Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Gutierrez & Jana Hutmacher.
Sarah & Jana, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
We were sitting at our neighborhood bar after work and decided it was now or never! Working together at a salon for 6 years it was time for us to follow our creative dreams and be in charge of the business decisions. We wanted a space that esthetically had an open feel so clients and stylist could all interact together like back in the day when you would hang at the beauty salon and talk shop. Creatively we wanted the freedom to try any idea we had and even if it failed it was okay because we tried something different. From a business side we wanted to know how all of the money is being spent and reinvested back in to the salon.
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?
Opening NB has not always been smooth. We had a product line identity crisis. We changed lines 2 times before settling in with Kevin Murphy and Rene Furterer. We love that they complement each other because Rene is more treatment focused and KM is more of a styling line. It’s really important to have a brand that represents you, has great results, something you truly believe in, usable for the clients, and has great education for us.
Please tell us about Nichole.Beck Hair Boutique.
Nichole is Jana’s middle name and Beck is Sarah’s maiden name which is how we came up with Nichole.Beck Hair Boutique. We like boutique instead of salon because we aren’t just a salon. Art has always inspired us which is why we feature local artists our decor and have events for every artist we feature. Our space is great for pop-up shops and parties!
As a business we are most proud of our team that we continue to grow and the work we do. Jana and I have always been friends’ first and business partners next. She is the only person who understands the stresses and the success and we still want to have a glass of wine together at that neighborhood bar 3 years later!
We are known for color. We are loving balayage right now and think that adding dimension to any hair color can be a fun change and low maintenance. We also offer on call concierge service for any of your hair needs at an hourly rate.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Playing outside! No kids do that anymore!
Contact Info:
- Address: 1130 W. Diversey Parkway Chicago, IL 60616
- Website: Nicholebeck.com
- Phone: 773-248-2222
- Email: nicholebeck1130@gmail.com
- Instagram: nicholebeckhair
- Facebook: NicholeBeck Hair Boutique
- Yelp: Nichole Beck Hair Boutique
Image Credit:
Photography by John Arnott Photography
MM Bowers
May 1, 2017 at 10:22 pm
I’m so happy for young women when they realize their dreams! Talent, good business sense, hard work have made it happen. So proud of them.
MegK
May 1, 2017 at 11:27 pm
So thrilled that these lovely, incredibly talented ladies are getting the recognition they deserve! I would not trust my hair to anyone else!