Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura North.
Hi Laura, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started in the industry in 2011, after cosmetology school I apprenticed at a well-known, successful salon in town. I stayed for 4 years and had an amazing experience until I became pregnant with my first son and the salon took on a very corporate business model that wasn’t very conducive for a healthy pregnancy or first time mom. I decided to venture out on my own as a booth renter and found out very quickly that I wanted to open my own salon to better control my environment for myself and clients. It took 3 very long years, heartaches, life lessons, obstacles (you name it!) before finally securing a location and funding before opening the doors to Headspace Salon in March of 2019. During that time I had my second son and my husband started on his own entrepreneurial journey and started his own fabrication company so our lives kind of looked like riding a roller coaster with no seat belt!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Basically the polar opposite, haha. Leaving my original salon was traumatizing in many ways, their lack of support, and then landing at a booth rental salon that was poorly run, with a new baby, had me questioning all my decisions. My husband was just starting his own business simultaneously so it was scary and stressful. Finding a commercial lease in a boom town was pretty tough- I won’t get into too much detail, but it took years and me trusting all the wrong people and losing multiple spaces before finally ending up where we are today. Securing my funding was also very challenging, I went the SBA route, which is very time consuming and challenging. My bank, at the time, just started offering these loans and it felt like a safe route-turned out it wasn’t, and financing fell through about a week before my lease started. PeopleFund saved the day though! Once finances were secured I had to navigate the hellish journey of The City of Austin permitting (still have a little PTSD from that one). Once we were finally open I had to face all the normal challenges of learning to be a new business owner, finding the right team, and creating the culture I envisioned while still balancing being a mom of two very young boys. But the real cherry on top is on the weekend of our one year anniversary, instead of throwing a huge party and celebrating, we had to close the doors due to the Covid shut down for two months. I am grateful that we recovered and are thriving despite the pandemic. I have learned an endless amount from all of the trials though. Being a small business owner has a lot of high highs and low lows. It definitely takes a special mix of what some might call insanity, grit, and determination. With all that being said I am about to do it all over again! I am in the process of starting my own edible company called The Good Shift- stay tuned!
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Headspace Salon and Coop?
Headspace Salon and Co-op is a high end salon that also show cases local creators and makers. Many of the stylist’s sell their art, jewelry, and hand crafted goods in the space. I believe in encouraging our employees to follow their passions and support their own business pursuits. We specialize in lived-in color, extensions, curly hair, permanent makeup, lash extensions, tooth gems, and art. We also sell plants, amazing curated home goods, edibles, and plant based holistic hair care.
Our space is a 70’s inspired jungle, visually stimulating, and comfortable vibe. We welcome all walks of life and want everyone to feel like they are coming home!
What were you like growing up?
Funny enough, I was actually a huge tomboy in my childhood. I lived outside. It wasn’t until I got a little older that I found a natural knack in the beauty industry. I always went against the grain and had a tough time staying within the boundaries that were expected of me. I liked pushing the limits in most ways possible- my parents had their hands full, to say the least. I come from a family of entrepreneurs though. I always knew I would end up working for myself because I never liked being told what to do, haha.
Contact Info:
- Email: headspacesaloninfo@gmail.com
- Website: www.headspacesalon.com
- Instagram: @headspacesalonandcoop
Image Credits
Lorelie Murphy Photography
