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Name: Barbara Paulo
Business: Shear Xtreme Salon
Location: Northampton, Massachusetts, U.S.
Industry: Personal Services
Reason for starting: After 20 years of experience in the beauty industry, I was driven to start my own salon through my client’s suggestions, my experience from previous jobs and a college education in business. Each class, degree, job, client, and life experience has lead me to where I am. I strategically paved the way unknowing that I would find my dream location to serve my clients and many more in beautiful Northampton. It has proved to be the perfect place to begin this journey to pampering all who enter our Shear Xtreme Salon.
The name Shear Xtreme was created to encompass the variations of style we provide. We practice a “consult, create, craft” theory and highly recommend a consultation first in order to create a style that fits the expectations of each client. Each client is unique and together we create our craft. Welcoming in each client is the beginning of a special relationship and we treasure that wholeheartedly.
Related: Read about another beauty entrepreneur here.
How do you define success? Success is the smile your client gives you when their haircut truly makes them feel beautiful. It’s when your employees take pride in their work and learn from you. Their excitement is your excitement. The feeling of accomplishment, a job well done and smiles all around is success. When client’s love the atmosphere of your work and they refer their friends and family. Success is always learning, changing, progressing, growing and satisfying. It’s loving what you do.
Biggest Success: My biggest success to date is changing with the times, staying current, educated, informed and involved in the community. I love to help others feel beautiful and also support our community. My team has the same passion and together we choose what organizations we can help quarterly, monthly or whenever necessary. Two other successes stand out; first being in business for 13 years! I imagined this to be something I could do long term but 13 years went by so fast! Second, changing my business dynamics a few different ways as different opportunities have lent themselves. Great learning experience!
Related: Getting Started: The Origins of Female Inspiration
What is your top challenge and how you have addressed it? My top challenge is stay ahead of the competition and always focusing on what we can offer our clients. I always put education at the top of the to do list. Funding the business during challenging times is the hardest because sometimes it can be more seasonal as we are in a college town, but building relationships with our clients helps.
Who is your most important role model? My mentor as well as other salon owners and greats in our industry like Paul Mitchell, Vidal Sassoon, and Robert Cromeans to name a few.
[box_light]Website Www.shearxtreme.com
Twitter @Shearxtreme
Facebook www.Facebook.com/Shearxtremesalon
Instagram Shearxtremesalon[/box_light]
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Edited by The Story Exchange