Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca Strickland.
Hi Rebecca, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
When I was a little girl, I never had aspirations to cut hair or own a barbershop. When signing up for classes in my junior year of high school, I saw there was a cosmetology course. I had classes I needed to fill and decided to sign up. I saw it as being fun. I could play with my hair during school hours. It turned out that it was not just “playing with hair.” We had to learn about skin infections, muscles in the body, and how to mix chemicals. I became very invested in the course and realized it was what I wanted to do for a living.
I had an amazing instructor who not only helped me pass my State Board exams but ignited my passion for the hair industry. I passed the written and practical exams in 2008. My first job right out of high school was a franchise hair salon. It got me in the groove of things. I gained a lot of knowledge from this but felt like there was more room for me to grow. In 2018, I worked at a local barbershop and trained under a master barber. I felt so much more at home in a small setting where there was no pressure from corporate. It was just pure customer service and building genuine relationships with clients. In 2019, I decided to venture out on my own. I had taken business management and finance classes, but I was still super nervous about failing.
I was five months pregnant and knew that I could have so much flexibility started my own shop. My father helped me find a small space to rent in downtown Lexington, SC. He, my mother, sister, and I worked countless nights remodeling the space. I never took out a business loan. I put all of my savings into this newfound dream. Fast forward two years and I now have four people that work with me and we are working on our second expansion in 2 years. We have been nominated as the best barbershop in my town. If you work hard enough, I truly believe you can achieve anything.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I don’t believe there is such a thing as a ‘smooth road’ when you start your own business. I believe there are smooth patches, but there will be obstacles for you to overcome. Sometimes you might wonder if it’s worth it.
I stayed up late many nights with thoughts that had me second guess my decision to branch out on my own. Some of the honest struggles I had were worrying about money all the time. I didn’t want any loans or debt. I wanted everything to be ‘perfect.’ I worried about marketing and wondered if anyone would even step foot into my shop. I worried about hiring people who saw my vision and wanted to help me bring it to life.
I promise any obstacle or struggle that presents itself can be overcome. It might not be how or when you want it, but stay determined and you will succeed.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We are a barbershop that focuses on pampering men. We offer haircuts, beard trims, straight razor shaves, massaging shampoos, eyebrow waxing, facials and neck massages. We know that getting pampered every once in awhile can really boost your self-esteem and just make you feel better all around.
Our focus, besides a great haircut, is to make you feel at home. It’s hard to walk into a new place and trust someone you just met. We build connections and give everyone the same attention- whether it’s your first or 20th time. We also make our own beard oil in house that we are proud of. We have the best staff.
We are able to always get along and have fun together. It’s so important to us that we have such a good dynamic. People can notice when there is drama or bad energy in a shop.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I would just like to conclude by saying that the rewards you get from being an entrepreneur outweigh all the hard things you might face.
Pricing:
- Classic Haircut $23
- Beard trim $15 & up
- Straight razor shave $20
- Haircut and shampoo $30
- Gentleman’s Special $40
Contact Info:
- Email: lexgentsalon@gmail.com
- Website: www.lexgentsalon.com
- Instagram: @lexingtongentlemenssalon
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/lexingtongentlemenssalon
