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April 5th 7pm, Friday at Salty River

SO...You think you want to OPEN up your OWN BUSINESS?

I've had so many of you ask stop me on the street, or some even drive up to my store front and ask for the owner wanting to discuss with me, "how I did it?" Meaning..how did I open up a business and several of them. I had a lady pull up and demand to speak to the owner..I thought, "Oh dear, what happened!" She said, I need to speak to the owner..this is divine intervention and I must speak to her...I need to ask some questions..As I spoke to her, I learned she was a preacher's wife, who had three children and had the ability to design tshirts. She wanted to sell her tshirts..her tshirts were so nice and she gave me one that said, "LOVE LIFE!" We spoke for several hours and even talked even more after. I encouraged her to sell online and go to events..and she did the breast cancer walks and sold out of her tshirts. She came by the store to tell me how I changed her life and thanked me for encouraging her. I still have that tshirt...
Well, after that and after so many have asked me, I guess this is my way to leave a mark in this world and it's time to write this to help many of you and to make your "life" easier as it wasn't easy on me. I had months of research, discussions, undercover manicures, pedicures, facials in the years prior to find out all the information I am about to share with you.
One of the things I'm asked often is...how did I pay for it? Well, most of you who knew me, knew I was a nurse, and I always at least had two jobs going on always. I'm a self-sufficient woman who was raised to never rely on a man for my income. My husband does have his job and his own business, yet, I live my life as if I have my own income. You never know, my daddy used to say, when you might find yourself alone in this world and you need to make sure you take care of you! You can obtain a loan if this is what you want to do, however, I disagree with that. If you want a business, you should have extra money that you saved up. This business cannot put you in debt from the get-go ladies. No way. This is your lottery ticket..Your investment. You must save up and if you can't, then don't do it.
Sure, you can go to the Small Business Administration and obtain a loan being a woman, a minority and all. But, then it's not much, and you will have to jump thru many hoops to get the loan. For one, you will need a business plan and meet with financial folks regarding this loan. You must attend classes and meetings prior to obtaining the loan as well. These classes are very helpful and makes you prepared, however, I still wouldn't want a loan.
If you want to be successful..don't get a loan for a business! Work two jobs if you have to to save up and save up for at least 6 months worth of working capital.
But, let's back up....reverse...it...okay..What is your plan, your idea? Get the idea in your head and do not deviate from this..stay on point and focused. My advice, do not share it with anyone..keept it a secret..why? because you will have all of these folks steering you off the path...into the ditch, the weeds and off the road and off the cliff...NO..keep it a secret unless it's shared with folks who support you and YOUR vision and DREAM..Did you hear what I said? YOUR VISION AND YOUR DREAM! This is yours..not theirs..I appreciate opinions and ideas..but, this is yours..and you need to be clear on what it is you want to do..If you're not clear, then that's the first thing.
I knew my theme..my colors, my mission, my vision..and this was MY DREAM..My dear friend, Marge, she has been thru it all with me and all my businesses. She says, this is your dream, I'm here to listen and be supportive..And she is..This is a good friend!
Start with your mission. What is it you hope to accomplish? What will make you different than all the others? Why would customers want to come to you? Next, think about, your prices, your products..or whatever you're going to sell. Decide on your net costs.

For example: You must figure out the cost of water, a pedicure whirlpool takes 5 gallons, the products used, electricity, and don't forget the labor...that adds up to about $13, if you pay commission. So, if you charge $19 dollars, and you're honest and pay your taxes..unfortunately, some don't in this industry..trust me..it's awful..rampant..don't be like them..then you made a whopping $6 dollars..oh yes! You're getting rich..But, this is reality...net cost on everything.
Whether it's hair, jewelry, whatever, figure out your net costs.

Today..think about your theme..your vision..your mission statement...and then what are you going to sell..your net costs...
Next week, blog continued..."So you want to open your own Business!"

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Parisian Nail and Massage Spa Nails it!!

Parisian Nail and Massage Spa the mother company of Parisian Spa Institute...sold over 520 Groupons in one day!!! The company said this was the first mani/pedi combo in the Jacksonville area and they were so happy with the overwhelming response! Wheww...520.....that's a lot of mani/pedis for the next year...Groupon is about marketing...it isn't about the initial money. It's to help business owners get new clients and I hear it's very difficult to get onto Groupon...
I didn't know that. Groupon approached us and called us and kept calling to get us on...and it ROCKED!!! We are so happy...God is so good to us....Thank you DAN, my man at Groupon...thank you for continuing to call and call and call...You are my buddy and friend...it was divine intervention, my friend...thank you and my staff thanks you!!!!!It came at a great time...
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Parisian Spa Institute's Students Rock!

Recently, I went to the State Board of Education meeting where other schools owners gather and learn about various rules and statutes. Jessica and I went and it made us feel very proud...very proud to know that our school is doing very well. There was another new school there that only had 5 students and they were opened much longer than us...when we shared with someone there we had 23 students, he said, "Wow....that's impressive." Who knew? I feel very blessed.

There's always going to be people that complain and say, "I'm not learning anything.." I've realized that as...sometimes those people who say that...aren't giving it their all...or sometimes it's truly the fact. That's the negative in some people...it's life.

Being on the board of two schools here in town...I've seen what is done at other schools. I've also put myself through a school here locally to see as well. After opening my spa/hair salons and seeing the end product of some of these local facilities...I was really...determined...to make sure that spa/salon owners would not have to go through what I was going through and that was re-training all these supposedly licensed professionals who were recommended to me as a good hire. My passion for the industry and a desire to make a difference is the reason...."Parisian Spa Institute." Hopefully, all of you will support us...make a difference and together WE can build a bridge and make these students the BEST they can be...It starts with us...but it ENDS with THEM!!! God BLESS you all and THANK YOU For all your support!!!!! XOXO
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