Meet Heather Baumgardner of Divatude in Calumet Heights

Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Baumgardner.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Heather. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’ve been a licensed Nail Technician since 1996. I returned to the industry in 2005. I worked in many salons across the city of Chicago before deciding to open a nail spa that also included children services as young as 3 years old. During my six years in business I’ve employed 5 nail technician and fully staffed with 4 team members for 1 year stint. During this time I’ve made changes along the way to accommodate the clientele and to maintain purpose in the community. Divatude is currently staffed with two nail technicians. We are by appointment only and most of our clientele have weekly standing appointments. Divatude asserts itself on staying current with the nail industry trend as well as timely on appointments so that our clients are afforded the opportunity to make real plans around their nail appointment. I enjoy my career and I enjoy our Divatude family! My clients’ consistency helped me believe that I could open a business and maintain success. Not long afterwards I hired my first employee LaTonya and she has been a staple nail technician for Divatude ever since. I’ve been able to employ receptionist and many other misc. job titles for teenagers and young adults at Divatude. I was able to receive a small business loan that assisted with the major startup cost as well as family and friends who put in manual labor. I was also awarded a grant through the Chamber of Commerce for our signage. Divatude is forever evolving as a company to better serve our clients and community. We hope in the near future to establish our 501c3 to give beauty services to women attempting to enter the workforce again as well as educate people of proper grooming hygiene not afforded to most.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. I suppose if it were easy everyone would open a business. Most of my challenge is finding nail technicians. I believe the industry lacks real growth understanding for nail techs now to know it’s possible to make a living in this field. Before healthcare changed I was offering healthcare options to full time employees. However, that was still not a selling point. My most current hurtle is my landlord. He remains to be a thorn in my side and I’ve been a onetime paying tenant for 6 years. There have been many challenges with him and the most egregious is lack of heat that has been ongoing since year one. So to say the least while attempting to make the best of an investment I can’t take away, Divatude may look for a new location at the conclusion of this lease.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Divatude – what should we know?
We are a full service nail salon. We specialize in custom customer service with detailed nail services. At one point we were known for Minx however, as the industry changes Divatude did also. We are known to maintain our timely appointments and not overbook. I’m most proud that because of our faithful clients and our new prospective clients we can be booked one month in advance as well as have a waitlist. What sets us apart our professionalism mixed with genuine family feel and quality service, with coffee, tea, water or wine.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
This is hard because I don’t want to exclude anyone. My mother and sister are my biggest cheerleaders and supporters (Marlene and Kina). From monetary support to physical labor offered from my sister who is a construction teacher and her husband (Bob) who is an iron worker. My tax accountant who is also my best friend (Arthur). Aside from keeping my books correct he has also advised me from the start and has made me a better businesswoman. My friend (Dig) who created the beautiful website. My now manager hired as a nail technician and longest employee (LaTonya) to battling the changes and for many laughs and tears together. And all clients I’ve seen and still see for enjoying the service I provide.

Pricing:

• Manicure and Pedicures $55
• No chip manicure $35
• Dip manucures $40
• Chrome manicure $25

Contact Info:

• Address: 1859 E. 87th street
• Website: www.diva-tude.com
• Phone: 773-382-1715
• Email: divatudeonline@gmail.com
• Facebook: Divatude Salon
• Yelp: Diva-tude
• Other: https://app.secure-booker.com/Mobile/EPC/Home