Grand Openings, grand closings - my first 2 years as a salon owner
It's less than 30 days until Untype turns 2...and all that is on my mind is that more than 33% of new businesses don’t make it to this milestone and honestly, it has been a struggle to make it this far.
I have been told on more than one occasion that I have a flair for the dramatic. In haste, I made a video explaining that I was considering not renewing my lease and that I would write a list of “demands.” Which, if fulfilled would see Untype stay open and live to fight another day.
More than a few days have passed and the list has yet to materialise. It was an off-the-cuff comment, because if the salon then closed, I could absolve myself of all guilt. However, I have since been hounded, and the eagerness to fight for the salon has been heart-warming.
The plan was to make a light hearted but serious list that would allow me to tick off longstanding items on my infinite to-do list, generate some much-needed revenue, and most importantly, HAVE FUN.
Running a business is hard at the best of times, but with a flailing economy, a revolving door of prime ministers, and an immune system hellbent on destroying me from the inside out, your girl has been STRUGGLING!
Even though the salon has been a success in terms of customer satisfaction and is quite often fully booked, my dream is becoming a NIGHTMARE. In my work, I tell Black women to take better care of themselves and reduce stress by any means necessary, yet I do the opposite.
My motivation to create a much-needed space has become an overwhelming pressure and the daily slog prevents me from sharing in the joy it has brought to many.
Failure is hard, but public failure—the Nigerian in me will not allow my enemies to see me fall. So day after day, I clock in and try to put my best foot forward even though I ran out of steam a long time ago.
So what is the plan? Well, with the encouragement of friends, I have placed my demands below. I have until mid-August to decide to forge ahead or bow out (dis)gracefully.
Please join me on the 18th for a grime karaoke night or any of the upcoming events.
My demands (LOL)
New stylists!
This is the most important demand. Know a good stylist or are one yourself? Book in a trial day and make Untype your new home
Small business pop ups
Have a small business - host a pop up at the salon and engage new clients
Recommend a friend and buy them a gift card ( or donate it to a sis in need- put donation in the notes)
Get a copy of “The healthy hair handbook”
There are a few more I am still finalising so this list will be updated and more fun “Daily Demands” will be posted on the Untype socials so make sure to give us a follow.
Appreciate you all!
Ebuni