To look around Elizabeth’s (not her real name) nail salon, you would think that she is doing well, and you would be right.
What the nice surroundings don’t show is what it took to get there. She told me how she had worked for someone else for many years until she could finally purchase her own salon. She was a little intimidated by the monthly rent, but she had hope that she would be able to tread water for a few months. Little did she know that the very first day on the job was going to be horrible.
Hello, Disaster!
On the day that she was supposed to have her grand opening, she arrived, and expected to see the 6 employees who she was retaining from the previous owner. No one was there. She then realized that they had quit. Every. Single. Technician.
For months, she went home crying, agonizing about going under before she even had a chance to start her business. But she didn’t give up, and slowly she hired people and delivered outstanding service to her clientele. She paid attention to what they said they wanted, and she purchased premium products in order to compete with more established salons in her area.
The Turnaround
She didn’t stop there. She attended conventions around the country in order to source products, to learn from the product manufacturers, and to learn how to be a better businesswoman. She also made time (and still does) to teach other small salon owners some of her techniques, because the products, by themselves, aren’t enough. She also treats her staff with a remarkable amount of trust, and they act in ways that demonstrate that they feel invested in the business.
As she recounted the ups and downs that she has been through, one thing is apparent. She has fun with what she does for a living, and she’s optimistic about her future options.
Perserverance
It is so easy sometimes to think how “lucky” someone is to have their own business, and gloss over the scary moments that they experienced. For some people, there can be many months or years’ worth of scary moments. But that person must wake up every day and persevere.
By the same token, you cannot sulk forever about missed opportunities, mistakes. Staying rooted in the past steals joy from the present opportunities that life offers you today. When times are good, celebrate; not overmuch, but staying optimistic about the future pays dividends.