Today we’d like to introduce you to Cristina Szabo.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I fell in love with the beauty industry as a teenager while I was assisting with hair and makeup on a commercial set. I decided to pursue that dream and attended Paul Mitchell the school in Austin. I worked for a few different salons and managed one before opening my own. I always wanted to create a workplace that stylists loved being at and the guests felt comfortable. Last year, I went through a very dramatic divorce that affected the business and team directly but we came together as a family and have managed to keep everything running strong. Despite the challenges thrown our way, we’ve won Best salon of Cypress by living magazine 2016, and 2018.
Great, 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?
As any business owner would agree, it’s never a smooth road, but the challenges are also part of the fun. There is nothing better than coming together with your team and overcoming trials thrown your way. With that, one challenge is finding the right people to fit into our salon family.
Last year was a huge obstacle and test for us as we found out my then husband at the time had stolen our entire salon savings and spent most of what was available in the salon account just as we were beginning plans to open a second location. Since then, we have all come together, stayed strong, and supported each other as we slowly build our business back up. I truly have the best team I could have ever asked for.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about salon SzaSza – what should we know?
We are a Paul Mitchell focus salon. Meaning, we only use Paul Mitchell styling products, professional hair color, and pro tools. We service everyone in your family; men, women, and children. Our services include hair cutting, hair color, extensions, makeup, and healing therapy treatments. Each guest gets a relaxing shampoo massage inside our Bubble Bar, which is a quiet, separate room with soft music, dim lighting, and a nice hot towel to help the conditioner penetrate the hair shaft for maximum absorption. One of the most important things for us as a team is our education. The beauty industry is always evolving and we are always learning. Together as a team, we attend at least two training a year as well as in salon education every other month to make sure we are on top of the newest trends and styles.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I think the most important thing for my business is listening to suggestions or concerns my team has. Utilizing and treating everyone as a team member not just as an employee. This is OUR salon, not MY salon.
We have to most amazing guests too who are on board with our team based model. They are able to use any stylist they like to best fit their needs or their own schedule. We don’t let our ego get in the way of making our guests happy. Everyone works together to serve each guest.
Contact Info:
- Address: 25250 Northwest freeway suite 290
(upstairs above stewart title, next to fred Astaire)
Cypress, TX 77429 - Website: www.salonSzaSza.com
- Phone: 281-758-4333
- Email: info@salonszasza.com
- Instagram: @salonSzaSza
- Facebook: facebook.com/salonSzaSza
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