Today we’d like to introduce you to Marchel Caldwell.
Marchel, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
After graduating from Prairie View A&M University in 2008 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Computer Engineering Technology, I was unable to land a job in the engineering field. I decided to take a chance and enroll in Cosmetology School since I had been doing hair on the side since I was in high school. I graduated 9 months later and with one faithful client from school, I took a leap of faith and decided to open my own business. Rent was due and I had no other option but to put 100% in my new little business. With the support of my husband, blessing of The Most High, Yahawah (God), and the grace given to me through my Lord and Savior, Yahawashi (Jesus), 8 years later I am still standing and am the proud owner of the most prominent multicultural hair salon in Houston.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Like all businesses, I have encountered many obstacles along the way. I am the proud mother of the most amazing little boy and little girl; however, after initially building my clientele, my client retention was at an all-time low after returning from both maternity leaves. At times, I just wanted to give up, but when you have passion for something, giving up is just not an option. I’ve also struggled with finding my niche in this industry. I had to figure out what type of hair was not being properly serviced in my area, what I could offer that no other salon was offering and what marketing techniques worked and didn’t work so that I could consistently build my clientele.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Studio9 Hair Artistry – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
The salon was opened in February of 2011. After changing business names several times, (trying to find a name that actually fit me and my work) I decided to try something simple and name my business Studio9, simply because I was in suite 9. Not expecting my clientele to grow as quickly as it did, within a year I moved to a bigger suite within the same building. Nearly another year later, I again needed more space and moved once again to the suite where I am currently located. In 2016, the salon became a Limited Liability Corporation and is now operating as Studio9 Hair Artistry, LLC
Although I am well versed will all textures of hair, I am most known for my ability to effortlessly style naturally curly hair. I pride myself on being a perfectionist and am truly passionate about helping women feel like the queens they truly are.
As a company, I am most proud and certainly most grateful for consistent growth!
The main thing that sets me apart from other salons or stylist in the industry is that although I am a stylist and salon owner, my engineering degree has given me the upper hand on the technical and business side of operating a salon; from creating my own websites, marketing plans and tactics, paying close attention to patterns and trends, analyzing client feedback and just my engineering mindset in regards to products that I use and my close attention to detail in every aspect of my business.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Well my future plan is to hire an assistant to help me better serve my growing clientele. I definitely would love to own my own salon one day, but only The Most High, Yahawah, knows what the future holds for me. I pray about everything and worry about nothing. Regardless of my future plans, all I can do is be patient and wait on Him!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bookstudio9.com
- Phone: 832 534 2470
- Email: marchelcaldwell@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/bookstudio9
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/studio9booking
- Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/studio9-hair-hair-artistry-spring
Image Credit:
Marchel Caldwell
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