Today we’d like to introduce you to Renee Pelc.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I went to Beauty School in High School. I was licensed when I graduated. I’ve been doing hair now 25 years. I love the industry! I’m from Chicago but lived in Florida and Arizona. When I came back in ’98 I worked as a hair colorist at Mario Tricoci. I spent 18 years there. I learned so much and met so many awesome people. I’m grateful for my experience there. It was just time for me to move on. I went to work for Anthony Cristiano at Trump Towers. It was also a great experience. I worked there for one year. But it was just time for me to go on my own. I opened up Gloss Salon in 2013. We were on Rush and Delaware. Everyone rented chairs from me and were independent contractors. It felt so right and we were really busy. I got to travel to LA, NY, and Italy for some really awesome classes. I wanted to master balayage. And I felt I had more of the freedom to expand my career. Unfortunately that location had to close. Then I moved my salon to Maple and State. I have a much bigger space now with room to grow. I have full time hair dressers and bi coastal hairdressers that work at my salon. I really wanted to create a space that everyone could be who they want to be without restrictions. The art of doing hair is different for everyone. It’s so creative. I’m lucky to have a professional team of hairdressers. And now with social media and technology it’s better than ever to be connected with our clients.
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 been fortunate to have so many great people in my life to help me along the way! It’s not easy taking the risk and responsibility of opening up your own business. But no risk no reward. I gave birth to my precious son the same weekend I was moving my salon to my new location. That was really really hard not being there. It was not my plan. My doctor made me go earlier than expected. My amazing assistant at the time really jumped in and took over. I also have the most wonderful family that helped too. I was in the hospital for 5 days. I was trying to do everything from my hospital bed while worrying about my son who was still developing in the nicu. But everything worked out and now I have two babies. My son and my salon. I feel so blessed!
Gloss Hair Salon – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We are a full service hair salon. I specialize in hair color. I love balayage. Most of my clients tell me I do the best blondes. But I have all types of hair color and I love to do them all. I have 2 Estheticians, a nail tech, an extensions specialist and stylists that do everything. I’m most proud of the professionalism of my co-workers. What sets us apart is that we are all independent contractors but work together. Our clients contact us direct. I feel my salon is more personalized.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Breaking away from the big name salons and going on my own.
Pricing:
- Balayage starts at $145
- All over colors start at $85
- Haircuts start at $80
- Manicures $20
- Pedicures $40
- Eyebrow wax $20
- Facials start at $100
Contact Info:
- Address: 1050 N State Street
Mezzanine Level
Chicago IL 60610 - Website: glosschicago.com
- Phone: 3123205424
- Email: info@glosschicago.com
- Instagram: glosschicago
- Facebook: Gloss Hair Salon
- Yelp: Gloss Hair Salon
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