Introduction

First of all: who am I, and why am I writing this book? As the owner and founder of the ever-growing Luxe Salon Spa and Laser Center, I believe it is time for me to share the lessons and gems that got me to where I am today. I wasn’t always a business owner, or even working in the beauty industry. Coming from the finance world and a successful accounting career, I took the leap into the world of beauty in 1998. This was not really ever something I envisioned myself doing before, but it was the best decision I made. Looking back, it was probably the core belief that my father instilled in me that fueled my drive to make this move. He always used to tell me, “You can have anything you want in your lifetime; all you have to do is work for it!” After graduating with an accounting degree, I soon realized that CPA firms and Fortune 500 companies weren’t really for me. This was clear to me once I got married. I made the initial decision that got me to where I am today: I want to be a stay-at-home mom that worked for myself so I could have flexibility in my schedule. Working for myself was my best bet. I would be in control of my schedule and money.

It was then that I decided to get my electrolysis and esthetics license, and ended up making six figures out of my house by only working two and half days a week! I don’t know whether you are working from home right now as you read this book, or whether being your own boss is something you want to do, but being able to accomplish that was the biggest game-changer in my life. I grew my business in such a way that I could no longer work out of my house, and I knew that I needed to move the business from my house to rented space. After searching for the perfect space, I ended up buying a small spa that felt like a good fit. However, it turned out to be headed toward bankruptcy. Thank goodness I only bought the assets. After six months of being open, I was able to reinvest my profits, which enabled me to purchase additional space. Thus, increasing the services offered to include all salon services I offer today. Shortly after, I purchased one of the first laser hair removal machines in Rochester. That step really took my business to the next level with the influx of new clients. I outgrew the space I was in and again, in search of another location with more space. I was able to find a 16,000 square foot building, which I purchased. Currently, 9,000 square feet is now home to the Luxe Salon Spa and Laser center.

This brings me to why I wanted to write this book. With all this success, I felt it was time for me to share all the tips and tricks that got me to where I am today. After I had moved my business to a new location in 2012, I decided to take several courses with Empowering You Consulting, which started my consulting career. This opened up the doors to becoming a consultant for salons and spas throughout the United States. My vision was to give back to those who want to be savyy business owners and be empowering leaders within their domain. There were just so many lessons that I wanted to share, but I never attempted to turn them into a book until now….