Being a salon owner would definitely compare to a juggling act of responsibilities. Much respect for the business owners who venture into entrepreneurship solo. I am so blessed and thankful for my business partner in this adventure! A lot of people voiced their concern about two friends going into business together when we were formulating the structure of SalonDuo.
To Nikki Pow Pow and I it only made sense to be business partners. She had time and experience in areas I had none while I had talent and interest in other areas. All equal vital contributions to our plan.
My advice to friends considering going into business, more specifically opening a salon together would be to leave the emotions and hang-ups of a friendship at the door. There is no room for tip-toeing around the nitty gritty details of who does or did what. The monetary value in a business is so insignificant in the big picture. What is most crucial is longevity and how will you accomplish that? I believe it's done in building a successful business partnership based on respect, honesty, shared values, and for lack of a better word...tact.
there were times when we disagreed, and definitely didn't think things were 'fair', but my 'BP' and i have a shared vision, as well as a desire to make a difference in our community. We will succeed with SalonDuo because the point where we realized we were taking each other for granted has already come and gone, and changed our dynamic. Luckily it has only taken us 9 months to reach the point where we have realized the absolute importance of our partnership. There is give and take, it's never going to be an even 50/50 on anything, whether it's monetary contribution, personal time invested, behind the scenes projects, time behind the chair or tasks checked off the 'To do' list. When two people decide to be Partners it's an agreement much like a marriage. SalonDuo Vows such as....
For better or for Worse,
in slow times and hectic times
When you piss me off and when im delighted to see your face
during heated debates and PMS,
through different viewpoints, with our contributions beings as unique and different as we are people.
A Promise to not explode on each other under pressure, or to stuff our difference of opinions inside.
To taking your kid with me, and leaving mine with you.
to raising them as SalonSibblings.
Seriously though. a partnership can be so much more rewarding than flying solo. It's not for everyone, or every situation but when it works....it works beautifully and ....more importantly...successfully!
and 2 heads are no doubt better than 1.
