Meet Velinda Humphreys

Today we’d like to introduce you to Velinda Humphreys.

Velinda, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have been a licensed cosmetologist for 27 years and started working with the elderly a little over 15 years ago. I started out working in one of Memphis, more upscale salons right out of school, and a few other salons here and there. I had never thought about working in a retirement home before and had a stable clientele when one day, a previous coworker called me and asked was I available to work a few days at one of Memphis top retirement and assistant living facilities. I turned it downed originally because, as I stated, that was never an interest. What started as a part-time, temporary position ended up as full-time and ten years. I left there after ten years because I was not growing and was overlooked for management positions when I was well qualified for. After that, I found another position, well actually a salon the owner contacted me because she had heard great things about me and wanted me to work in one of her salons in a retirement facility. I did that for over three years and started to feel used. I did over $3,000.00 in services every month, and she received 40% of my services. I purchased all of my supplies, cleaned the towels and the salon as well as handled all of the issues that came up. 

One day I just happened to inquire on how much the rent was on the salon, and I found that it was only $300.00, so I thought why do I need her when I do the bulk of the work, and everyone thought I was the owner, even introduced to the new residents by the administrators as the one who runs the salon. I had never desired to own my own salon, although I have managed a few I had had just about enough. I actually tried to get the salon I was working in at that time, but things did not work out, so that’s when I decided to start my company Styles with a Smile, working in retirement, assistant living, and nursing home facilities and have since incorporated mobile services where I go to elderly and disabled clients that are not able to not comfortable with traveling to your traditional salon. I am also in the final stages of starting my nonprofit for those same categories of individuals that cannot afford the luxury of weekly or monthly salon services.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, the road has nowhere near been smooth, and I’m still hitting bumps. I am nowhere near where I would like to be, but I will never give up. I have been in operation for three years. It is hard getting contracts because most of the older companies that have been around longer, have them all. I have three facilities right now. My goal is seven more in 2 years, where I can employ stylists to work with me. Right now, I only have a manicurist that assists me. I have also hit bumps with my nonprofit, but I am still pushing through. I am the only stylist in my business now, three salons and several mobile clients in a sports car and plenty of equipment. My next move is a utility van.

Please tell us about your business.
I have a mobile beauty salon that caters to the elderly and disabled. I provide hair and nail services to those individuals that are not able to or are not comfortable traveling to the traditional salon. I travel to nursing homes, retirement homes, assistant living facilities, hospitals, and to the client’s home. It takes a lot of patience to work with the elderly and disabled, which everyone does not have. I have seen a stylist style a client’s hair anyway because they think they do not care and just for the money. Several of my clients could care less if they have their hair fixed, and the style may not last an hour, but I still treat and services them the same easy that I would do your average person. A few do not have family, and they. Enjoy the company and conversation, with me they get that and great service with a smile. We do not talk about aches and pains or bad situations. We talk about the good and what we are thankful for, no pity parties. My clients love me. Many will not leave the salon without a hug. When I left one facility, my clients cried. I have a degree in psychology, which helps me also in my communication, but most of it comes naturally. I love people, and I love happiness.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would have prepared and researched more, I believe, although I do not regret any of the processes because I am learning as I go. I would have tried to lock in more salons beforehand. Being fed up, I’d say the reason I did it so hurriedly. But I also feel that if I hadn’t left when I did, I probably would have never left.

Contact Info:

• Phone: (901)283-8100
• Email: Styleswithasmile@gmail.com
• Instagram: Styleswithasmilellc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/styleswithasmilellc/

Image Credit:
Greg Moore

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