Hello, everyone! I'm Karen Osorio, a Colombian residing in Connecticut, USA. I’m a photographer, and a social media specialist. In February 2023, my husband, who is a barber, and I opened our salon, Elevate Style Lounge. I’m excited to share our journey so far.

How It All Began and What Motivated Us

Though we weren't hair stylists, we both had a passion for creating a stylish and welcoming space for both men and women. Elevate Style Lounge was born from this idea, aiming to be a place where everyone feels welcome, and leaves with an elevated perspective, experiencing something unique and sophisticated.

Daily Challenges and Learnings

Our biggest challenge initially was figuring out how to start. Every day has been a new lesson. From attracting new clients to managing marketing  we face constant obstacles. Fostering good camaraderie among workers and clients has been crucial.

Salon Selection and Its Influence on the Business Strategy

Finding the perfect salon location was a pleasant surprise. . We’re located  in a commercial area that is easily accessible for clients all over. Choosing the right stylist or barber is like getting married; if they’re the right fit, clients will follow them anywhere.

Setting Ourselves Apart in a Competitive Industry

We focus on providing a unique experience to make every client feel welcome. Our services stand out in the area. We offer beverages and snacks, hair washing before and after each cut, and product consultations.

Tips for a Successful Barbershop Business

Patience is key. Owning a business is stressful but rewarding. Love and sacrifice are fundamental. While sleepless nights and skipped meals may be unavoidable, persistence makes the results worthwhile

Understanding your audience, maintaining quality, adapting to changes, and persisting through challenges are essential. Building strong relationships with clients and leveraging technology make a significant difference.

Staying updated with hairstyle trends through social media, blogs, events, and local groups is also crucial.

We seek responsibility, respect, eagerness to learn, and creativity in our team. We want a cohesive team, not just workers, and maintaining high expectations is crucial for that.

Staying Updated on Men’s Hair Trends

Sharing on social media allows us to explore and follow relevant blogs. We maintain a mindset of continuous learning, participate in events, and subscribe to local groups to quickly adapt to the ever-changing industry trends.

I manage the salon’s social media using Google, Facebook, Instagram, local groups, postcards, and our website. Keeping clients informed is key; we show the reality, and people appreciate seeing it.

Positive and Inclusive Salon Culture

Setting clear expectations, promoting diversity, providing training, and encouraging open communication are the foundations of our positive culture. We want both clients and the team to feel valued and respected.

Every day brings new challenges, but passion and dedication turn each obstacle into a growth opportunity.