Article: Canvas Rebel | canvasrebel.com
We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kristin Kienzle. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kristin below.
Alright, Kristin thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?
Success is a culmination of various factors, but at its core lies the power of mindset. Deliberate control over one’s mindset is paramount, transcending mere desire for success to encompass deeply held beliefs and reinforcing behaviors.
Defining success personally is where it all begins. Whether it’s financial freedom, wealth, meaningful experiences, or leaving a legacy, clarity is crucial. Visualizing the desired outcome, engaging all senses, is essential to establishing this vision.
With this vision in place, unwavering belief becomes the guiding force. Positive language shapes internal dialogue, fostering a mindset geared towards success. It’s important to stay vigilant of self-talk, correcting negative patterns.
Focus on goals is key; what you focus on, you create more of. Embrace obstacles as opportunities for growth, understanding they are not messages to give up but course corrections. Gratitude for challenges brings purpose and moves you closer to success.
Close your mind to fear and doubt from others, understanding their intentions may be protective but can hinder growth. Playing it safe won’t allow growth beyond the current state.
In summary, success is a journey illuminated by clarity, belief, resilience, and gratitude, all driven by mindset. Defining goals, maintaining unwavering belief, embracing challenges, and fostering abundance in mindset are essential. With gratitude and perseverance, success becomes attainable, with the understanding that mindset is the key to unlocking its doors.
Kristin, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Hello, I’m Kristin Kienzle, and I’ve been deeply involved in the beauty industry since graduating from cosmetology school. Over the years, I’ve explored various facets of this vibrant industry, from working as a stylist in traditional salons to venturing into innovative salon concepts. My journey has led me through different roles, leaving me with a deep appreciation and love of the beauty industry and all the opportunities it affords the professionals within.
Currently, I am the owner of Utopia Modern Salon Suites, which boasts two locations, and a third in the works in Wichita, KS. Recently, we’ve expanded our reach by franchising our brand, aiming to offer our exceptional salons and exclusive brand to business owners nationwide.
The rise of studio/suite concept salons has revolutionized the industry, empowering beauty professionals to become entrepreneurs. At Utopia Modern Salon Suites, we provide more than just spaces for lease; we offer opportunities for beauty professionals to build their own brands. Our suites are designed to be customizable, allowing our tenants to express their unique styles and attract their desired clientele.
One of the key aspects of our service is our dedication to supporting our professionals. We provide amenities such as towel service to alleviate their burdens, along with access to promotional events and business professionals for additional support. We take pride in promoting and advertising our professionals and salons, fostering success and creating a thriving community.
While I take immense pride in the services and offerings at Utopia Modern Salon Suites, what truly fills my heart with joy is the remarkable community of beauty professionals we’ve cultivated. Their talent, professionalism, and kindness serve as the cornerstone of our success. Despite our emphasis on independence, we foster a culture of inclusivity and support, where everyone respects and uplifts one another. Witnessing entrepreneurs flourish financially, contribute to their families’ incomes, and find fulfillment in their work is the ultimate source of pride for me. Seeing their clients leave our suites happy and rejuvenated is a testament to the exceptional experiences we strive to deliver.
Utopia Modern Salon Suites stands as more than just a salon; it’s a pillar of empowerment and community, elevating the industry by our commitment of support, inclusivity, and the success of our beauty professionals.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Upon the opening of our first location, our suites were fully leased with outstanding professionals, and we were feeling very successful. We had continued demand for suites but were not able to expand with the space we had at that location. We decided to open a second location just 1.7 miles away in a beautiful space. After leveraging all of my husband’s and my personal collateral, we were able to borrow just enough money to expand, in addition to reinvesting our profits from the first 6 months of our first salon being open. We had borrowed the maximum amount of money that we had collateral to back and were ready to start construction. By the time we had gotten to this point, construction costs had increased, and our contractor came back with a final number that was $80K more than we had leveraged. Lesson learned here: get hard numbers in writing and sign the deal before closing the loan! We were engaged in a lease and had already spent a lot of money on architecture and zoning when we found ourselves significantly short on cash to complete the project.
I spent a day with my head in my hands, sure that we were in big trouble: locked into a 10-year lease but not able to build a salon to pay the rent. The next day I pulled it together and decided to find the way out of this mess. I contacted the Capital Access Center affiliated with the Small Business Development Center and my advisor told me my only hope was an unconventional method of getting the money. He advised me to call on a bank president he knew in a smaller town a few hours away who is known to invest in promising small businesses like mine. The advisor suggested I call this bank president, invite him to come to Wichita to see my current salon and look at the second space I had leased. The objective was to impress him enough that he would lend me the difference in cash that I needed, despite my lack of collateral, but based solely on character and the promise of success.
The banker agreed, and although I was hit with a high interest rate for the money, we were able to carry on and get construction underway very shortly. Again, we were fully leased before construction was completed, and so far we have proven that his investment was a good one and are so grateful for his belief in us.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
My reputation within the market was built on a foundation of firsthand experience and immersion within the local beauty community. Having worked as a hairstylist in a suite-concept salon franchise unit for 8 years here in Wichita, I had the opportunity to cultivate a loyal clientele and establish myself within the industry. This experience not only honed my skills but also provided me with valuable insights into the needs and preferences of both beauty professionals and clients.
Inspired by my tenure at the salon franchise, I recognized the opportunity to create something even better. I knew that to stand out in the market, I needed to offer more than just a space for lease. I envisioned a salon that prioritized meticulous cleanliness, boasted a fresh and modern aesthetic, and provided comprehensive amenities for beauty professionals. This included essentials like towel services, marketing support, and business assistance, ensuring that our professionals could focus on delivering exceptional services to their clients.
Equally important was the experience we provided to our guests. I wanted our salons to be inviting and comfortable spaces, with amenities such as comfortable seating in common areas and a beverage bar offering refreshments. However, beyond the physical aspects, I recognized the significance of responsive and involved management. I understood that for our suite tenants to thrive and deliver premium services, their on-site needs had to be met promptly and efficiently.
Furthermore, I made it a priority to foster a positive and supportive work environment within our salons. I believe that success stems from collaboration, and I worked hard to cultivate a community of like-minded professionals who value kindness, support, and mutual respect. This inclusive and supportive culture not only contributes to the well-being of our professionals but also enhances the overall salon experience for our clients.
In essence, my reputation within the market was built on a commitment to excellence, innovation, and community. By prioritizing the needs of both beauty professionals and clients alike, and by fostering a culture of collaboration and support, I have been able to establish Utopia Modern Salon Suites as a trusted and respected presence in the beauty industry.