Meet Lindsay + Travis | Owner of Elysian Salon Suites | 920 Women in Business
Welcome to episode three of our blog series 920 Women in biz where we spotlight women entrepreneurs in the 920! Today’s guest on the blog is Lindsay and her husband Travis, the new owners of Elysian Salon Suites right down the road from our studio! They are currently under construction as they place the final touches on their build out and their tenants are moving in. Therefore, I invited them into the studio for some fun headshots! Now on to the good stuff!
WHO DOES YOUR BUSINESS SERVE?
Beauty professionals and the surrounding Green Bay Area residents.
WHAT IS YOUR BUSINESS MOTTO?
Set yourself free.
WHAT IS/ARE A COMMON QUESTION/S PEOPLE ASK WHEN THEY ARE LOOKING TO WORK WITH/BOOK YOU - OR ABOUT YOUR SERVICES?
That is a loaded question. Since I do hair and makeup AND will be running an entire salon of other beauty professionals, the questions are very different from each. But most of the time they want to know how confident I am in what I do. I just try to inspire and be real and authentic in who I am. I love helping my clients/beauty professionals and making them feel taken care of and supported. I don’t want either to stay stagnant or feel bored as neither do I!
ARE THERE ANY MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT YOUR FIELD/PRODUCT/AREA OF EXPERTISE?
“ What do you love most about your job?” Most people don’t realize how hard beauty professionals work. If I didn’t love EVERYTHING about my job, I can tell you I would not be where I am today. There is no going home after doing hair. Or for the salon, there will be little sitting around. I put effort in my business and my reputation. I am mindful of every move I make. There are constantly things that need to be done to grow and be in the know at all times. I like to make sure clients and tenants know I am constantly growing to be the best I can be for them.
TELL ME A FAVORITE CLIENT STOR…
I have a client who comes in and every time tells me I am the best. She is always so grateful and let’s me know what a great job I do every time. I think that as adults we forget to remind people how great they are and how much they mean to us. That alone is the best gift you can give your hairstylist.
WHO ARE YOU LOOKING TO ATTRACT/SERVE MORE?
Currently our focus is to attract beauty professionals who want to grow their own brand. We have independent suites set up for people who want their own space to come and go as they please. But we also want to help them grow. We are always there with resources and advice. We are also always their to help promote them as much as we can.
FOR THE PERSON WHO WANTS TO START SMALL - WHAT WOULD YOU OFFER THEM?
We have individual and double suites that can be utilized and shared with another professional if they choose. We understand with change in location and maybe the fear of the unknown, we want to have options for people. We also have all of the equipment they need to get started so they will not need to start their business with a huge overhead. We have all of the resources necessary to get started and will help promote them as much as they need.
FOR THE PERSON WHO WANTS TO GO ALL IN - WHAT WOULD YOU RECCOMMEND?
Our suites are very simple yet high quality and modern. Each suite is easily individualized so you can personalize your space and make it your own. Each professional has their own sign with their business logo and will have a spot on our website with a link to their own business page along with a branding photo that they would provide to us.
WHAT LED YOU TO START YOUR BUSINESS?
We had been wanting to open a salon for a while, we had no idea what that would look like but with all of our experiences and different salon designs we were involved in, we decided we wanted to bring the downtown Green Bay Area a fresh and modern spot for growing entrepreneurs.
WHAT UNIQUE LIFE EXPERIENCES DO YOU BRING TO YOUR BUSINESS?
We as a couple and as individuals have experienced many adversities. We have also seen it all in the salon world. There is nothing you can throw at us and we cannot overcome. We would like to think with those experiences we can mentor and encourage individuals feeling doubt or worry about creating a future for themselves.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
Live fearlessly and with no regret.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ANOTHER BUSINESS OWNER?
Take risks and never sell yourself short. Surround yourself with motivated individuals.