Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristy Luciani-Jacob.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have been a stylist for over 12 years. After high school, I attended college but deep down knew I really wanted to go to beauty school. After two years of school and the support of my parents, I decided to enroll into beauty school and never looked back.
Early on, I focused on learning as much as possible and building my clientele. I understood that this was competitive field, so I worked odd jobs for supplemental income as I built my book of business.
The various second jobs ended up being a huge blessing in disguise as I met so many more people being able to network and get more involved in my community. Many of these people are still my clients and dear friends to this day!
I am now going on my third year in my salon suite and loving being my own boss. Most importantly, I have the ability to run my salon the way I sit fit and truly accommodate the individual needs of my clients. Being a small business owner allows me the ability to manage my schedule, so that I have a more balanced work-home life as well.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
One of the biggest challenges in this industry is competitive with other salons and stylists, some of which may have been in the chair next to you. It is easy to get caught up in the fear of not being “talented enough” or “edgy enough” to make it amongst your work peers.
What I have learned about conquering these fears is that you must stay positive and rather than be intimidated by more experienced stylists, rather use the opportunity to learn from that stylist rocking it next to you.
Another challenge stylists often encounter is forgetting to put the client first. This extends to not just styling their hair. Many clients in the chair want to not only leave looking great but also want to leave feeling great. Clients often discuss what is going on in their life, the good and the bad. It’s not uncommon that people are in your chair for not just a physical change, but a boost of self-esteem. It is critical to always have empathy and care for the person in your chair. I try to accomplish this by truly listening to the clients and keeping their best interest at heart. To me, this is really what will set one apart from others in this field. It’s so easy to get caught up in the artistic side of our field, we forget we are in a people business serving others.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Luciani’s Suite Salon – what should we know?
I specialize in hair color, cuts and micro-bead extensions. I love having the opportunity to create a completely new look for my clients.
It is very rewarding to be able to deliver someone’s vision of how they want to see themselves. In addition, offering micro-bead extensions has allowed me to service my clients on a whole new level. The extensions provide my clients a look and feel that they never imagined possible. With extensions alone, I am able to add length, volume, and even color changes. This is, of course, less damaging than constantly using color or chemicals to switch up looks.
One of my favorite color services that I provide is “blonding.” “Blonding” incorporates highlights, “balayage”, “foilayage”, and multi-dimensional blonde services, which typically takes time, patience and multiple appointments. However, it is highly rewarding seeing a client’s satisfaction and excitement when their goal is reached. Whether booking a “blonding” appointment or a simple cut, I ensure to guarantee plenty of time for my guests so that each process is done in a complete and healthy manner and never rushed.
So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for?
In my line of work, I am fortunate to meet a lot of empowered and successful women. I do believe that the media should continue to highlight the many successes and accomplishments of women. It is important that women continue to encourage one another and build each other up. Bringing these individual stories to light creates more positive role models and encourages women, especially younger women whom may be working to figure out their career, to realize that they can achieve their goals.
I feel that the key to finding your path is to focus on what you are passionate about and to try our best to not let societal “norms” dictate how we should see ourselves or what career path we must take.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3340 lacrosse ln. suite 105
Naperville, Il. 60564 - Phone: 630-551-5078
- Instagram: instagram.com/kristylucianihair
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/kristylucianihair
Image Credit:
kristy luciani
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