Today we’d like to introduce you to Beth Bradley.
Hi Beth, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I opened the Collective Hair Studio in January 2020. We had only been open for eight weeks when we had to close for Covid. It was the scariest time for me for sure but we came out stronger than ever. I started with three employees and now have 11 amazing women working for me. I wanted to create a space for like-minded, creative hair stylists that was different from the factory style old school salons. I have been a hair colorist for 22 years and absolutely love it. I have a team of incredibly talented stylists who I love watching thrive and become very successful stylists.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Hahaha. No. I opened eight weeks before they shut down and we were closed for eight weeks. Because I was a brand new business in 2020, I received no PPP or SBA loans. At this time also, my mother passed away shortly after reopening. Trying to find the right group of people to hire to represent my brand was difficult as well.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We specialize in Hair Color especially blonding and Balayage services. We also offer several types and methods of hair extensions. We are also part of the Green Circle Salon organization which means we recycle about 80 percent of what we use in the salons. The salon industry is responsible for about 800 lbs of waste a day so we are proud that we are reducing our carbon footprint. All of our stylists have immense training and continuing education which makes them much more current and up to date than stylists who are not consistently learning new techniques and methods.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I am lucky enough to work in an industry that has a lot of salon owners and stylists sharing information and lifting each other up. I have a very good friend who owns a salon similar to mine and we are always going to each other for advice. I think it is incredibly important to have people in similar business types that have been in business longer than you that can offer support and advice.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.collectivehairstudio.com
- Instagram: @collective_hairstudio
