Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia Flores.
Hi Olivia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Bloom Salon + Studio literally “bloomed” through an adverse situation and sheer determination. Three salons I had freelanced in closed within six months of each other. After 12 years in the industry and seven of those years freelancing, it was difficult to find a salon home that matched my aesthetic and gave me the freedom to run my own business in a salon environment. I was determined to build a co-working space that encouraged stylists to grow in their unique way amongst like-minded professionals. I counted every penny in my savings account for a deposit and negotiated a six months deal in my current space to build out my dream salon. Six sweaty, long weeks after signing the lease, I opened the doors to Bloom in June 2019.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely, NOT. The motto of Bloom is to “bloom where you’re planted” meaning through the struggles and through the dark, wherever you may find yourself, is an opportunity to push through and BLOOM. I’ve always admired a flower or plant growing out of place, like a concrete sidewalk or wooden fence. I opened Bloom with all of my savings and saved money where I could by quickly becoming a part-time painter, electrician, janitor and learned anything I could from YouTube. I made house calls to my existing clientele to pay for supplies needed to open the salon. On top of juggling house calls, build-out, and inspections, I had my ten months old at home. After the intensive six weeks build-out process, the hard work really began. I spent the first seven months working six days behind the chair taking any clients I could. In March of 2020, the pandemic forced me to close my doors for nine weeks. Week seven of quarantine, I learned Bloom was awarded a grant through Liftfund that allowed me to continue business. I returned to an empty salon (the stylists left or found different career paths) and worked alone for four weeks before hiring an assistant to help with the new protocols and demands. We gratefully continued to service guests and grow our resilience.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Bloom Salon + Studio?
Bloom is a co-working space, allowing freelance beauty professionals to grow their business within a salon environment. We share a passion for customer service, advanced technical skills and support of one another. The collaborative energy in a comfortable setting creates an unparalleled chemistry that is welcoming and inviting. I am most proud that Bloom has become a trusted name of quality work and friendly staff. We have donated to local non-profits, are active in our community and represent the change we are eager to see in the industry.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
I wish I had taken myself more serious sooner. It took me about five years (and a pretty serious breakup) to invest in quality education. I invested in my first continuing education class to New York and was enthralled with inspiration. There was no stopping me after that, I made it my mission to experience as much in travel as I could being a freelance stylist.
I’m grateful I always asked questions and was willing to learn. The earlier you get over yourself and understand you have a lot to learn and a lot of people to learn from, the industry seems so much sweeter and not so intimidating. The truly great artists will always be students.
Contact Info:
- Email: bloomsalonstudiosa@gmail.com
- Website: https://bloomsalon.studio
- Instagram: @bloomsalon.studiosa
- Facebook: /bloomsalon.studiosa
- Other: TikTok @bloomsalon.studiosa
Image Credits
Ryan Ibarra
