Today we’d like to introduce you to Alli Roberts.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have wanted to be in the beauty industry as long as I can remember, but I was always hesitant that I may not be challenging myself enough or that I would be judged for taking the easy road after high school. This thinking probably stemmed from my love of academics paired with influences like my freshman science teacher who told me that cosmetology would be a complete waste of my brain. (I have since realized that being a hairstylist is anything BUT a waste of brain cells and is as challenging as you allow it to be!) As a result, I went to four years of College searching for something else that I could do. ANYTHING except hair.
While finishing up my degree in Psychology during my last year, I realized that I had only one desire for my future. And so I enrolled in night school for cosmetology. Fast forward four years and I found myself opening up my own salon against the fear of a suffering economy… trusting, hoping and praying for success. When I first started my salon, we were in a small 900 sq. ft. space with 6 stylists and technicians including myself… and now, we own our building which is a 4,000 sq ft vintage space and have 20 stylists and technicians. This April, we will be celebrating the 10 year anniversary of our Salon & Spa!
Best thing I ever did. And I never wasted a brain cell, never looked back, and have definitely put my psychology degree to use both behind the chair and in leading the team. However, it has not been completely without challenges as I am not the type of person who enjoys the spotlight, and in addition, I am extremely non-confrontational–both qualities that don’t necessarily describe a salon business owner!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would say that the biggest struggle for me is being a boss to others. I never want to be a stifling voice to another trying to express their creativity, and I am an encourager. I love to compliment and point out details in which members of our team are succeeding, and I love to make decisions in which everyone is on board. What I completely hate doing is having to correct, delegate or make tough decisions someone may not enjoy but that make things run smoothly or benefit the whole. However, these tasks are necessary to run a business and it is impossible I have found (as an obvious people-pleaser) to make everyone happy. And that for me is the hardest thing. Also, I hate talking on the phone… soooo that definitely makes running a business quite challenging!
My advice for any woman determined to own her own business one day is, to be honest with herself. Have friends or family members write a list of her strengths and her weaknesses—build around her strengths, and hire trustworthy team members who are strong where she is weakest. I have an amazing business partner, my husband, who will literally let me hash out any business idea I have and supports my wildest dreams… and an amazing management team that I can count on to help walk beside me to execute my goals.
Hire personalities that fit your tribe. We have a pretty strict interviewing process when hiring new stylists, technicians or managers. And we only hire team players, who build each other up and support each other. As talented as someone maybe if they spend their time tearing others down or tooting their own horn over their coworkers, they become more of a liability than a necessity.
Alli Roberts Salon & Spa is only great if its people are great.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about your business – what should we know?
I personally specialize in installing, blending and custom coloring hair extensions (currently Hand Tied Extensions) as well as placing, blending and styling long hair for photo shoots. I am also a naturalist–I want the extensions and their coloring to be as natural looking as possible.
There’s absolutely nothing that compares to seeing the emotional reaction of a woman who has struggled with growing her hair see herself for the first time with long, thick beautiful goddess hair. THAT’s money right there. It’s worth all the hours and intricate work. Creating huge transformations with extensions is my absolute joy. I first began the hair extension journey because it can be very lucrative and as a full-time mom of two it seemed like the best use of my working hours… but I have additionally ended up being completely blown away by each and every soul that lights up in my chair.
I love to travel for photo shoots. There’s something about amazingly styled hair in a real-life nature-filled backdrop that I just Love.
We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
I would say the only barrier in leading as a female especially in the beauty industry, is doubting oneself. Don’t be so critical of the desires of your heart. They are there for a reason, Decide who to be… and go be it.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 17706024959
- Website: www.allirobertssalon.com
- Email: alli@allirobertssalon.com
- Instagram: @its.me.alliroberts
Image Credit:
Myself and or my Husband
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