Today we’d like to introduce you to Connie Novello.
Connie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
In 2008 I started my adventure going into Cosmetology school. Where I wrote down my goals of what I wanted to accomplish within ten years. Within in those goals I said I wanted to own my own salon.
Before owning a salon, I had to become a hairstylist. I first started out assisting two amazing hairstylists for about a year where I sharpened my skills of how to work in a salon behind the chair. Going to Cosmetology school and working in a salon are to totally different skills settings. After assisting, I decided it was time to venture off. I started working at a salon in downtown, where is b.s and said I had a clientele (which I definitely didn’t) . The arrangement of me being able to work in this salon was the first month was commission based (50/50), and after that it was (50/50 commission based for three days) and then the other three days ($150 a week for booth rent).
Man, I passed out my card every day. Walked up and down the streets in downtown and everywhere. Somehow I was able to pay rent. If you put your mind to it, everything always works out.
So after staying in a downtown salon for a few years, I decided it was time for a change again. I moved to a salon in Pacific Beach where I worked there for about a year and a half. And within that year I felt I really found myself as a stylist. I worked and fashion shows, news reports, photos shoot, etc. Anything to further my knowledge I did.
After working a year and a half at the Pacific beach salon, the owner came to me one day and asked if I would like to buy it. I was in shock! I couldn’t pass this opportunity up!. So January 2015 I bought my salon and called it Salon Novello.
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?
Owning your own business is a lot of fun. Because hey guess what ??? You’re the boss. But in the beginning, you don’t really know all the things that go with “being the boss.” Over time and each year you learn so much about your business, who people really are, you learn who you are, and what you want in life.
My journey to owning the salon. One big thing is don’t mix business and friendship. You most likely sadly get screwed over. But you have to just stay strong and move on. Also, make sure you read your lease. Landlords have a lot to do with businesses going under. If you don’t understand the lease, have a lawyer look over it, or get a business realtor to help you out.
During owning Salon Novello. I am very happy I have had my family helping along the way when I was remodeling the salon. Take goodness my dad made me into a Tomboy…haha I have to say I am quite the handyman in the salon which saves me a lot of money.
As a younger business owner and a woman, you do get a lot of respect from your priors because most people understand how hard it is. But having weekly, monthly, and yearly goals will keep you on track. There will be times you will be tired and want to quit, but I always focus on the light at the end of the tunnel. They say the first three years are the hardest. Then when you hit six years your business should be making it. I’m going to be hitting four years, and I’m feeling great! I love the team I have in the salon now; It’s like a second family.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Salon Novello story. Tell us more about the business.
They say find the job you love, and I have. I absolutely love being a Hairstylist. I love doing everything. I try to be a jack of all trades. I do color, color corrections, highlights, balayage, women’s cut, men’s cuts, hair extensions (fusion, bead, tape, sew in extensions), dreads, updos, makeup. You want something most likely I can get it done!. I love when I’m done with a clients hair. They turn, give me a hug and say “this is exactly what I wanted!” That totally makes my day! And I don’t just do hair in the salon. I get bored in there… haha so I hit the streets and cut hair for low-income families. It is truly the best feeling in the whole world even though I can’t help them on buying a house or things they need but giving them a fresh new cut makes them feel like a million bucks. That melts my heart. Once again I really love my job.
What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
I don’t really feel held back as being a woman. I feel it’s the way you present yourself as a person. For instance, in the beginning of my business adventure, I didn’t know how talk get my point across, and I was too timid. So I acknowledged that about myself. I took business classes, and read books that helped me. And attending networking events. Where you can meet other business owners, who are going thru things you are and learn from one another.
Contact Info:
- Address: 863 Hornblend Street, San Diego, Ca. 92109
- Website: Salonnovello.com
- Phone: 8584888851
- Email: Salonnovello@gmail.com
- Instagram: Salonnovello
- Facebook: Salonnovello
Image Credit:
https://instagram.com/5kvince – took photo of myslef and salon team
For bride with red hair – Photographer: kristenboothphotog
Venue: @heavenly_oaks_flower_farm
Vintage Rental + Styling: @madampaloozaemporium
Floral Design: @tularosaflowers
Couple: @ariiijava @beachead90
Gown: @bonnybridal
Menswear: @suitfellas @giovannitestiofficial
Headpiece: @edenluxebridal
Make-Up: @beautybymelina
Floral Infusion and Recipe: @tularosafarm
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