Today we’d like to introduce you to Suzette Richardson.
Hi Suzette, we’d love for you to share how you got started.
I initially started my business because I ran into a rough patch in life that forced me to bring in another income to meet my bills. I started out as a DJ in the Houston area, doing a lot of house parties and private events for nonprofit organizations. Over time, I incorporated, upgraded and added to the dj business, my hookah business and my nonprofit.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has not been easy at all. In Houston, it’s NOT what you know but WHO you know for the most part. If you’re not in the loop, you defiantly have to depend on your higher power or God as I call him, to move the pieces and the right people in place. People would book my DJ services but didn’t get the hookahs, no matter what the price would be. There are a few people that would book my services (they were biased :)) they were/are my friends.
Life showed up, I was struggling financially, was about to lose my home, my car, and couldn’t pay the utility bills, the DJ business wasn’t meeting the bills (remember I said it’s not what you know but Who you know). I had to make a decision, so I set my focus on the hookah business as it would bring in a steady income. I perfected my knowledge, did a lot of research, experimenting, sacrificing, and upgrading. Still doing dj gigs here and there. There was a time when I sat in freezing temperatures with my hookahs and didn’t make one sale. There were times when I couldn’t get one booking opportunity for neither the dj business nor the hookahs, I have dealt with some very shrewd and disheartening and dishonorable people in this business, have been faced with obstacles that were beyond my control, and I’ve been met with some challenges that some people wouldn’t survive. I have learned the true value of some friends and family members along the way. The hookah business is a booming business but it is also a competitive business. Finding a way to set myself and my brand apart and getting folk to purchase my product was and Is the biggest challenge in itself.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
JRE HOOKAH SPA, originated from my parenting company, JR Entertainment and Services LLC and sports my family initials (Jenkins Richardson Entertainment ). True enough, I started my business based on some hardships, but, it has always been my vision to supersede the norm within my family. My company isn’t for me. It’s for my family under me to have the opportunities that I didn’t have. To have a fair chance at life.
I am the sole owner of JR Entertainment and Services LLC, JRE Mobile Outreach and JRE Hookah Spa. I/WE specialize in entertainment for adult and children and we feed the homeless as part of our outreach program. Along this path, I have the help of my family and friends. It’s a lot juggling 3 businesses and I can’t do it alone. I do all the work on the back end and my family and friends help me on the front end. I am ever so grateful for them.
I have sort of set the DJ business to the side now that I have my Hookah Lounge which requires a lot of me in order for me to stay different. I think that what sets me apart is that I listen to my customers. I’m never too proud to listen for corrective criticism. I’m always looking for ways to improve. Although my lounge is a BYOB hookah bar, I give my customers complimentary drinks with their hookah purchases. Most bars give water base hookahs…I give fruit base hookahs…they use porcelain hookah heads, and I use heat management (HMS)…all for the same price. It’s the small things that make the hookah experience different…that I don’t mind adding at no extra cost. I give my customers what I would want..nothing less. We have a slogan: Big clouds…Thick smoke..No choke. I stand on it. That’s the experience we give at JRE Hookah Spa.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I’m a geek…I’m all over the internet researching and reading. I listen to different podcasts, read different blogs, and I listen to different infusers. Not one person in particular.
Pricing:
- Happy Hour Hookahs (Includes complimentary Drink) – $15,00
- Premium Hookahs (Includes complimentary Drink) – $30
- Cover Charge – $10
- Setups (4 cups, 2 sodas/juice, bucket of ice and condiments)- $10
- Bottle Fee – $5
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jrehookahspa.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jrehookahspa/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/JRE-Hookah-SPA/100087103391353/
Image Credits
Eliza Elsie Enterprises
