Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelly Wilson.
Shelly, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I opened Nomobo Salon in March of 2014. Since then, we have relocated four doors south of where we started and have been there since September 2016. We will be celebrating our five year anniversary next year! What a whirlwind it has been.
After finishing my undergrad, I enrolled in cosmetology school. The hair world always felt like a second home. My mom owns a salon in Cleveland, so it was where I spent some of my childhood. I always loved the idea of a salon as a non-judgment space – to come as you are and allow your clients to express themselves through a hairstyle that you created together.
Before working as a stylist, I managed a reputable salon in Chicago, where I learned a lot about running a business. I have working behind the chair for a little over eight years. As a curious person and creative, I need new projects constantly. Since opening my salon, I have also joined the KEVIN.MURPHY Education & Creative Team as a COLOR.MASTER. I have been traveling full time for the past year, educating in salons, showcasing the latest hair color trends and completing work for our hair shows and events.
The hair/fashion industry has so many outlets, so I feel lucky to be in a career that allows me to explore the various segments of it.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Nothing worth it is easy. There are definitely struggles along the way, but I like the challenge. I learned a lot of things about myself and about how various people operate in the business world.
Changes, obstacles, failures, success, etc. will always come up in life, so you learn how to adapt and respond in productive, positive ways.
Since opening my business, ownership, and location has changed, always impacting financials of a small business. New team members have come and gone. Balancing travel with being a business owner has been my biggest learning curve this year. The world is constantly evolving, so you constantly need to adapt.
The best advice I can give to other women who are starting their journey is to command respect. Your ideas, thoughts, and time are valuable and worth mutual respect from anyone you choose to do business and vice versa. This goes for your clientele, business associates, employees, 3rd party affiliates or any partnerships you engage in. Do you and don’t let anyone tell you differently. Be patient, be disciplined and empower yourself.
We’d love to hear more about Nomobo Salon.
As an entrepreneur, you usually wear many hats. I work in the business and creative realm. My work includes management, administration, marketing, social media, educator, stylist, colorist, mentor, and peer.
As a salon owner, I’ve tried to create a salon space that is a laid-back yet professional place. The salon feel is modern, warm and inviting. As a salon team, we specialize in haircutting and hair coloring. We have a diverse clientele and that’s what keeps us inspired.
As a company, we are proud of the clientele we have built. We enjoy coming into the salon to work with them. I love seeing how a stylist personality resonates with their clientele base. We also care about the integrity of our clients hair, so we proudly utilize KEVIN.MURPHY haircare products that are sulphate free, paraben free and cruelty free. These things are personally important to us and we want to share that with our clients.
As an educator, I have access to the latest and upcoming trends and am able to bring that to my team. Being on the forefront of fashion allows for us to create relevant work and stay inspired as hairstylists.
We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
In an industry targeted mostly at women, you often see men at the top of large scale salons and product companies. However, locally and globally, I know several women who have great success as leaders in their salons and our industry. With access to social media and non-manufacture based education, women can connect and help each other grow outside of the conventional beauty industry.
Several factors play into barriers that limit female leadership, but I find childcare a huge factor. Our country does offer adequate childcare support and this is the biggest barrier I see. For those who are trying to raise a family and be a leader in the industry, travels and availability expectations can limit the advancement of women to the top. However, there are several creative directors and women who are guiding our industry and I’m proud to consider them mentors and role models in paving new ways in our industry.
Pricing:
- Haircut | $50-80+
- Haircolor | $70- $200+
- Blowdry/Style | $40-$75+
Contact Info:
- Address: Nomobo Salon
1425 N. Ashland
Chicago, IL 60622 - Website: www.nomobosalon.com
- Phone: 773-698-8401
- Email: nomobosalon@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/NomoboSalon/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NomoboSalon/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/NomoboSalon/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/shelly.p.wilson/
Image Credit:
Shelly Wilson
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