I hope everyone had a fabulous holiday. Now Tis the season for those New year's resolutions. Except that's not what's on my mind. Because as soon as it hits January 1st, I will be celebrating something greater to me, the one year anniversary of our salon. Technically we signed the paper December 29,2015 so that's why I'm writing this a tad bit earlier, that and I'm stuck in a Super 8 in Missouri due to bad weather, so now is my time.
Lee and I left Wisconsin Sunday after Christmas and I wore a mint Columbia fleece that my Mom got me for Christmas. After a few hours into Iowa, my mom had called me and proceeded to tell me how the salon wouldn't be the same without me and how she'd miss me. And I of course would miss her too. I honestly hate being away from the salon. It makes me feel like a piece of me is missing. After we got off the phone, it dawned on me that I wouldn't be there to celebrate our first year of business, something so important to me.
When we arrived in Missouri, I was unloading my pockets and pulled out what I thought was just garbage in my pocket. But It wasnt garbage. It was a necklace. A tree necklace. And I instantly knew my mom had put it in there for me to find later on. My heart sank.
When I thanked my mom, she told me she had one too.
This necklace represents so much more than a tree. It is a combination of:
My mom- my business partner
Our Family Tree- and all the people that branch from it
My Roots- my beliefs
Our Salon.
One year ago, we were preparing ourselves for one of the biggest steps either of us have ever taken, and we were doing it together. We thought we knew what we were getting into,but really, we on knew 1/4 of it.
Opening a salon in a small town,that is surrounded by many other salons, was a scary thing. Would we succeed? Would we even get business? Failure wasn't an option. We didn't just "rent" a salon. We PURCHASED a salon. There was so much more than reputation on the line.
Then came picking a name. Last year, trying to find the perfect name wasn't so easy. But this year, the name couldn't be more perfect. Choosing the name Family Roots was by far one of our best decisions. The name itself has more than one meaning it. We wanted it to represent a Family Salon, with a family background. (Plus, now Mom can't see a picture of a tree and not want to put it in our salon)
After picking the name, then came all the remodels. And let me tell you, what a crazy ride. We knocked down a very large wall, built it back up, insulated it, dry walled, painted and and trimmed it out in just 4 days. That way we could be open for business the following Tuesday.4 days. It took a lot of friends and family helping in different ways and for that we are forever grateful.
With a few more renovations, we waited until May for a grand opening. And the wait was well worth it.
Within our first year of business, we've donated and helped out any way we could in our community. Along with that came our Huge fundraiser, "Cutting for a Cure", where we were able to give 70 haircuts and donate over $3,000 to the Meyering family. This event had us broadcasted throughout central Wisconsin! The feeling we got from doing something we love to do, was almost overwhelming. And now we have pronounced that as an annual event! Something we started.
I'd be lying if I said there weren't any tears this past year. And I'd be lying if I said it was easy. My mom and I had a lot of "Mother/Daughter" moments, some good,some bad. But I truly believe it has brought us closer together. My mom carries a big portion of this business on her shoulders, and one day, sooner than later, I will learn it all too. We have both learned so much.
To my Mom,
Thank you, for you devotion to our salon. I am so grateful for your love and dedication. I could not do this without you. Truth is, I wouldn't want to do this without you. Thank you for believing. You are my friend, business partner, and the best mom in the world. One day, I hope to be half the woman you are.
To our clients,
This past year has been blessed with countless smiles, priceless stories, and incredible memories. Thank you for all you encouraging and kind words. We are overwhelmed with the positive responses and reviews. Without you all, we certainly wouldn't have a story to tell.
Thank you for being part of the story.
