spotlight
julie honohan.
Magonila Spa and
Salon
http://www.magnoliassalonandspa.com
1. What
gave you the idea for Magnolias Salon and Spa?
I have wanted to open a salon since I was in cosmetology school. My
mother is a salon owner and has been my whole life so it was a natural
transition. I was fortunate enough to assist at the best salon in town
at the time and they helped show me that the salon industry could be a
very rewarding career and not just a job. But I actually got the
opportunity to purchase Magnolias because the salon owner (and friend)
who owned it moved out of state. I decided that it was the perfect time
for me to embarq on something more challenging.
2. Define the moment when you were ready to make that leap and commit?
What fears did you have?
I was approached by my salon owners with the news that they wanted to
sell the business. They knew it was a future goal of mine to become a
business owner so they came to me before listing with a realtor. At the
this time in my life I was needing a challenge. I loved being a
stylist/colorist but was not feeling like I was living up to my
potential. I had always loved leadership positions and loved mentoring
younger stylist so it seemed to be the right next step. But I was
extremely fearful of the financial strain it would put on my family and
the time I would take away from children. They are my highest priority.
I don’t think anyone though is fully aware of what is involved with
owning a business until they jump in. The biggest fears came after I was
already in fully!!
3. How did you overcome those fears?
I asked a lot of questions of the previous owners, my husband (who is an
amazing leader) and my mother. But really I just looked inside myself. I
think since I became a mother I had forgotten that I was also a smart,
strong, women who could handle a lot more than I gave myself credit for.
Little did I know that motherhood prepared me for the multi tasking
ability that is needed everyday with business ownership.
4. What was your vision and how does it now compare to your where your
are now?
Well I think buying a business in what we all know now is a recession
has definitely changed my vision and path. When buying the salon I had a
goal to convert a booth rental salon to a commission-based salon and
have it profitable with in two years. We are on year 3 and it is finally
happening. It took a lot of mountain climbing to get there. We are still
climbing out of a huge hole because of how bad last year was, but I am
so proud of our team for all their hard work and sacrifice to get us
where we are today. The rate of salon’s closing in our country this year
is, I believe, 80 something per day. I am so grateful and proud to say
we are not one of them. And I believe that the skills I learned to get
me through the past few years will put us on top is the next few years.
5. How do you structure your day to continually build your business but
also have "me" time?
There are a lot of things I do although it is hard. I learned early on
from a wonderful client and friend to lose the words MOMMY GUILT from my
vocabulary. It was the best advice I ever got. She told me that my
children will never be harmed by knowing their mother is a strong,
successful woman. I have to remind myself that a lot. I make sure to
spend lots of quality time with them by doing things we love to do. I
also make sure that I always take time out for my husband and myself as
well. It is hard at times when you are juggling 200 things in a day but
it is amazing how many things you can get done when you learn not to use
excuses for why they are not possible.
6. What advice would you give to women who want to open their own salon
or spa?
It is very hard. I love owning my business but I had to enlist the help
of a consultant from Redken’s Summit Business Consulting group. It is
not a very profitable business if you let you expenses get out of had. I
had no idea that a salon only profits one penny per dollar of commission
when I started. I think most people think that salons make so much money
because of how much comes in the door. But it goes out just as fast. You
need a complete handle on your budget and then it can be profitable.
Also I would advise them not to let your staff control your business.
That happens way too much in our industry. I had to decided what type of
culture I wanted in my salon and do what was necessary to cultivate it .
I had to learn how to run my business without using my emotions to guide
my decisions. That was hard for me.
7. What are five beauty tips everyone women must know?
*Make time for yourself. It shows if you don’t
*Always wash your makeup off at night@
*Don’t not do at home hair color (we fix horror stories everyday)
*Roots Are TACKY!!
*Why spend a fortune on your clothes and then neglect the 3 things
people see *when the first look at you: Hair, Skin, and Nails
*I have to add one more: The right eyebrow shape can change your whole
appearance.
8. What are five beauty products everyone woman must have?
A great face moisturizer
Mineral foundation
A flexible touchable hairspray (Redken #23)
The conditioning treatment that best complements their hair type.
Healthy hair makes the perfect canvas for amazing color
Bronzer
9. The mission of BriteGirl is to make connections, create
opportunities, and build relationships while enriching the five BRITE
aspects in Women’s lives. “BRITE” stands for Beautiful, Resourceful,
Intelligent, Thoughtful and Emotionally-Connected. What simple advice
do you have in each category that helps you stay “Brite?”
Beautiful: Beautiful people are those who project beauty from the inside
out.
Resourceful: Always be able to fend for your self. Never wait for
someone to take care of you. Make that a luxury and not a necessity.
Intelligent: Always be willing to learn and grow. Anyone who thinks they
have hit the top of whatever mountain they are climbing are probably
done climbing.
Thoughtful: This goes back to “Do unto others and you would like done to
you” That has always been something I live by. Nothing is more
fulfilling than helping someone else fulfill their dream as well.
Emotionally-Connected: You should never rule with a heavy fist. Being
compassionate and spiritual help all great leaders.
