Today we’d like to introduce you to Aaron Snow.
Aaron, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
As longtime friends, we joined forces with the Cobb’s to open our own salon and build a brand. My wife, Morgan, and Meghan Cobb had been independent stylists in suite rental salons for 10 years each. Their 20+ years of experience in the hair industry coupled with mine and Chris Cobb’s 20+ years of business experience made for a great team to execute this plan.
We launched the apprenticeship program almost immediately so we could begin building a team. The goal from day one was to make sure the business wasn’t completely dependent upon Morgan and Meghan working behind the chair, but to have a team of stylists who had been trained up to provide the level of service Morgan and Meghan are so well-known for.
Jackalope is a boutique salon with a hip and relaxing environment that strives to set trends and stay in the know about the latest in style. We serve down to earth ladies & gents who appreciate a trendy look. From month two of being opened we have been 100% booked, and unfortunately, have to turn away about 20 clients per week. The more capacity we add, the more it fills up. It’s a wrestle with the growth, and we love it.
Three years in we have achieved our initial vision of building a gifted team who is passionate about the craft and value their clients while placing a high priority on continuing education. But, we aren’t stopping here. We now own the salon/property in Old Town Keller and have plans to expand the existing location to add about 800 sq. ft. (6-8 more stations) to keep up with the increased demand in our area. This will mean continuing to grow the team.
These “phase 2” visions not only include expansion of the existing location, but the opening 2nd and 3rd locations in the DFW area. Then, launching our own product line, and continuing to expand to new locations throughout Texas, and throughout the U.S.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has been a surprisingly smooth road. We were told by many going into the partnership, “Don’t do it. It’s going to end in failure, and ruin the friendship the four of you have.” We weren’t naive going into it, but knew we could overcome typical “partnership struggles”. Yes, it’s tough having four owners, but it makes things fun. We also have twice the number of people who are heavily invested in the long-term success of the company.
From day one the business was cash flow positive because of the clientele Morgan and Meghan “brought with them”. So, we didn’t experience the typical cash flow issues that most small businesses deal with when they begin. Growing as fast as we have in the last two years has certainly come with its struggles, though. It doesn’t take a genius to know that growing quickly costs money. As we’ve grown we’ve had to get creative with how to keep up with the increase, grow the team, etc. in a way that didn’t inhibit the commitment the four of us made together early on. Our partner Chris put it perfectly:
“Let’s always make sure that when we step back and look at things that we are having fun running this business together, and creating a positive/fun workplace for those on our team.”
That’s been our goal from day one, and we’ve fought to hold onto that mentality. From time to time we get sucked into the grind for longer than we should, and one of us always reminds the other, “Hey, I think we’re losing it…this isn’t fun, and hasn’t been for several months. We need to change something, and get back to having fun as we grow.”
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Jackalope Beauty Lounge – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We’d like to think we do things differently, and take a rare approach to our label as a “Salon”. When you walk into Jackalope we strive to provide a unique experience.
We’re located in the heart of old town Keller in a quaint little house that was built in the 1950’s. Our stylists care, are completely committed to turning the client’s ideas into a reality, and their personality into a style. It’s a place of relaxation, perfect for coffee in the morning, wine in the afternoon, or a whiskey in the evening.
The salon industry is notorious for being brutal on stylists, and that is not how we roll. We work hard to cultivate an environment that encourages creativity and personal growth, along with a strong work-life balance. I mean, think about the degree of attention you will receive from a stylist with a well-rounded outlook on life, and creative freedom to achieve your goals as a client.
Simply put, we believe you will be most satisfied when you are served by a stylist who truly cares about you as a person. Ya know, a stylist who gives a damn. The Jackalope team all loves their place of work, and long to serve our clients. A stylist who cares about the person in their chair means a client who leaves feeling transformed… and comes back for more.
We are most known for our edgy cuts, vibrant fashion colors, and head-turning balayage services.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
My wife and I have lived outside of Texas and visited countless other places in the country. I have to say that DFW is definitely in the top 5 of “home to the most kind people in the US”. I’m not sure why, but people just seem to have a generally positive outlook on life, and passion to change the world.
In fact, it’s almost like a competition to see who can make the most impact in the world. What a great thing to be competing for. It’s the perfect place to not only grow a business but use success, influence, resources, etc. to play a role in changing the world for the better in some small way.
Contact Info:
- Address: 135 Olive St. Keller, Tx 76248
- Website: www.jackalopebeauty.com
- Phone: 8175911845
- Email: appointments@jackalopebeauty.com
- Instagram: @jackalopebeautylounge
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/JackalopeBeautyLounge
- Twitter: @jackalopebeauty
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/jackalope-beauty-lounge-keller
Image Credit:
Scott Cornelius Photography
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