Today we’d like to introduce you to Naomi Poshneh.
Hi Naomi, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Twelve years ago, I left sunny San Diego for the bright lights of Los Angeles. With a background of four years in the hair industry, I secured a position at a salon in Santa Monica specializing in lash and brow tinting. Initially, I had planned to return to my hairstyling roots, but fate intervened, immersing me in the world of brows, where I learned the art of waxing and threading. It was an instant infatuation, and I realized I had discovered my true passion. Over the next four years, I built a loyal clientele at that location and enjoyed my time there. As I began to feel the need for change, luck struck, and my talents were recognized. Another salon in the area extended an enticing opportunity. I saw it as the perfect chance for personal and professional growth, so I eagerly joined their team, further expanding my expertise over the next 3 years. At the same time, my husband Sasan was exploring new career avenues. He’s always had a knack for marketing, especially online stuff like SEO. As I grew in the beauty field, an idea began: What if we combined our skills and started our salon? After many nights of planning and dreaming, we decided to plunge.
In 2019, we opened our first salon in Santa Monica, named “Brows by Naomi.” Those initial months were a mix of excitement and challenges. We put in long hours, trying to attract new clients while ensuring that our service was top-notch. We wanted every client to leave with a smile and a reason to return. As newcomers in the business world, we also had to learn about managing costs, overheads, and budgets. Things were looking up, and by the end of the year, we were ready to expand our team.
However, 2020 brought unexpected hurdles. The pandemic hit, and like many other businesses, we had to close temporarily. It was a challenging period, seeing so many fellow salons and businesses in distress. But instead of getting disheartened, we saw an opportunity for change. During the shutdown, we gave our brand a fresh look and a new name, “The Brow Fixx.” We also launched our line of beauty products, selling them on our website and Amazon. This move not only kept our business alive but also helped us connect with our clients in a new way. When we finally reopened, we were overwhelmed by the support. Our loyal clients were back, and many new faces entered our doors. The hard work paid off, and our team grew. We added more brow artists and expanded our reach by opening two more salons—one in Brentwood and our latest in Austin, Texas. Austin has been a delightful experience. The city’s energy and warm, welcoming people have made us feel at home. And just like our early days in California, we’re pouring our hearts into building relationships with our Austin clients, ensuring they get the best service every time they visit. We believe in our dream, our team, and the community we serve. And we’re excited for all the future holds for The Brow Fixx!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting a business is always a challenge. There are always ups and downs, and you’ve got to be prepared for a bit of turbulence. But for me, having my husband alongside me made the journey so much smoother. We had this perfect balance; there were tasks he was great at that benefited our business, and there were things I tackled that he might have needed to be more familiar with. By pooling our strengths, we faced and overcame many challenges together. The most jarring of these was the COVID-19 pandemic. Just as we were getting our business off the ground, we had to close our doors. It was a scary time, not knowing what the future held. But with determination and teamwork, we weathered that storm. Then came the challenge of hiring our first employee. Getting to grips with payroll, accounting, and all the other bits and pieces that come with expanding a team was a steep learning curve. But as with everything else, we quickly adapted and grew stronger for it. Now, we’re facing a brand-new challenge: opening our salon in Austin, Texas. We’re thrilled about this new chapter, but it brings its hurdles. Adjusting to different price points and getting to know the Austin community are tasks we’re diving into headfirst. Opening a salon is one thing, but launching one in a new state? That’s a whole new ballgame. But we’re up for the challenge and excited to see what the future holds for us in Austin!
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a dedicated cosmetologist passionate about the artistry of brows and lashes. I’m passionate about what I do; enhancing people’s natural beauty with just a touch-up to their brows and lashes can make a world of difference. But the secret to my success is more than delivering great results. It’s about truly connecting with my clients. Before I begin any service, I always take a moment to chat with my client, understanding their preferences and offering a brief consultation. It might sound basic, but you’d be amazed how many salons skip this crucial step, leading to unsatisfied clients. However, what truly sets me apart is the personal touch I add to each appointment. When a client walks in, I approach them as if they’re a long-lost friend. We chat, share stories, and get to know each other. By the end of their session, it feels less like a client-service provider interaction and more like catching up with a good friend. This bond is what keeps our clients coming back.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting?
For new cosmetologists or estheticians, a common advice is to start your career in a local, smaller salon. Spending a few years there provides invaluable experience, setting the foundation for future aspirations, opening your salon, or climbing the professional ladder. If you’re drawn to running your salon, here’s my key tip: Don’t view your salon merely as a fun side project or hobby. Approach it with the seriousness of a business. While many in the beauty industry go solo, I recommend a partnership. It brings diverse strengths to the table and can help navigate challenges. Always maintain a professional demeanor, and remember that patience and persistence are crucial. Success won’t happen overnight, but with consistent hard work, it’s attainable. As my husband often reminds me, it’s not about pushing hard for just a few days or weeks; it’s about committing to that effort every day until you decide it’s time to hang up your apron.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thebrowfixx.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrowfixx_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebrowfixx
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thebrowfixx
- Other: https://thebrowfixx.com/blog
