Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Raak.
Jessica, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started out in a small studio with just one chair. I had broken my foot and had to hire an assistant to help me out and that changed everything, I was able to see more clients in a day with the help of another person even though I was seriously injured. My business kept growing and we outgrew the small space. My husband was just messing around on Craigslist looking for bigger spaces for me and came across an ad for a salon space inside the Hilton hotel on post oak. At first, I thought to myself, that sounds weird. The stars would have to align for me to open up shop on a hotel. I immediately thought the parking would be a pain, you would probably have to get on an elevator or walk through the entire building to find the space, that would just be too inconvenient for my clients. I decided to check it out anyways. We went and looked at the spot and it couldn’t have been any more perfect based on location in the building and the parking situation was actual super convenient. Just one problem, the inside was horrific. The previous tenant had kept the place a wreck and the overall condition of the space was not up to my standards whatsoever.
There were concrete floors with holes everywhere, no windows, about five mini rooms, purple ceilings, and so many more issues to deal with. Thing is, there was so MUCH POTENTIAL so we decided to take it and embark on a remodel/ buildout. We signed a lease and the planning began. We knocked out all of the walls opening the space up, added windows, new floors, new paint and so much more. Everyone was working day and night and even through the holidays. Once I added my touch on the decor (and put in reclining massaging shampoo bowl chairs) we were ready to open after just four short months. This was my first project, my baby, I put every waking moment into planning every detail from the remodel, to the furniture, what computer system we were going to use, which product line, I mean every little thing was so orchestrated and I did it all. We opened on Valentine’s Day of 2019 and just a few days later, I underwent an IVF procedure to get my little miracle baby that was born almost ten months later. Starting my 1st business, becoming pregnant, and now being a new mom I feel so complete and am so grateful for all of the many blessings. One being able to have a career doing what I love and also making others feel so great themselves 🙂
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?
I’d say we have had a really smooth experience opening up Hair Society. I am such a planner that I had everything lined up and ready to go. We had a few bumps in the road but I think that is expected when opening up any business or taking on a big project. You have to just deal with it and keep moving. The one struggle we are having is that we are new and in an area where we are competing against some really reputable salons that have been around for years, if not decades. It’s hard proving yourself to the community and convincing people to give you a shot, you really have to work hard to gain the trust of new clients. I tell my staff that every little detail makes a difference.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Hair Society INC – what should we know?
Hair society Inc. is a cozy-chic, modern salon. We specialize in all hair color techniques, hair extensions, event styling, and makeup. I am most proud of the level of service that we provide. I think what sets us apart from other businesses like ours is that we are just ourselves and our clients feel comfortable being themselves as well and just being able to relax when they come in. Don’t get me wrong we are upscale and have complementary champagne for every guest 🙂 . I would just say that we are a little more personable, and have a more laid back vibe (yet classy) than a lot of other salon atmospheres.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I believe that it is very important that we are honest with our clients and really listening to their wants and needs all while education them on what’s best and also realistic for them is most important to our success. That along with customer service, continuing our education and obtaining the skills needed to do great work.
Pricing:
- Balayage starting at $150
- Full face makeup $85
- Haircutting starting at $65
- root color starting at $65
Contact Info:
- Address: 2001 Post Oak Blvd Houston, Texas 77056
- Website: www.uptownhairsociety.com
- Phone: (713) 968-1366
- Email: salon@uptownhairsociety.com
Image Credit:
Photography by Jay Marroquin, Stylists: Jessica Raak and Bunmi Bush
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