In this episode of Soul Warrior's Journey. I sat down with my guest Brandee Friesen the owner of Saskatoon's newest Hair and beauty Salon, @musehaircouture. Brandee shared why she felt the need to open her salon, the inspiration behind the services she offers as well as the experience she intends to facilitate for the clients of @musehaircouture.
I AM very happy for Brandee, because I clearly remember when this Salon was just a dream which at one point she did not think was possible. However, by shifting her mindset and being true to her hearts passion and desire. Brandee has create what may well be, one of Saskatoon's truly first co-ed salons.
Join us, as we journey into the life of a Soul Warrior on the quest to take your salon experience to a whole new level in our beautiful City of Bridges.
You can follow the salon here: https://www.instagram.com/hairby.bfriee/
Subscribe to my Youtube channel for more inspirational content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsBoZvqP5MUIp06DJBwQmQQ
Support this podcast: https://www.patreon.com/soulwarriorsjourney
Intro/outro music by: @saulthesinger
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX1oYRo5x23o-4BZ-ERMvsA/featured
thesoulwarriorsjourney/the entrepreneurial mindset
In this episode of Soul Warrior's Journey. I sat down with my guest Brandee Friesen the owner of Saskatoon's newest Hair and beauty Salon, @musehaircouture. Brandee shared why she felt the need to open her salon, the inspiration behind the services she offers as well as the experience she intends to facilitate for the clients of @musehaircouture.
I AM very happy for Brandee, because I clearly remember when this Salon was just a dream which at one point she did not think was possible. However, by shifting her mindset and being true to her hearts passion and desire. Brandee has create what may well be, one of Saskatoon's truly first co-ed salons.
Join us, as we journey into the life of a Soul Warrior on the quest to take your salon experience to a whole new level in our beautiful City of Bridges.
You can follow the salon here: https://www.instagram.com/hairby.bfriee/
Subscribe to my Youtube channel for more inspirational content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsBoZvqP5MUIp06DJBwQmQQ
Support this podcast: https://www.patreon.com/soulwarriorsjourney
Intro/outro music by: @saulthesinger
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX1oYRo5x23o-4BZ-ERMvsA/featured
thesoulwarriorsjourney/the entrepreneurial mindset
Gotta get it out ahead. Gotta get it outta.
Speaker 2:Hello and welcome to another episode of the soul warriors journey. Uh, I'm your host Doman Beltazar and you know, our podcast brings you inspiration from people like you who have decided to take that change, uh, or be the change they wish to see in the world. And it, it is so inspiring to, to see my own friends, people in my life who are taking that leap of faith, regardless of what or how society says we should be, um, working a nine to five, as we have come to know it is old school. And the new new school is entrepreneurship, where we get to live life on our terms, uh, to enrich, uh, the lives of others by enriching our lives. So, uh, as you all know, we're still in a pandemic, uh, and the pandemic has its upside and downside here. We like to highlight the upside of the pandemic. Uh, and one upside of the pandemic is that it has inspired countless numbers of new entrepreneurs. It has inspired folks who have been employees to transition into an employer role. Uh, my next guess says that she has grown so much this year, that she believes she is literally a different person though. Uh, she is not, uh, going to give the pandemic full credit for this change in her life. It has allowed her to look deep within herself and, uh, it was through that journey within she realized that things needed to change. She also realized that she was simply existing and taking up space and not really thriving. Uh, she had lost her work ethic and sort of that spark, that resembled any kind of joy. She has been a hair stylist since 2014 and is always inspired to do her best and work for the best companies, but never really had a desire to open her own salon. I mean, most of us are that way. You know, we work and, uh, not for me, but let's, uh, go six years and five salons later and she realized she needed to create her own space, a place where she, as well as others could thrive and share their best work. And again, I'm always excited to chat with new entrepreneurs, especially when I've known them before they decided to take that leap of faith. For today's episode, I sat down with Bradley Friesen of, uh, M here, couture to learn more about her journey into being a salon owner and entrepreneur and entrepreneurship, uh, Brandy, welcome to the soul warriors journey.
Speaker 3:Hi, Doman thank you.
Speaker 2:So let's just dive right into this because I can't help, but go back to one. And I had, uh, breathe, uh, cycle in yoga studio. And you were, you were working there with us and you were rolling up towels and we were talking about dreams. And, uh, you said one day that you wanted to open a salon and since then, uh, like your bio, you transition through different salons. And now here you are.
Speaker 3:What does that like to, I remember like it was yesterday, cuz I was folding the towels and I like had my first midlife crisis and you were right there and you're like, it's all happening for a reason. And it's all part of the plan. And I'm like as if dormant like enough with a yo yoga quotes. Yeah, yeah, yeah. But I mean, I see it now in hindsight, it all worked. I wasn't ready then I didn't even want that. I just needed something instantly. And I'm, I'm so impatient still, but um, I'm glad things are progressing now and things are looking up, so it's good to touch base.
Speaker 2:Yeah. You know, and it's, it's from me as, uh, a supporter. It's really good to see that you've stayed the course, you know, and stayed the course. Not in, you know, since you didn't want a salon back then, but stayed the course of your passion. What brings you joy? Yeah. And I think a lot of us in society, we, we miss that, you know, we, we get it up and, you know, working for money and we live, uh, unhappy and unfulfilled lives. But when you follow your dream, when you follow your heart, then it leads you to this place of, uh, you know, where you want to be more in control of your destiny and you to help others, uh, to find happiness in what they do. So let's talk about what it was like, uh, going from working, uh, in salons that were not your own to when that, that ball went off like a, okay, I need to own my own space.
Speaker 3:Um, one of the last few salons that I worked at, I really liked, but in the end it's like, you still don't have enough control. Like I'm always trying to better myself and my practices without overstepping. And you know, for instance, one of the places I work gets serve like microwave coffee. Like if you warm up the pot for the day and by four o'clock, your guest wants some coffee, we'll just Noke it in the microwave. To me, that is not okay. I know. I see your face right now. Yeah. I, I didn't think that was normal. So like I'm always trying to better myself. I'm like, uh, can we have a little cure egg? Can we like think of something better? And eventually the bosses think you're overstepping. They want you out. And yeah. And that LA, that was the last few salons where I worked at, where I'm always trying to better myself and better the practice, better the studio and better my assistants. And eventually it's like, you need to own your own space because this is their dream and they're living their dream. And this is what they had envisioned when they had put their vision board together for their salon and it ain't mine and they're not matching up. And then we clash and I don't wanna like burn bridges anywhere I go. And it's just like, I, I realized it. And so many people told me that you need to have your own space. You're running the show, you're taking up four out of the eight chairs. Like, wow, you need to have your own space. And I can fill my days, my assistance days. So I knew it was time. Like not only just for the financial standpoint, but like my wrists are shot. I sleep in like wrist scars at night. I max out my benefits for chiro acupuncture. Like I'm not quite 30. Like I just told you, but I feel 80. So something's gotta give.
Speaker 2:Right, right, right. Well, good for you for waking up. And again, you know, for me it is, I always try to help people to get to where you are before, or it's too late before you have to max out your, your benefits, you know, taking care of your body. Yeah. Uh, but here we are. Right. You've made the decision. And now let's, let's talk about first. Let's talk about the name. Like, is there a meaning behind the name of the salon?
Speaker 3:Muse means the like inspiration and I wanted a name that would apply to not only like the work that we do in the studio, but something that was like, um, for both genders, it's not like Fri I don't wanna like copyright anything, but like not, not any girl fancy sparkly, like Tudy, fruity, rainbows kind of stuff. Like I wanted to come because another thing we're really focusing on is Triology and that will be mainly kind of male centered, but whoever is balding or whoever's thinning hair, which is huge. That's probably half our population and we don't have any resources. So we want to be pretty much the first ones in Saskatoon to really market that and then niche down on hair loss.
Speaker 2:Well, it's really all awesome to hear that it is a, uh, co-ed salon and not only for women. Yeah. Because, you know, I remember at the last salon that you, that, that I booked my wife in with you. Yeah. And you know, like it was beautiful. And I, I think I said it to you and to the owners, like, why isn't there something like this for men, you know, like, right. Because it just felt it, even though I was told that, yeah, it's good for you too, but it didn't feel like that. It just felt very feminine to me. And you know, I like to think of myself of a manly man. Uh, I'm in touch with my feminine side, but at the same time, you know, when I go to a salon, you know, I, I wanna feel manly. Like I don't wanna feel. Yeah. Anyway, so totally. I'm happy to hear that. It's all inclusive. Um, so now, like what kind of services are you offering for men? Let's talk about the services for a little bit. So
Speaker 3:You, um, well about the pricing, like I, we were just working on this earlier on today. Actually. We're figuring out men's cuts, ladies cuts, but it's so, um, it's so common, I guess, for salons these days to do like men's cuts and ladies cuts. But now with everyone, I don't know. It's, it's more open to be. Maybe there's not just male and female. There's so many different genders out there. You can't just say, oh, she has short hair. She's a, lady's cut. She has short hair. Let's charge her. Men's cut, but they don't wanna book a men's cut. You know, just like you don't wanna book a lady's cut. If you're, if your dreadlocks are long, you don't wanna book ladies cut. So can we just base it off length? So you can't be like discrim these days. And I wanna to be, I don't know if it's the first in Saskatoon, but more people are catching on and I like that. And I think it's just fair.
Speaker 2:Yeah. It, it is fair. It just puts it all at a, at a level, a even playing field, a level field. Totally. Whatever it is. I'm trying to say there. Um, yeah. So now, uh, we're so exactly. Where's the location. I think I saw a second and second and what,
Speaker 3:Yeah, so where's second avenue. Um, if, you know, if you're still remember where Saskatoon and all those little
Speaker 2:Shops, I've only been gone for like two months.
Speaker 3:Okay. Um, in the past now for you, but we're by like six in stones and um, by the course event center and above, uh, caraway grill.
Speaker 2:Oh, I know exactly where that is.
Speaker 3:It's new, it's cute. Like it was completely gutted. Um, and it's ready for us. They're they're doing a couples like, cuz it was old building, but now it's completely renovated. So that's what we were looking for. Ideally. And the rooftop patio, which is friend. So one thing I really wanted to focus on was there are so many salons in the city and there it's actually kind of tough to get like a bank to loan you money. If you say I'm gonna start up my first salon or like good luck with that, you know, everyone fails. I shouldn't say everyone, but like, it's tough to survive if you're just gonna be like everyone else. So you gotta stand out. So, um, we want, we had to give them a whole like spiel of what we were thinking for idea ideas and Triology is more kind of medical people come to you because they have hair loss. Whether it be from chemotherapy, whether it be from accidents, stress re like related or COVID even, or just like old age, but that's something that we can help. And that's something I really wanted to focus on as I'm the only tri like other people we hire would do the normal cuts and colors and um, different treatments and stuff like that. But I'd be the only tri
Speaker 2:Okay, well for those of us who are not in the know and who are not in the business, uh, can you, uh, elaborate on what a Triology is?
Speaker 3:It'd be like a doctor of hair, so a doctor
Speaker 2:Of hair.
Speaker 3:Okay. Yeah. So yeah, like normally you think hairstyles deals with the hair that's already kind of grown outta your head, um, and your skill, but trio focus is on like the root of the problem and why you're thinning and how we can prevent it. And when did this all start? And I noticed that because as we are talking now I'm in Cayman islands. I took many flights to get here and I see lots of peoples, lots of people as you come and go in the back of their heads. And I'm like, you could benefit from this. You could benefit from this. And the other day, Shauna and I were out on a yacht and there was so many people I met and there was two guys that were in our little group and you get talking, you're a hair stylist. It doesn't take long. They're like, could you do something about this? And they, their bald spa and they laugh about it. I'm like, bro, I got so for you, are you serious? Sit down. I'm gonna, I'm gonna tell you much meal and I'm good now. And you get their emails and they're ready to purchase and it can all be remote too. So that's something I wanna work down the road. It's like this laser cap and they purchase it. It comes to their door wherever they are in the world. And it's just like Amazon, right? Like Amazon can ship you anything. You don't have to be there in person.
Speaker 2:So now you're tapping into the passive income market.
Speaker 3:That's right. I have to my wrist.
Speaker 2:Yes, yes, yes.
Speaker 3:So, and I can do virtual consultations with them too, no matter where they are in the world, as long as you got wifi.
Speaker 2:Yeah. That's good. And, and that's the beauty of, uh, living today, right? Like, like for totally example, this recording, like you're in the Caman island and I am in Belize. Like, I mean, who would've thought like this could happen, but here we are. So now
Speaker 3:Let's talk one could even tell,
Speaker 2:Right? Yeah, exactly. So now let's talk about, uh, let's talk about your, I guess your employees and the people who are, uh, renting space for you. I don't know what the correct terminology is. Employees or leasers or employees. Employees. Okay. So let's talk about your employees. Like, uh, you wanna make, you wanted to create a place that was, uh, better for, or a place that would allow them to thrive. Right. And really, really be, uh, uh, have that freedom to be passionate about what they're doing. Um, how are you gonna be able to draw these people in or do you already have them in your circle? What's that interview process like?
Speaker 3:Yeah. They've, they've been doing the hiring, um, process while I'm away, but they kind of, they can zoom me in or they can do the interview and then kind of touch base with me what they think. And that's been good for the most part at the end of the day. I always like spend a few hours on my computer and touch base, like kinda in the morning and at night. So I'm always still in touch. I don't need to be there for the interview. Most of these girls that I have like kind of headhunted and I pass on their information and then they do it. So I know they're already good. Um, what was the other question? Sorry.
Speaker 2:Uh, well, I think that was the, that, that was the question, uh, I guess to follow up on that would be, uh, how do you know you're aligned with them, but you said you already know them because as you know, I
Speaker 3:Already know them.
Speaker 2:Yeah. And, and as you know, from your past alignment is key, you know, totally. If you're aligned with someone, uh, and that vision is aligned, then you can continually grow together. And of course, uh, they'll be some of those who, uh, get inspired like you did and say, you know what, I wanna own my own salon because she does it like this, but this is how I wanna do it.
Speaker 3:I know. Right. So
Speaker 2:That's,
Speaker 3:That's always the top picks, the good ones always get away on you.
Speaker 2:Exactly, exactly. Um, well, not always. I mean, if you, if you have, again, your alignment is such that you are able to continually grow together. Um, for me as an entrepreneur, I like the, to think that if we grow together, then I will, you know, share a piece of what we've created together. Especially if you've been there, uh, uh, from the beginning, you know, uh, but that's just me.
Speaker 3:So one of the salons where I worked really took good care of us. We had soft mats everywhere. We stepped, we had like Dyson blow dryers, everything was ergonomic, like big sinks. So you're not hunching down the whole time. Like all those small things I kind of took for granted, I guess then another place where I worked, um, it was didn't have the Dysons, it didn't have soft mats. It didn't have anything ergonomic. Everything was little and I'm not trying to be ungrateful, but I realized those things are important, Matt, I didn't work there for that long, but my body has never felt this destroyed just from standing on concrete all day, no matter how many insoles I stuff into my shoes, no matter how many like compression stockings I wear, like, I'm trying to keep myself alive here, but it's not easy when those are the circumstances you put yourself in for 12 hour day. So that's what I want for our studio. I wanna take good care of our team and not like have them max out on their benefits because like out of survival and, um, all those things are pretty like have a soft mat and then like get a few more years outta your career. So those are important. And I want to like care for my team. I think that's super important that, um, I not necessarily did not have it every place.
Speaker 2:Well, I think the, the thing that allows you to be this way is your awareness of your body. And I remember when you, you, the very first time I met you years ago in moron, when you came to my yoga class, uh, you know, your body was like, you had no, like you had no body awareness, you know, and then to see you, how you've grown over the years, you know, to now yoga is a regular part of your, your daily living, right. You know, and your meditation and your nutrition. I mean, if you don't have those things, uh, as an entrepreneur and as a leader, then there's no way that you can convey that to the people who are working with you and therefore they get to suffer. Exactly. But when you're aware of that, then you, you know, you know exactly what they'll need. And you've been, you know, you've been doing this for over five years, so you know exactly what the salon needs to help your people grow.
Speaker 3:Yeah. You told me about my knees. You made me aware of like how to stand properly. And I still think of that all the time. Like every time I work out
Speaker 2:It's do you think about it or do you practice it?
Speaker 3:Um, there's a huge difference here. I, I try to practice it. I try
Speaker 2:Right on, right on. So, uh, now let's talk about, so, uh, for people to, let's say the people who, the clients that you had from the other salons, uh, or let's use the last salon that you were at, for example, uh, how will those people, I'm sure there's software, but how will they transition into the new system? And, um, and I, I guess this is a little personal because now how is it gonna be that you, you had them at that other salon. And then now that you're opening your own space, they're not gonna be at that salon anymore. Is there, was there ever an understanding, were they your clients or were they the salon clients help us to understand that those of us not in,
Speaker 3:Yeah. So in our industry, I feel like in the last seven, six or seven years is like Instagram has taken off. So the salon does not own the clients, just like I don't own the clients. Clients are free people they're allowed to roam wherever they want and whoever they wanna see. But if they follow me on Instagram and they give me their information that way, and they wanna follow along the journey, they have an outstanding appointment with me. It's like a date. We made the date. I'll do your lights, February 7th at 10 o'clock, I'll be there. We no longer are going to meet at Starbucks kind of thing. We are now looking at this location. If they don't wanna proceed, no problem. You can cancel. But like, I think one person canceled and I think it's called like reschedule. It didn't sound like they're just not coming. It sounded like they're gonna have to figure something out and call me back kind of thing. Um, so the transition has been super easy. They, they, anytime I call them or talk to them, like I knew this was coming Brandy. I told you, you need to do this for yourself. I'm so happy for you. So if they followed me to the last place, they are most definitely coming to my own place. Cause, um, I'm not trying to bash anyone, but again, with the microwave coffee and just like small things like that, they, they told me their feedback. It's simply just getting your hair done. Well, I want to fulfill, to fulfill me at the end of the day, I wanna give an excellent, like five star experience, like the whole experience of getting your hair done, not just getting my hair cut today. That's like a statement. Like, I want an experience out of every guest, no matter, even if it's just a consultation, I wanna blow that out of the water. Not just went for a consultation today. Like elaborate, like make it good. We, we have so many things in the works about like all the fancy drinks we're gonna serve. Like these all very colored, like we're gonna have alcohol and non-alcohol, we're gonna have like, fancy, like Crains and fresh baking and fresh squeeze, orange juice. And it's all beer and yeah, sure. Beer wine, you name it. We got it.
Speaker 2:Well, you know, you're talking about, you know, including the guy. So most guys
Speaker 3:Exactly,
Speaker 2:You know, a, a cold beer on a hot Saskatoon day. I mean, it's refreshing.
Speaker 3:Totally. And that's why we want the patio too. Cuz we want people to stay a while. It's an experience, not just D in dash.
Speaker 2:Right? Right. So with the patio, uh, your, your is your vision that after you get your haircut and your drink isn't finished, or you just, just wanna hang out for a little bit, you can go up to the patio, finish your drink and just hang out, enjoy your new ha hairstyle. Right?
Speaker 3:Exactly. Yeah. And Instagram is the way of the future. So they take content, they post it cuz they wanna promote that. They've been here to the coolest salon. It's new people wanna like say that they got out and about. So they do that and that's bettering us. They're doing the advertising for us. So we just gotta make cute space in the they'll take care of the rest.
Speaker 2:A and, and that in, in essence is the best promotion or best marketing, I should say. You know, we genuine your clients. Yeah. It's genuine. We're your clients. They're so happy. So elated. And they happy with what the work that was done. So like, why not share it? Like, I, it sounds like what you're creating is a culture in that instead of, you know, cuz I, when I hear, uh, getting your hair done, like I don't care if my drink, if maybe I'll chug it down, but I'm like looking to book out of there to share my hair. Right. But now with Instagram you don't have to book out of there. And now there is a patio where you can finish your drink, maybe have a second drink or a third drink. Absolutely. And a way we go snap, snap, this is where I'm at, right? Yeah,
Speaker 3:Exactly. We have good ideas for it. We're gonna have like a fire table and like neon lights and like lots of plants and greenery and the way it is. Um, if you know where the building is now that I've told you, it is actually pretty secluded. You can't see what's going on underneath. You can't see you can't peer above or anything. You get the sun, but it's like your own space. No one else can climb up there. Like, and it's level with the studio. So it's not like you have to go up these a ladder or whatever. So it is just like you're part of the party. We'll keep the, the door open in the summer and um, good vibes all around.
Speaker 2:Good vibes all around. I love to hear good vibes all around. Of course, you know, I'm all about good vibes, you know? Okay. So now, uh, how many, uh, uh, hair stylists are you, are you gonna have in this, in this space? So hair stylist and barbers. So let's combine those two or I would say, is that the same?
Speaker 3:Yeah. Yeah. Usually like, I mean, I do men's cuts. I wouldn't call myself a barber, but I'll do a good men's cut. Um, so that's six hair stylists. Okay. Uh, and then eight chairs. So just so we have the ability to double book, um, if assistance need chairs or whatever, another thing too, we're doing like a blowout bar. Have you heard of that? Like in different cities, usually they have that girls have their hair washed blown up for the week.
Speaker 2:No, please share. I mean, for guys like me who don't know what a blowout bar is.
Speaker 3:Yeah, totally. Well, Saum doesn't really have one or not that we utilize it properly. So, um, K man has one just along the ocean side, it's called below and that's a chain and girls go in, you don't have to book an appointment, you get a good wash, scalp, massage, blow out. And then you're, you're good for the week. And then you book in and, and people do that once a week, especially in busy cities like Toronto, um, they just come down on their lunch, break, break, get their hair all done. And then they come back in a week and some people don't even own their own shampoo conditioner. They, they book people for that. So we wanna be the go-to place in Saskatoon it's downtown. It's like the busy area, like maybe not so much with COVID if people are working from home, but the offices are still utilized. We gotta get over that and like look towards the future. So we're ready when they're.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And, and you sound absolutely. And you're like just raring to go, like you're, you know, ready to leave the Caman islands just to get back to this new venture.
Speaker 3:Yeah. I'm excited.
Speaker 2:So, uh, now what are your hours like what time are you guys open and can people, well, you have an online bookings system that people can book in with you and, and the salon.
Speaker 3:Yeah, actually just as we speak, it's, uh, now live, so I'll have that link and I'll put it on my bio and Instagram and stuff. Um, I wanted again with working at so many different salons, you actually get experience, which what, with what I do like and what I don't like, there has never been a perfect online booking system. Lot. People always end up messaging me on Instagram. They're like, Hey Brandy, I don't know what to book. Well, why don't we add descriptions to the color? Like, you know, and there's, I can't do that. I'm not the boss, it's not my place. So then you just have to book them yourself. But that takes up so much time. And you're always out with friends or trying to enjoy a fitness class or a holiday. And you get so many messages. Hey, Brandy, sorry. I Don know what to book. Hey Brandi, the online booking link isn't working like, okay, we gotta figure this out. It's 20, 22. So we, we have a good software system. We did our research and I'm loving it so far. Um, so yeah, it'll be super easy to book. And um, I wanted to give like a good experience to make sure, especially the first week we're not craming people in there. I wanna give them time to like find parking, come up, enjoy your space. The patio's not ready till the summer. Um, and also as you know, it's minus 50, so no one's gonna be enjoying that for a little bit, but yeah. Give myself more time. So I'm not rushed with each guest and they have a good time.
Speaker 2:Awesome. And now let's talk about, so I, I, I like, because you're talking about fancy this and top of the line that like, I'm, I'm just visualizing the chairs in this place and just the atmosphere. Why don't you give us, uh, insight, uh, inside view from your, from your mind of what we can expect when we walk into the salon,
Speaker 3:I'll explain my Pinterest board verbally.
Speaker 2:Okay. Yep.
Speaker 3:We're ready. I want like lots of jewel tones, like Royal colors, but lots of like palms, like, like tropical, like real we'll have real plants for sure. But then, uh, in the back where there's not too much sunlight, we'll see, we still want it to make it like super bright. So actually the lighting is like L E D honeycombs. So you can picture like little octagons or hexagons.
Speaker 2:Yeah. Yeah.
Speaker 3:And that's gonna be like, the whole entire ceiling will be that. Oh, nice. So my friend who, yeah, my friend started up the shop in Saskatoon. If you, um, if you visited that before you left for Belize, like little ice, ice cream sweet treat, uh, shop like
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 3:H yeah, yeah, yeah. Do you remember how it looks? Yes. So it's the same lighting as that.
Speaker 2:Yeah. Oh man. Well he's oh, I was just gonna say that when we, he went in there, I was complimenting the girls on the lights and you know, my compliments to the owner because I was like, wow, this is a really neat design. This is, this is like futuristic in there, like, oh yeah. He's kinda like that.
Speaker 3:Yes. So that's actually my business partner now. So all of that, those sweet treats and stuff are, they have like the ability they have a espresso machine. You can rent one out. You have, once you have one it's super easy to branch out and start another location with that. So they're gonna bring over fresh treats every morning. And then our, all our guests will get you enjoy that.
Speaker 2:Oh man. So your guests are in for a real treat. Not just, not just like the, of top designers in Saskatoon, but like top treats that are like
Speaker 3:Yeah.
Speaker 2:All like from local entrepreneurs.
Speaker 3:Exactly. Yeah. I'm really fortunate that way. But another thing too, like for instance, I just went, um, for breakfast the other day in, in Cains. This is my example, even though I I've experienced it lots of times before, let's say you wanna go, uh, for breakfast and you order your omelet or whatever. Watch, watch show. Oh wait, hi Sandy,
Speaker 2:Go watch a show.
Speaker 3:Okay. My example is when you go for breakfast and you order your omelet. And for example, the other day, my toast that came with the omelet had no nothing on it. It was no, no peanut butter, no jam. So I asked for it and she brought it to me. But later on, when I saw my bill, the peanut butter was a dollar and the jam was a dollar. Okay. Why don't you just include that in the price? You know, I hate seeing, like I had asked for honey in my MAA, or I asked for like maple syrup, something to sweeten it up, cuz it was super bitter. And then that's a dollar too. Like now my bill is like this huge list, like longer than Santas todo list, you know? Like just, it ruins the experience. I'm okay with paying for my breakfast. Like it was, it was only like maybe like 17 plus a dollar for that's a dollar for that dollar for that. And now it's 30. I don't like that. It gives people like a bad taste in their mouth. Right.
Speaker 2:It is, it is like just, it's all just included all. So you get one, this is the price of it. And all this is included and you know, that's the thing that I have with, with the thing I have with stores or entrepreneurs who tack on these little prices when you already think you're paying a price, but when you get to the checkout instead of, but wait, there's more it's
Speaker 3:There is more
Speaker 2:Right. So it, well good for you because yeah, that, you know, it really simplifies thing, especially. Yes. You know, if you're going for a service and uh, you enjoy the service. Nothing. Yeah. Like, uh, ruining that appreciation for the service, like tacking on all these little charges on there. So yeah.
Speaker 3:Even it's just a dollar at a time, but like you, yeah, it ruined it for me and I still like that place, but it's just like, just adjust your prices accordingly. So if someone wants a drink, you don't have to be like, okay, it's just$8, but we can add it to your bill later. Like, okay, it's just, it's fine. But again, like how much better would it be when it's like, oh, it's on the house, enjoy it. Rooftop's open, like have fun. And we'll see you when you're done way
Speaker 2:Better. Exactly. Exactly. Like, oh you mean I don't have to pay extra for that? No, you don't.
Speaker 3:How much better is that
Speaker 2:So much better? It's again, it fosters, uh, good vibes, you know, like great energy where people aren't like, oh, what's happening. I'm getting charged extra. You didn't tell me that. Totally.
Speaker 3:Yeah.
Speaker 2:So it's a, it's, it's, it's a farm of deception. I feel that some people have gotten into that habit of, uh, let's call it deceptive charges, you know? Yep. Hidden charges that you don't know until you're at the checkout, but you've already consumed it,
Speaker 3:Right? Yep. It's to my pet peeve for sure. Did I finish, uh, my visual Pinterest board?
Speaker 2:Uh, no. You went off to, to this, uh, this chart, this dollar charge here.
Speaker 3:Yeah. I went on tangent there. Um, well let's talk about the bar. I guess I wanna have like a nice bar it's in the making already and we're gonna have like a menu of what they can order like a macho latte or whatever they want from the Nespresso or fresh press orange juice, but there's no prices on there and that's gonna blow people away just to know that they don't have to pay$8 for the orange shoes. If you go to the shop down the street, you will have to, but you're our guest and we wanna take good care of you. The, and then it's also good promotion for the shop. Like they have great things and like they're gonna enjoy it at their hair appointment and remember us. And then when they're walking down by the river, then they'll see that and then they'll think of us and then they'll go in and support Ben's business that way too.
Speaker 2:Oh, right on. And his, uh, his name is his business is the shop. Right. And that's right there at river landing. Yeah.
Speaker 3:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Oh, well, if you haven't been to the shop yet, I, I strongly recommend that you pay them a visit. Uh, the treats in there absolutely delicious. That was one of the places that we frequented a lot before we left. Oh, that's good. Um, my kids wanted to go there all the time, even though it was cold, there were still, yeah. Like they didn't knock here. Uh, but that speaks volume to volumes as to how good the product is. Right. So when we offer great service, uh, for an incredible product, then we always have repeat customers and the word just spreads like wildfire. So when you have, so what are you doing to attract new clients? Or do you even need to do that? I know you mentioned that you're gonna allow your existing, uh, customers to share their experience, which I feel is genius. But, uh, what other ways are you thinking about sharing this new venture year?
Speaker 3:I think Instagram is the biggest, like pretty much only thing we need, but we're gonna cover our backs. We've got our website in the making. We'll have our online booking. We'll be present with, um, like we have a whole, like a team, right. It's not just me. It's not just Ben. It's like, we have a whole team behind us with project manager and, um, a videographer, which is super cool. He whips the content up and spits it out in like a day. So then you have like professional content, it looks way better. It looks like you care about your business, you know?
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 3:So I, I like that.
Speaker 2:Well, if you're talking about the, the videographer that shot the, uh, your promo video yeah. Then I think, I think your golden, because that was well done. That was well done. Even the outtake. You
Speaker 3:Did a really good job. Yeah, Paul. Yeah. Paul's really good.
Speaker 2:All right on. Um, so now let's talk about your hours. What are your hours at the new space?
Speaker 3:Because I want to be a blowout bar. I, I wanted to open every day, but we're not gonna start that right away is like Sunday. I think actually would be a good idea to be open when you're downtown. That's the day for free parking. Um, people are there at the mall. I think that would be good down the road, but we'll wait till we hire the appropriate staff for that. And you wanna be like shut down for one day of rest? I think so. Uh, we're just gonna be closed on Sunday, Mondays for now. And then Tuesday, I think nine to nine, Wednesday, nine to nine Thursday, nine to nine Friday and Saturday nine to five. I think we set the map.
Speaker 2:Okay. Okay.
Speaker 3:And we'll go from there depending on who we hire. Right. And what they wanna work. We're flexible. Right.
Speaker 2:So, and then, and then Saturday night, since you guys aren't open Monday, uh, Sunday and Monday, it is Sunday night when the, the rooftop party happens.
Speaker 3:Yeah. So that's what I was thinking too. I love planning events. Oh, right. I love to be like the host. I, I wanna have like a braid bar, teach people how to like, do a fishtail, like teach people how to make your ponytail look bigger. Um, have an extension night where if they buy clip and extensions or whatever, we'll do free demos. We have all inclusive drinks. Like I wanna do like really focus on that for like maybe once a month, um, every Friday night, like once a one Friday, a month or whatever, and switch it up. And in the summertime we can have more. And then, um, yeah, Saturday night events, staff meetings on the rooftop patio, like lots of fun events are planned. Another thing that I thought of, um, a while ago, like when I say this was in the making, like I probably thought of this like a year or two ago. Um, do you know what P fit for are maybe you don't fab specifically.
Speaker 2:Yeah. You said fab fit. No, I don't.
Speaker 3:Okay. So usually girls, they purchase this and it is maybe a hundred dollars, I think. And in this box that you get seasonally, which would be four times a year, comes with scrunchies, comes with shampoo, comes with hair tech products and Orba oil and like hair products mainly or fitness, just it's random stuff. So sometimes you get random candles and you don't love the smell. So we wanna do, um, custom local boxes like that, that we can ship out with e-commerce and every season we switch them up and it's just like a little taster sample box of what they can buy in store. And then we wanna include, like, you get a free blowout with your, um, with your fab fit fund box. And that includes people can come down and visit the space. Um, and that's just something Saun doesn't have. In fact, I don't think any salon offers that, so we've gotta stand out. So I'm looking forward to adding that, to what we have to offer.
Speaker 2:Well, uh, I, I, you know, I'm so impressed. I'm so proud if I can be proud of the work that you've done. Uh, and it, it is really inspiring to see, uh, entrepreneurs, new entrepreneurs coming onto the scene. Cuz you know, I, I personally feel that we all have entre, entrepreneurship running through our veins and it's it's, it takes a lot of, uh, personal development and internal work, uh, to get to this place and to build up the courage to say, you know what, I'm gonna do it, you know, so kudos to you. But I wanted to ask, like, what was it that made along with your experiences? I'm sure that was something that happened in your life. Um, or let's say your brain or your spirit, whatever you choose to refer to this inspiration that made you say like now is the time I gotta do this. Now
Speaker 3:I think the tipping point was when I just got back from the COVID shutdown and we closed for two months. So I couldn't do my clients for two months and then your back logged and then they all want in. And when I came back, I just didn't take lunch for, at all. My clients are worried for me. I cramed them in, I didn't have an assistant cuz she went on stress leave. Which means if you're stresses, like how do you think? I feel like I'm, I'm the machine here behind you. Like if I had to take better care of myself and her and so where one man down and had a mental breakdown in the bathroom at work while I have three clients waiting for me came in Sunday, don't have any support staff
Speaker 2:To run down,
Speaker 3:Down to let clients in. Oh yeah.
Speaker 2:I remember that breakdown.
Speaker 3:Yeah. I talked to you on the phone.
Speaker 2:Yeah,
Speaker 3:Yeah. That one.
Speaker 2:Okay. Yeah. When I had to be like it's okay, you got this, take a deep breath. You got this.
Speaker 3:Yeah. You're my lifeline.
Speaker 2:Right on. Right on. Well, uh, so go ahead.
Speaker 3:Well that was it. That was just like, I can't continue to do this. If I come out, it looks like I've just done drugs in the bathroom. My eyes are red and puffy and I'm crying and I look stoned and I come out. I'm like, I can't do my best work. Why do you want me? Like, my clients are so supportive. They love me so much. I've had to move their appointments around and they're, they're accommodating. They're totally fine. And I'm like, wow, I'm so blessed to have that. Um, but I wanna give the best of me. Not what's left of me, you know? Right,
Speaker 2:Right. That's a song.
Speaker 3:So that was it. Yeah.
Speaker 2:That's a song brand. I wanna give the best of me. Not what's left of me.
Speaker 3:Cute.
Speaker 2:Right on. So any final words for our listeners, uh, who are contemplating this entrepreneurial journey, but are somehow, you know, still afraid of taking this leap of faith and just going for it.
Speaker 3:Well, remember you came over one time too in your like, like Brandy what's stopping you from owning your own salon and like this was in the works, but sometimes it just doesn't work out in the exact timing you want. And like the spaces that we looked at looking back, like, I mean I wanted them, I wanted everything glass. I wanted to be high up. I wanted to be righted by the river, but like they, they wouldn't say yes to us. They only wanted food and beverage. Like that's where the shop is and right, right. That's perfect for them, but like their food and beverage and, and we're a hair salon. So I think second half actually fits our vibe perfectly and it all worked out. But um, you gotta be patient and that is, that's not my best quality of myself, but I'm working on it. Yeah,
Speaker 2:Yeah. No, you know, yeah. Patience is, is truly a virtue and uh, yeah. Uh, though sometimes you resist, uh, being patient, uh, when things happen as they should, uh, that are more in alignment with where we are in life, then we realize how important patience is. So yeah. I, you know, I'm pretty stoked that you took the time out of your vacation to sit and chat with me and, and share this journey course. Uh, again, uh, I look forward to seeing more of your social media posts as the, as the, the salon evolves. I'm not sure if I'll be coming, if I'll be coming back home, this Saskatoon
Speaker 3:Man, I don't blame you.
Speaker 2:It's okay. Things are just like going well. So you know, and we're having a great time here. Everyone is enjoy, uh, the Caribbean sea and just being here in Belize and yeah. Um, yeah, it is a blast and we got some big things, uh, some really awesome things down the pipeline. So I'm excited to share that as well. So
Speaker 3:Man, if I didn't have the salon come and I'd stay out here too, I'd have no purpose back there then.
Speaker 2:Yeah, yeah, yeah. Fair enough. Well, you're you
Speaker 3:Start new life anywhere. And I love the sun. I thrive out here.
Speaker 2:Well, you know, and that's the beauty right? Being able to thrive wherever you are, right with art with, I guess, with art, with our skill sets. Like if you have skills, you're golden.
Speaker 3:Totally. I actually shadowed a guy. Um, Y day I went to the salon and I haven't worked in like a, a week cuz I've been on holidays. So I wore my sisters, she put me in a dress and she's like wear these shoes, put yourself together. And then I went to the salon and it's super nice. It's like right by the ocean, you look at the ocean. Um, oh man, very modern. It was, it was good. But again, at the end of the day, it, I didn't see the customer experience. Like it's not elevated. It's just like, got your hair done. End of story. But like, no matter how fancy of a place is no matter where you're located in the world, it's all about that experience. And that's really what I took home from that. I was assisting one of the guys out there. He's teaching me about this, uh, hair Botox that I wanna bring, just ask, we wanna do like everything that's unique. And I just learned like, no matter how close you are to the ocean, the most breathtaking view, if you don't have that guest experience, like man, that's nothing, you got nothing,
Speaker 2:Nothing at all. It's all about. Yeah. Like you said, the experience, where is the experience in all of it? Right? So you, you, you just slid that in there as we're closing here, hair Botox, what is hair Botox?
Speaker 3:So yes, it's a very intriguing word because Botox is usually needles in your forehead or for skincare, um, hair Botox, you know how it's like a balloon looks after it's shriveled after a birthday party's done with a week ago. It's a little bit shriveled that a little bit smaller. So you pump that up with Botox. So to say, and that gives it oxygen. It fills it up and it gets rid of those creases. So that's what it does for your skin similar to, for your hair. If it's a crazy wavy texture, it's frizzy, it's fluffy. It's um, I guess if your hair's been over bleached it's it's limper. It's not as, uh, healthy as it could be. So hair Botox, it's not an injection. It's like a treatment similar to like chemical relaxing. You probably know what that is maybe with your community. Yeah. Um, so it's, it's a combination
Speaker 2:With my community, with
Speaker 3:My well out here, that's like everyone, like lots of people are Jamaican and stuff. And she said, that's like your top clients, people it's unruly. It's, it's hard to deal with. Oh, so, uh, yesterday I shadowed and tomorrow I'll go in again and then you have zoom meetings for training, but it's cool that I've been trained out and Caman, and they come back and their hair is just so sleek and it it's like nothing before, like you gotta see before and afters of it, but um, I'm gonna get it done on my own hair and then experience how that is and then purchase in bulk. And then we're gonna bring it back to Saskatoon and be the first cause it's definitely something to talk about.
Speaker 2:So this isn't only a vacation, this is a working vacation. Pretty much working, learning vacation.
Speaker 3:Yeah. Not a girl. So right off I told my trip, like I told my tax accountant, like this trip is a write off because I've done so many work related things and he is just laughing. He's like, you're nuts. You write off everything.
Speaker 2:Well, as you should, like, I mean, if you're learning and you're working, why not?
Speaker 3:Awesome. That's good. It's been a great trip so far,
Speaker 2:Right on. Well, Brandy, it has been a pleasure, uh, chatting with you. Uh, and I'm, uh, again, I wish you nothing but the best you deserve nothing but the best. And uh, I know for a fact that you're always doing your very best. So your, your, your new employees and the clients that are, uh, sticking with you, uh, are doing it for a reason, uh, they know who you are and so much love on the journey. Uh, again, thank you so much for joining us, uh, on the soul warriors journey. Any parting words before we end the show?
Speaker 3:No, but thanks for having me. This was fun. Not nearly as nerve wracking, as I thought,
Speaker 2:Why, you know, it's, it's just a CA a casual conversation about what we love to do, and that's what makes it so simple. Yeah.
Speaker 3:Yeah. And I love listening to your podcast. So thanks for featuring me.
Speaker 2:Oh, absolutely. Thank for, for saying yes. A friend of mine, uh, Tim Tyler, uh, said to me years ago, when you say yes to the universe, magical things happen. So thank you for saying yes. And, uh, I hope that your magic continues to happen for you in your life.
Speaker 3:Yeah, me too. Thanks, Darman.
Speaker 2:Cool deal. Again. This is the soul warriors journey where we bring you experience passion, uh, and entrepreneurship, uh, so that you too can step into your power and make your dreams come true. Uh, I'm your host Doman BZA and this is the soul warrior.
Speaker 1:Get.