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Category:
Published: February 2008
Robert and Leah DesBois talk about why it was so important for them to open their own salon, and what they have learned in the process about customer service, and creating a great work environment.
Success Magazine: What does success mean to you?
Robert DesBois: Success is making those around me happy. People spend a lot of time working and not being appreciated. I dont want our staff or clients to feel that way.
Leah DesBois: Success is a well rounded staff with happy clients. If your staff is not happy your clients wont be either.
SM: Why a hair salon?
RD: Leah and one of her coworkers were on the phone discussing issues they had with their job situation. They were offering suggestions trying to improve the business and were not being heard. I, half jokingly, made a comment asking Leah if she knew of any locations available for a salon. She said she did, and the next day she started looking into it. We aggressively sought after the property and quickly signed.
SM: What made you want to go out on your own?
LD: I felt I had a better way. I found that the communication with staff and clients was lacking. It was the little things to make the mood right; serving water with lemon or cucumber slices; providing the clients the services and quality products they desired. I wanted to give the clients a classy, relaxed,
and inviting atmosphere.
SM: Why now?
RD: Timing. Weve discussed opening a salon for years, but never came upon the right opportunity. This location was perfect and it had already been a very successful salon. I believed in Leahs skills to design the place and put a staff together. I knew I could handle the business side so we mortgaged our house, got partners and investors, and then signed a lease and went to work.
SM: Did you have a business plan?
RD: We had an informal plan. We had a plan as to how we would get the job done, but we werent sure what type of company to form. A coworker of mine had just opened his own business so I asked him for his advice. If I dont know something I am not afraid to ask. I will stop and research what needs to be done and then make a decision.
SM: So what type of business did you form?
RD: We formed an LLC. I am not sure now that this was the right choice, but we can always change it. In hind sight I would have liked to research that aspect more, but time was our biggest obstacle. We only had 6 weeks to form the company, remodel the location, and put a staff together.
SM: Certainly the risk factor was great. Was this a leap of faith?
RD: No, not really. It was a belief in Leah, this project, and the people that were coming aboard with us. We had a lot of help and support from family, friends, and staff. If you surround yourself with good people youre bound to be successful.
SM: What entrepreneurial qualities do you have?
RD: I do whatever it takes to get the job done. I was working 12 to 16 hour days at times, as well as my day job. I stayed with the job until it was done.
Id do the administrative part during the day and then come to the salon and swing a hammer, paint, whatever had to be done, until all hours of the night.LD: I have learned to listen. I find the good qualities in people, and I give everyone a chance. The people that want to work and learn and be part of a better experience, thats who Im interested in. I have learned to keep my eyes open and act upon the needs of my staff and clients.
SM: You have a good partnership. What are your different roles?
LD: Bob takes care of the books and computer system. I, as Artistic Director, take care of the decor, merchandising and the daily operations of our salon.
SM: What are your long term goals?
LD: I want to continue to grow. I never want my business to go stale. We will constantly schedule training and education classes. Well continue to take trips to New York and Las Vegas to learn the newest styles and techniques. In the short time that we have been open, we have already had product knowledge classes and color/cutting classes.
SM: What is your focus?
LD: Hair, nails, tanning and waxing. We want to be the BEST in all we do, as an upscale salon with a casual atmosphere. We do set our goals high.
SM: Why Zen?
LD: To experience serenity-everything should be Zen: warm, calm, relaxing, flowing. I think weve achieved that!
SM: Is there anything that you could have done better?
RD: I should have talked to my attorney and a CPA more before deciding on the type of company to form.
SM: If you had to describe yourself in one word what would that be?
RD: Determined. I am always looking for a new challenge.
LD: Overachiever. I feel nothing is ever good enough.
SM: What words of wisdom do you have for a new entrepreneur
starting out?
LD: Communication with staff is key. Always make your clients feel welcome and comfortable, and make your business fun.
RD: You have to make the right decisions. You have to rely on people to give you information, which means you need to listen. Then you sift through that information and make a calculated decision. After all, youre ultimately responsible.
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