Throughout the course of this semester, I’ve mostly talked to those who are the owners of new businesses. This week, I decided to change it up a little bit by talking to an employee of a new business.
I revisited Cheryl Owens’ Trenditions, and talked with Jennifer Magnesi, a hairstylist at the salon. I was curious to see if she ever worried about the risks of the economy, and also what she thought made Trenditions a viable business option during these times.
Jennifer Magnesi (left) straightens up her workspace at Trenditions in Towson, Md.
“I wouldn’t say I was ever necessarily concerned,” she said. “[The recession] isn’t hurting this industry and more or any less then another.”
And it seems that if a hair salon can attract a solid clientele base, then business should do well. For the most part, people will always need to get their hair cut.
But attracting clientele is often the most difficult part. Mangnesi argues that because Trenditions is privately owned — versus being a franchise like many competing salons in the area — customers are ultimately more attracted and more likely to come back.
“It’s a lot more comfortable for people…It’s more personable.”
And it’s this level of comfortability that attracted her to come work there — despite the known risks of the economy.
“It’s a lot more laid back. Here you can express yourself more which is key in being a hairstylist. Here we can just be cool and do things how we want.”
New businesses are great because as most people are looking for jobs, these places are hiring those people. Even if it is a hair salon and people aren’t normally going to be interested in working in a place like this, they can find something to do if they need the money in this economy. Great interview.
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