Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jazmyne Artis, owner of On Fleek Salon & Boutique, located in Baltimore, MD, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
On Fleek Salon & Boutique is your local One-Stop, Shop & Slay located in Baltimore’s Hampden neighborhood. We are known for our ability to provide luxury service to a diverse clientele in our upscale, chic environment. On Fleek offers skilled professionals who provide hair care, hair extension, custom wig unit, eyelash extension, makeup, nail, and other cosmetology services. Among those services offered, we also have developed a collection of women’s apparel, jewelry, accessories, etc. We are also known for having the Best Raw & 613 Indian Hair on the Market, Foreign Follicles! At On Fleek Salon & Boutique, we pride ourselves on setting a family tone that is sure to provide comfort and convenience to every client and customer alike, allowing us, together, to demonstrate how the diversity of women and our interests has impacted and will continue to expand upon today’s beauty industry.
Tell us about yourself
I’ve been in business three years in August, four in June, if we’re counting when On Fleek Salon & Boutique was officially established, and I’m still new to entrepreneurship, yet I feel more well-versed in business each year. I am a Baltimore Native who developed an interest in business based on my love for freedom and independence & this business, in particular, is based on my love for beauty and fashion. Anyone who knows me knows that I’m big on the physical, mental, and spiritual beauty of people! In 2018, I sought release from the monotony of the professional world that I’d always been accustomed to through perfecting my craft of lashing, taking on a new and different career, and that becoming a major, marketable interest of mine, combined with life’s circumstances, the encouragement of family and friends, unlimited support from my partner at the time (who acted as a mentor), and access to other resources/supports that I didn’t previously recognize as such, led me to entrepreneurship. Today, I, along with my team—my family—who also provide top tier services at On Fleek Salon & Boutique, work daily to ensure an atmosphere that emphasizes the inner and outer beauty of all who are serviced by us and to influence the beauty industry, from a unique, holistic approach. My son hopes for the future about the kind of life I want to live, and seeing how far I and those who have been with me along this journey have come, keeps me motivated each day to do what I do.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I feel that a major accomplishment for any business owner is going for everything we believe in despite the trials and tribulations of life. I, myself, am not always as consistent as I should be, based on other factors that I have to tend to outside of my business—like life before On Fleek (lol). However, I don’t quit, and I don’t waver too far from the plan or my vision. I remain encouraged, despite adversity and my own lack of motivation at times, and the level of discipline I possess keeps me in the game and keeps me going. The business has provided me exactly what I now understand it is supposed to, which is lesson after lesson, with some gains that turn out to be major growth factors, but look a little different than you may have been anticipating when starting out still, they have been exactly what I’ve needed to truly say I’m becoming a more well-rounded business owner each day—which to me equates to success. I’ve never been shy of accomplishments; however, before business, all of my accomplishments were very calculated and predictable, so today, I would say MY biggest accomplishment as a business owner has been the ability to stretch myself past the point at which I, originally, envisioned for my life—becoming and truly believing in the unknown, developing faith in my abilities being limitless—for myself, my son, my family and future generations to be afforded opportunities, based on being able to identify with such opportunities through exposure and familiarity.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I would say one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner, for me, has been transitioning to the mindset and accepting that there are so many factors that impact business that you’ll be learning as you go, some of which you have been prepared for and some of which you are not or just didn’t fully understand prior. Business is hard but rewarding, and the hardest part is to keep going, no matter what obstacle presents itself—enduring. Fulfilling your vision through recruiting others that align with your vision for your business—your baby—can be very difficult, as well. Branching out and developing new facets that expand upon your business can be challenging, as well, but is almost always necessary.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
The top three tips I’d give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today would be to become well-informed about business, your state’s regulations, and the industry in which your business will be in—never stop learning one of the best ways to do this is to network with those traveling the same path as you—build relationships, to build your business tap into your resources. I also would say stay focused, consistent, disciplined, and understand that what you pour into your business, both seen and unseen, will pour into you—business is an investment. Last but certainly not least, focus on building a more intimate relationship with God through prayer and alignment, and yourself, immediately after, through regular self-care—you’re going to need a good relationship with both to create the stability needed to keep going and growing.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
On Fleek Salon & Boutique, located at 3402 Chestnut Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21211, is open Tuesday through Saturday. We are a One-Stop, Shop & Slay, meaning we are a full-service salon & boutique, so come in today and let us get you right “The On Fleek Way!” & if you aren’t local, keep in mind that most of our boutique items are available for purchase online.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.onfleeksalonandboutique.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063636846717
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onfleeksalonandboutique/
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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