandemic. But I saw it as a push towards my dream. If not now, when? I saw every bump in the road as an opportunity to reach for the stars!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Being just that, a business owner! No risk, no reward. I personally know many hairstylists that changed their career path when the world was uncertain. Many tell me I was "brave" to have opened my business during a pandemic. But I saw it as a push towards my dream. If not now, when? I saw every bump in the road as an opportunity to reach for the stars!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Take something that you are passionate about and find a way to make a living out of it!
- Trust that everything will fall into place at the exact time it was meant to.
- Don't expect to please everyone! As a business owner, you will attract YOUR tribe! The right people will support you and continue to do so.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.moonstonehairstudio.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moonstonehairorleans/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moonstone_hair/
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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