Category Archives: Entrepreneur Written Interviews

Robert  Hagopian – Bellacino’s Pizza and Grinders – Harrisburg, NC

Tell me about your background.

I went to school for refrigeration and worked for a guy for about 13 years.  Then I went to work on my own for about 12 years.   Before I move to NC from New Hampshire I ran a restaurant equipment service business for 12 years.  We did equipment sales, installation and service.  We also did some auctioneering as well.  It started to grow too big and I got out of that business before it killed me.  We had a 19000 sq ft warehouse and it kept growing and growing and I kept working on call at nights and on weekends.  I came to North Carolina to take some time off and then I started this business.

What industry are you in?

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Jetta Koy – Ohana Salon & Spa – Fort Mill, SC

What industry are you in?

We’re in Cosmetology.   We style hair, provide massages, and sell Aveda products in the Fort Mill/Tega Cay area.

Tell me about your background.

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Canyon Scott  – Start to Finish Assistance – Fort Mill, SC

What industry are you in?

For 11 years I split my time between working in a hair salon and in my cleaning service.  Right now I’m focused on my assistance service.  In recent years the business has evolved into more than just a cleaning service.  My service includes grocery shopping, running errands, babysitting in some cases.  This business allowed me more flexibility in my schedule and more time off during the holidays.  The pay was also more consistent with my assistance service.

What is your background?

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Saleemah Elamin – Hydratherma Naturals – Atlanta, GA

Tell me about your background?

I was born and raised in Buffalo, NY and attended the University at Buffalo. There, I received my BA in psychology and my BSN in registered nursing. I also received my cosmetology degree during that time period. I worked as a cosmetologist and registered nurse while in Buffalo. I had a love for both professions and didn’t want to give up either. My first love has always been with hair. While doing a travel nurse assignment, I fell in love with Atlanta and moved there in 2008. I worked as a registered nurse in Atlanta for about 7 years. In 2008, I followed my dream with my first love hair.  My husband and I started a hair care business called Hydratherma Naturals LLC and the Hydratherma Naturals hair product collection.  We started working the business part time while working our regular full time jobs. In 2009, I went full time with Hydratherma Naturals. This allowed me more time to dedicate to the growth of our business and product development.

My Husband was born in Huntsville, Alabama and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. He attended Alabama A&M University where he attained a BS degree in finance. He received his executive MBA from Troy University. He has worked in corporate America for a total of 17 years (12 years in the finance industry).  He began working full time with Hydratherma Naturals in November 2009. Some of his responsibilities include finance and marketing.

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