Today, we’d like to introduce you to Simaria Solis.
Hi Simaria, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I started as a makeup artist in 2000, then moved to hair in 2011, worked corporate as a salon manager, and then as an educator until the pandemic hit. I was laid off and moved immediately to open my own salon. I didn’t want to only do hair; I never wanted to be a walk-in type establishment. I wanted to do photography and makeup, lashes, waxing, and nails, a one-stop shop.
I’ve just celebrated my 3rd year in business, and as my CPA says, “You’re like the example of everything bad that can happen in business.” I’m sure she means because I’ve persevered through many lessons and seeming setbacks. Every day, I show up and continue my snail pace of growth that has kept my doors open. Every customer, every head of hair, is another chance to make it happen.
Let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
Well, in year one, I had a sewage flood and had to replace everything porous. I hired my closest friends around the same time, only to have them leave abruptly.
I have had every lesson of business you could imagine. I sold my house, cashed out my 401k, and lost my husband somewhere along the way. But every day, I show up because this is my dream. The dream gets murky sometimes. Sometimes, I have to scrape the bottom of the barrels to find it.
But it has kept my soul fed in ways that I have never imagined. I grow stronger in business every day. I’m stronger physically. Owning a business is an all-in endeavor. You can’t be distracted if you don’t clock out. But there is nowhere I would feel as fulfilled.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar with what you do, what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m known for excellent customer service and retention. I prioritize my clients. Your hair is important to me. It feeds my other passions of makeup and photography. I love transformations. I love the way someone will leave the hair tie they came in with on my station and walk out with a bounce to their step. I love how something I do can give instant gratification.
I am known for consistently bringing out the beauty no matter how many times you visit me. I love for people to be wowed by you and hate for it to be obvious you left the salon. I want people to watch you walk past, envy you slightly, but also want to be your friend. I’m also known for never sitting still. I rearrange the salon daily to try new ventures such as makeup development, jewelry, wardrobe, and transformative photo sessions.
I’m very boutique, I kept it calm in salon there’s a relaxing vibe and I’m super protective of my time with my clients. Mostly, I like to make people look and feel pretty. No matter how they currently feel.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
This time in business, I’m in the perseverance phase. I’ve got great clients, but I am always taking on new clients. I don’t do a lot of walk-ins. I’m super transparent in my pricing and approach to your hair goals. I give more than is expected. I love to know how your spouse reacts to your hair. I worry about you. I get irritated if I can’t blow dry your hair.
I will always side with you unless you want to chop all your hair off without notice or if you want to go silver. You will need to answer a few questions on my emotional sobriety checklist before we can move forward. Sometimes, I will prescribe a margarita or a cookie. You’ll thank me. I’ll always do what’s right for you. I’m great at breaking up hair. That’s pretty much me in a nutshell.
Pricing:
- Full transformation run $400+
- Full transformations can take 5+ hours
- Photo sessions include hair color and makeup and have various package pricing
- Sometimes, you don’t need highlights; you need a multi-dimensional color
- We go on location for hair and makeup for 4 or more services
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thecollective-artistspace.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecollectiveartistspace/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecollectiveartistspace
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/uaEUNqHKhjb
Image Credits
Traci Schwomeyer and Nicky Barr
