Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Lehman.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Growing up I always knew I wanted to be a stylist and salon owner. I was fortunate to have an amazing mother who supported me. With that support I graduated high school early and went straight to Cosmetology school. I started at Jacqui’s Design Group in Arlington with a group of very talented women. After 7 years behind the chair I started to get bored. I did not know if I needed to leave the industry or what to do. While working at Jacqui’s I was introduced to a product line named Eufora. I started taking classes that they offered and fell in love with the whole culture. A people and planet friendly company that was hairdresser owned with amazing education and support for all salon professionals. The products were so different that I noticed my own health improve (my skin, hair and less headaches!) along with my client’s hair and scalp. I was extremely nervous but decided to become an educator for Eufora. With their training and support I grew as a stylist and as a person. After almost 9 years being a licensed cosmetologist, with the support of my parents and friends I made a huge change and opened my salon. Salon Oz opened on June 4 2010. It’s been a major learning process but it has all been worth it!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has been a rocky road! I knew it was not going to be easy and it has not been. I tell people now that I am glad I opened when I was younger and honestly, when I was more naive. It can be lonely owning and running a business as a young women. I cannot tell you how many times people would ask me if they could talk to the owner! The look on their faces when I would tell them that they were speaking to her was near comical sometimes. Other times it was just disrespectful and honestly hurtful. But I am following my dream and not everyone will understand that or care. I have an amazing support team. You absolutely need that. In moments of doubt, they were there. In moments of success, they were there. And every moment in between, they were there. But I was still doing it alone so I needed to be there for myself. That would be my advice. Get your team of cheerleaders before you start and be your number one supporter for yourself!
What should we know about Salon Oz? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I love to take care of people and make them feel great about themselves in the healthiest way possible. That is what my team and salon is all about. We keep the atmosphere calm and spa like. We use products we use only use aromatherapy and ingredients that are beneficial to the hair skin and scalp. What goes on your skin goes into your body and we believe that it’s our responsibility to only use the best, highly performing hair color and products available.
We also pride ourselves on being an education driven team. We take many classes a year that often includes traveling around the country. In turn we teach our clients how to take care of their hair and how to style their hair each time they visit.
Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
My mother and grandmother are both beyond amazing. Wise and to the point but caring and fun at the same time. My grandmother was a young mother so I have been lucky to have her around and still will for many years to come. My grandmother is beautiful to her core. She has taught me that you can take care of others and still take care of yourself. Being a sensitive person can be hard and she’s helped me learn how to handle it. My mother was a single parent. She taught me how to really live life to the fullest without excuses, that you can do anything you set your mind to, and to have fun through everything.
Contact Info:
- Address: 363 Great Road
Bedford MA 01730 - Website: www.salonoz.com
- Phone: 781-275-7393
- Email: info@salonoz.com
- Instagram: @salonozhairdesign
- Facebook: Salon Oz Hair Design
Image Credit:
The first 3, Hair by Rachel Lehman, photo by Eufora International
The Group photo and drink photo taken by Dana Shkolny
Salon Oz Desk photo taken by Rachel Lehman
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