Interview with Curtis Looney, owner of Pitch Salon in San Francisco
Tell us about yourself – What is your educational and professional background (schools, degrees, jobs that led you to your current endeavor, location)
So, all I have as far as education is high school and beauty college. All of my former jobs before owning the salon I’m at have been retail (besides other salons that I worked at). Worked at JCPENNYS, Kmart, Don’t Panic Inc. and Does Your Mother Know. Was an Assistant Manager at Don’t Panic when I was 18 and a manager of a salon I worked at as well.
How did you first get started in your industry? What are you most passionate about in your line of work?
I first got started as far as schooling 10 years ago, but have always played with people’s hair, coloring and such. I love making people look different, feel different and get more confidence. I always love that most of my clients become my friends so it’s almost like doing makeovers with your friends all day. The interaction with new people is fun and fulfilling.
What was your deciding moment, when you decided to open your own business?
I always wanted to have my own business actually and since the day I passed the State Board test but was told by family to wait and gain experience. Four years ago I moved back to SF from Santa Cruz and was not going to start working for someone else again. So I decided that I needed to get this show on the road and find a salon that was for sale instead of trying to start from scratch.
Pros of business ownership
I have the deciding factor about every aspect of my business. I don’t have to ask anyone anything or answer to anyone.
Cons of business ownership
Finding good stylists is probably the hardest. I find that most stylists, like 90%, I end up having to babysit. Even if they’re 20 years older then me.
Any mentors that helped you get started/stay on the right track or create your vision?
The first salon that I worked at, this woman Bonnie had just opened her first salon, and she really took me under her wing and taught me a lot about business and different secrets of the trade.
Is your current company still representative of your original vision?
Sort of. I actually wanted a salon much smaller then what I have. Me and one stylist would of been perfect. What I have is working out though. I also would love someday to move my salon to a smaller town.
Is there anything in the beginning stages of your business that, in hindsight, you would have done differently?
I would have probably changed the name as soon as I bought it. Other then that it’s all been a learning experience that needed to happen.
What have you done to get new clients and retain existing clients?
Getting new clients I’ve done everything: mailing list postcards, groupon type websites, social business meetings, gift cert. sponsoring events but what I’ve found in the long run is Yelp is probably our number one client receiver and word of mouth from our other clients. As far as retaining clients, we have something similar to a punch card, as well as discounting clients that refer people to us. Also during holidays and bdays we send out discount cards. Our work speaks for itself so retention isn’t as hard. What is hard is being in such a big city, people are constantly moving here and moving away.
Any tips you have for budding entrepreneurs?
Don’t ever give up. Keep trying and among everything else think outside the box. Think of ways to make yourself different and stand out.
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