Today we’d like to introduce you to Connie Buchanan.
Connie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve always done hair, even as a teenager. I cut and colored family and friends before I really knew what I was doing. I just went on instinct. My mother thought I should go to Cosmetology school right out of high school, but I balked at the idea. Looking back, I don’t think I was mature enough to do it then and stick with it as a career. I had some growing up to do. I went to college, changing majors several times. LOL. I met my husband, got married and took various office jobs. I took a break from working after I had children and went back to work for a ministry when they were all in school full-time. I hit a point in my 30’s when I asked myself if that’s what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I realized it wasn’t and I started thinking about what I was good at. Hair! I quit my job and went back to school and excelled. I was excited about working and went to work at Elite Salon right out of school. I built my clientele fairly quickly, doing hair for my church family and kid’s school. I flourished and felt fulfilled. After being at Elite for about 5 years, the owner approached me and asked if I’d be interested in buying the salon. I’d never really thought about owning my own salon, but it made sense, giving my business background. I talked to my husband about it and took the plunge, never looking back. My salon has done very well, winning Best Salon 6 out of the 8 years I’ve owned it. It hasn’t always been smooth sailing. I’ve made my mistakes along the way, but I’ve tried to learn from each lesson and not repeat it. I’m very grateful for the awesome, talented stylists that work here and for all the support I’ve received from them, our clients and community.
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?
The biggest struggle has been with stylists. Turnover is high in this industry and I’ve learned a lot about creating a warm, welcoming salon that stylists and their clients want to be at. The ladies that are here right now are incredible. I’m very grateful for all of them.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Elite Salon of Weatherford – what should we know?
We are primarily known for our color services, although we do have a men’s barber on staff. Probably 80% of our clientele receive color services. We stay up on all the current trends and offer balayage, hair painting, ombre’s, colormelts, vivid color, grey coverage and traditional highlights/lowlights. We also offer special occasion hair, texture services and waxing. All of our stylists are extremely talented and we’ve been voted Best Salon by our clients many times. I’m very proud of that.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I think that my faith has been important to my success. I believe that I’m on the path the Lord would have me on and He has blessed me greatly. I pray about every decision and strive to remain faithful to my beliefs. The Lord has instilled me with strength and tenacity, balanced with empathy and compassion. Even though I fail at times, I try to be the best person I can be. In doing that, success has followed naturally.
Contact Info:
- Address: 813 Santa Fe Dr #300
Weatherford, TX 76086 - Website: www.elitesalonofweatherford.com
- Phone: 817-594-8944
- Email: elitesalonofweatherford@hotmail.com
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
