Today we’d like to introduce you to Nina Sattler.
Nina, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started my career in cosmetology 11 years ago at Casals Aveda Institute in Austintown, Ohio. After graduating, I moved to New Hampshire for a small time, and there I was able to obtain my New Hampshire cosmetology license & work in a small local salon called “Just Paradise”. As I had no clientele and was fresh out of school, I worked mostly reception and operated the tanning bed. I also watched, observed, and soaked in the skills of my coworkers.
After six months, I decided to move back to Ohio where I got a job at a salon called “Vinces”. This salon was primarily a barbershop; somewhere men would go for a quick-dry haircut and leave. My men’s cuts ranged from $10-12 and frankly, I had no idea how to cut men’s short hair. After a lot, and I mean a lot, of messing up and embarrassing myself, I finally learned how to successfully cut men’s hair. This salon was so patient and taught me so much that I still, to this day, give the credit to them for my men’s cuts. After about a year with Vinces and finally feeling more confident in my craft, I was still missing my favorite part of Cosmetology , coloring hair! Since Vince’s clientele was mainly men & quick cuts, I never had the opportunity to perform many colors. I decided to apply to “Famous Hair”. At this salon, I worked the next year or so, and thankfully had a manager who pushed me to the max!
At this point in my career, I was still pretty new to the industry as I had only been “in the field” for three years. Haircutting takes endless amounts of practice and my manager knew that. She used to review and critique all my work and back then, I didn’t understand why. Now looking back, she was such a blessing to have this early in my career! She pushed me to become the best I could be and I wouldn’t be where I am today without her. She owns her own salon now, called “Luxe Hair Studio 2013” and it’s located in East Liverpool, Ohio. If you ever find yourself there, tell her Nina sent you.
Living in the part of Ohio I was in was not sustainable for my career or my sanity. It felt impossible to make enough money as a hairstylist, so I had to pick up other part times jobs waiting tables. I don’t know how I ever survived on that low amount of money. I even qualified for food stamps working two or more jobs; that’s how unfortunate my situation was. I finally saw the light (Thank God) and was offered a chance to move to Atlanta. As soon as I got into the city, I was instantly struck with the enlightenment of how amazing Atlanta is! I was luckily able to land a position at “Balance Salon” in Dunwoody. I knew I wanted to be there as soon as I walked in and was greeted like family. “Coffee? Water? Tea? Soda? Wine?” and in my mind, I’m like, “Wait did they just say wine? I’m sold!”
I interviewed with three of stylists. Later I learned that CJ Nicotera, the owner of Balance, makes sure the stylists feel out the vibe of the potential new stylist. This is basically to see if they’re a good fit for the work culture and considering you’re with these people more than your own family, it’s a pretty smart idea! I thankfully was offered the position and now have been with Balance for over three years. I was placed alongside some of the greatest stylists I’ve ever known. Feel feel to check us all out on Instagram! Anyways, I’m am now the fastest rising stylist in our company and one of the top colorists. My clientele varies from women to men, for both cutting and color. I have the pleasure of getting to do it all! My haircuts went from $15 in Ohio to $60 in Atlanta. My journey to get where I am today was not easy by any means, but I would not have had it any other way. It has humbled me and allowed me to truly be grateful for the opportunity I have today. I’m so blessed to work where I love with people who I love.
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.
It was not a smooth road to get where I am today. In my 20’s I swear I had to make every possible mistake to build the person I am today. By 30, I had hit every roadblock I was going to hit; from working three jobs, to using food stamps, to being harshly critiqued by management. All of these disruptions truly made me the humble, hard-working woman I am today.
Please tell us about your business.
We are a small business in the heart of Park Place in Dunwoody. Balance Salon and Boutique is beautiful, very welcoming & what else but Bohemian-themed. We perform everything from haircutting, coloring, keratin treatments, lash & brow tints, waxing, threading, extensions, you name it. I am proud to say that we are one of the top salons in Atlanta. What sets us apart from others is our home-like atmosphere, the beautiful scenery of where we’re located, and FREE PARKING! Of course, along with some of Atlanta’s top hairstylists.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Being compassionate & relating to all types of clients is important for success. Especially in this industry, most clients confide in you and you have to remember people have other things going on in their lives. On top of that, everyone likes a discount! I think too many stylists hold themselves too high to offer discounted prices, and in my personal opinion, that shows weakness. Overall, clients want somebody who can relate to them, along with getting a deal. These two traits show that you care for them and aren’t just out for their money.
Pricing:
- Consultation is Free!
- Haircuts starting at $60
- Color services starting at $65 and up
Contact Info:
- Address: 4505 Ashford Dunwoody Road Suite #17
Atlanta, Ga 30346 - Website: https://balance-salon.com/
- Phone: +1 (770) 698-8832
- Email: balancesalon01@gmail.com
- Instagram: Nina_BalanceATL
- Facebook: Balance Salon
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/qTKq/a1QWOdy934
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