Meet Hairstylist & Salon Owner: Ginger Pendley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ginger Pendley.

Ginger, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I worked for a salon owner for 2 years, ended up purchasing the salon in 1998 after she passed away. Never really wanted to own my own business but other plans were in store. I’m married to my high school sweetheart which is a photographer by trade and spent 7 years working in marketing.

Once the salon was able to support our family (after much blood, sweat, and tears). He was able to come on board and take these parts of the business over. After spending over 25 years behind the chair as a stylist I begin to travel and teach hair color for our product company. Being able to focus on the growth and customer service has been the key to sustaining our brand for 18 years.

Has it been a smooth road?
Absolutely not!! Some of our first struggles which lasted several years were finding and keeping the right team for our culture. Learning to stay focused on the growth of the business instead of emotional attachments to individuals.

When you look back, can you point to a period when you wanted to quit or a period that was really frustrating?
There is always those negative moments as a small business owner. Business can be slow, expenses are high and in our industry when staff isn’t there, there is no income to be made. In these times of doubt, we have to remember why we started the business, to begin with. We trust that whatever happens is going to happen and pray it is the outcome we want. Being negative and focusing on that doesn’t do anyone any good. You buckle down and make the changes necessary to stay afloat. Crossing your fingers and toes doesn’t hurt either. 😉

What advice do you wish to give to those thinking about pursuing a path similar to yours?
Make sure beyond a shadow of doubt this is what you want to do. Be prepared for long hours, sleepless nights and possibly no income at times. Stay at the top of your game as your brand builds itself. Education is key; whether technical, business, communication and even people skills are a must.. stay passionate and always remember why you wanted to go into business in the first place.

Is there something you are particularly excited about or working towards?
Retirement… not really. 😉 My excitement everyday are the smiles we encounter. We make people feel good about themselves and get paid for it. How cool is that. I love meeting new faces and seeing new smiles. Knowing I was responsible for a smile that may not have been there for a while is excitement enough.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.anazaosalon.com
• Phone: 7709787376
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: anazaosalonaveda
• Facebook: anazao salon

Image Credit:
Brian Pendley @ The Image Amp