Today we’d like to introduce you to Katarina Gavrilovic.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Katarina. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started Mr. Men’s Salon with renting a chair out of a woman’s salon but cutting only men’s hair.
It took me about two years to accumulate enough clientele to open my first shop in Roscoe Village. I was in my mid 20’s at the time & was able to rent a tiny store front so I could actually become a “Men’s Salon.” It was pretty much a studio where my clients could feel comfortable getting haircuts in an atmosphere dedicated to men. From there, it took me about three years to grow this tiny men’s salon into what I have today. I moved my business to a new location and it has been unbelievable so far. This location has been open for two years now and the results are only something I could have dreamed of. The shop fits eight stylist stations and eventually will fill them all. I like to hire one stylist at a time so she can build her clientele quicker since I want everyone to make money and be successful. I have created this environment where clients as well as stylists feel like it’s their home or “man cave” if you will. I am so grateful for what Mr. Is becoming and only want to spread the joy.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve had many struggles getting to where I am today. In the beginning when renting only a chair/station, I lived on ramen and snacks since I had no idea if I would make enough money that month to pay bills. It was so incredibly difficult to keep going and have no idea if I’ll succeed and how long it may take. I didn’t come from wealth & my mother was the sole provider for my brother and I growing up. She is an amazing woman who raised two children on her own and both my brother and I have our own businesses now. Being great at what you do as well as hardworking gets you far. I saved and saved until I had enough money to open my first store and finding someone who will rent a store front to a blonde in her 20’s was ridiculously hard. But someone did take a chance renting to me and that is how this journey started. When I opened my first shop it was a lot of the same struggles I had before, even though I was making more money at this point my overhead was more as well. This went on for a long time but my thought was that I wanted to try everything I could to succeed because if I failed at least I would know that I gave it my all. It wasn’t until I moved Mr. Salon to the location where it is now that I finally feel I could say “I did it.” Thanks to my two right hand girls & to all my loyal customers because without them I wouldn’t have what I have today.
Mr. Men’s Salon – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am the owner of Mr. Salon and stylist here. Mr. Salon is simple. We are all about a great haircut and overall experience. I wanted to make the shop the way most men like things, simple. Amazing haircut (with occasional beard trim) along with a shampoo and style. No gimmicks or up sells. We primarily receive appointments through our website. Takes 3 minutes to click, fill out some info, choose stylist and time slot. Clients get email confirmation immediately and also can choose if they would like to receive a text reminder the day of appointment. Walk-ins are always welcomed but to ensure yourself a particular time slot its best to book online or call. 30 minute haircuts and when you have an appointment we make sure we are on time. If a client comes early we have a Galaga arcade in the front that is always on free play so they can be entertained. A man needs a haircut regularly, so why not find a shop and a stylist that you actually enjoy coming to?
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Honestly, most days it doesn’t really hit me how far I’ve come. But sometimes when all of us stylists are fully booked for the day and it’s a constant flow in the shop is when it all becomes real for a moment.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3817 N. Lincoln ave.
- Website: TheMrSalon.com
- Phone: 773.360.8870
- Email: mrsalon9999@gmail.com
- Yelp: Mr. Men’s Salon
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