Today we’d like to introduce you to Traci Roseman.
Hi Traci, 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?
“a.t.ella” is a brand that was created in college. I attended AIU for fashion design and marketing. “a.t.ella” is a noun and defined as a modern female who expresses a high-quality lifestyle through passion and purpose! A woman who possesses the characteristics of a trendsetter, leading lady, and boss! With that being said, a.t.ella salon boutique today is a brick and mortar, one-stop-shop where beauty and fashion collide. Upon college graduation, I worked for several retail companies as a visual stylist. Positions were created for me that did not even exist. I would style and merchandise clothing with no direction. I would organize retail space and create appealing displays day in and day out. After a few years and finally landing visual styling management positions, it just did not produce enough income at the time. I actually ended up joining the U.S. Army National Guard to assist with funding my Master’s Degree and student loan repayment for my B.F.A. Years later, about 7 to be exact, I resigned. I was able to accomplish my educational funding and have financial stability, however, I yearned to get back to my passion. After resignation, I immediately started planning for my brick-and-mortar. I signed up for Cosmetology school to buy time and receive the military school stipend and I secured my space right before graduating from Paul Mitchell the School Atlanta. You can catch a.t.ella at Atlantic Station monthly for pop-up shops as well as the brick-and-mortar salon boutique. Last, but not least, the e-commerce site, www.atellalifestyle.com. Currently, I own and operate the boutique and do hair & makeup part-time.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It honestly has not been too bad. I was blessed with a salon that already had everything set up. God is my go-to for providing, and business has grown every year. I would say the most difficult things are when times are slow. When it’s busy it’s busy, and when it’s slow you have to take it in as a time to re-strategize. There is A lot of competition when it comes to being a hairstylist and having a boutique. So many people have boutiques now, but I go into “tunnel vision” mode and just try to appreciate the blessings My business has and expound on it. I also struggle with keeping up with content. We live in a world of Instagram these days, and I know I need to work on my consistency. I grew up when we had payphones and dial-up internet, so I’m always a little behind with new technology lol
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am most proud of all of the knowledge I have accumulated over the years. In addition to that, my God-given talents (such as visual styling) are things I can do effortlessly. I’ve had personal clients for years that I pull a look together for so quickly. Then I’ll add in hair and makeup, giving them a whole look without them having to go to 3 different people! At this point in my career, I feel quite seasoned and I have had the opportunity to teach and mentor as well. It is an amazing feeling to be able to help someone else that is coming up in the industry. I’ve had the pleasure of teaching at colleges in courses such as retail buying, fashion business, etc. I absolutely adore teaching young adults. I teach from real-life fashion business scenarios and give them the tools to utilize in business early on.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I would say to block out any negativity from others during your journey and protect your peace at all costs. I had the closest people to me, telling me to quit business and get a 9-5. I’ve had the closest people to me, not help me when I needed it the most, and I still pushed on. I learned to keep things to myself and celebrate alone. I hate to make it sound so lonely, but sometimes others do not like to see you succeed, especially as an entrepreneur. With that being said, my business is truly my happy place, and the fact that I can earn an income from it is amazing because it doesn’t feel like “work”.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@atellalifestyle.com
- Website: www.atellalifestyle.com
- Instagram: @a.t.ella_salonboutique
- Facebook: a.t.ella
