Meet Tanya Popp of Blo Blow Dry Bar in Lakeview

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tanya Popp.

Tanya, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started my career as an attorney in California. After having moved to several different states and taking multiple Bar Examinations, I decided to start a new adventure. I wanted to do something that I loved/believed in. One thing that has consumed much of my adult life is my hair; the latest hair trends, styles, color, etc. Hair is an expression of who you are, how you feel and how you see yourself. After some preliminary research, I decided to venture into the hair business. I opened my first Blo location in St. Louis in August 2016, and my second location in Lakeview in September 2017. My husband is from Chicago and all of his extended family lives in the area. We have always been drawn to the City and what it has to offer.

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?
It has not been all butterflies and rainbows.

This concept is still new to St. Louis. I have spent a great deal of time educating the market and staff on the value of the service. At Blo, we are experts in the blow dry business so it isn’t the same service as you have at a full service salon. We offer weekday discounts and packages to incentivize people to try us at a lower entry cost.

A major hurdle in Chicago was the permitting process. It was a long, tricky process that I managed remotely. I have three young children so it proved to be a bit challenging at times.

Blo Blow Dry Bar – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Blo Blow Dry Bar is North America’s original blow dry bar. There are 95+ locations and growing. No cuts, no color. We just wash, blo and go! Styling and finishing hair is our specialty. We also offer makeup services. We are the blow out experts and set the standard in our industry. We have exclusive partnerships with the luxury hair care line, Unite and the makeup brand, glo skin beauty.

I am most proud to witness my staff grow professionally. I love being part of a larger organization of fantastic business minds who are passionate about their businesses. The other franchise partners are very collaborative and supportive of each other. As a pioneer in our field, it is helpful to have in-house resources to provide guidance.

We offer an affordable, convenient luxury service that is accessible to women of all ages.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
My proudest moment has been having my children watch and participate in my growing business locations. I have twin daughters – age 9 – and a son – age 8. They came with me on many of my trips to Chicago to manage the build out, they were at the ribbon cutting ceremony and always are asking to come in and help. I love that they want to be a part of what we are building.

Pricing:

• $45 – wash. blo. go. Choose from one of our 7 signature styles.
• $55 – blo out + head massage
• $60 – blo out + deep conditioning treatment
• $75 – up do a la carte
• $60 – blo out with clip in or bonded extensions
• $32 – blo girl (ages 10 & under)
• $75 – make up application – full face + lashes
• $60 – make up application – full face
• $45 – make up application – eyes only
• $15 – lashes
• $10 – add a braid to any blo out
• TBD – blo party
• TBD – blo bridal
• TBD – blo on the go

Contact Info:

• Address: 3821 N. Southport Avenue
  Ground Floor Chicago, Illinois 60613
• Website: http://blomedry.com/locations/blo-southport-chicago/
• Phone: 7733608024
• Email: tanya@blomedry.com
• Instagram: blo_southport
• Facebook: @bloblowdrybarsouthport
• Twitter: bloheartsyou
• Yelp: blo-blow-dry-bar-chicago

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