Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Truscello and Lypor Leong.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Lypor & I met at a previous salon where we used to work back to back. We were always conversing and became close friends. One day at a cookout we started discussing how the owner of the salon we were currently at had brought up someday selling the salon to Christina (as I worked directly for him & Lypor was renting a chair). We talked about ownership and realized it was something we were both aspiring for. We discussed a partnership and decided to do some research. We began looking into costs, licensing, and even checked out 1 or 2 salons that were “for sale” to see what our options would be. We came up with a generalized 3-5 year plan. Well, I (Christina) went on a vacation and when I returned Lypor told me “I found a place…you have to go look”. It was everything we wanted, open space, high ceilings and less than a 2 minute drive from our other salon. It was also an “empty shell” so we would be working with a contractor to do a build out and we could design it ourselves! (We love interior design!!) So, our 3-5 year plan quickly turned into a 3 month plan. It was a very stressful, exciting and tiresome 3 months but at the end of it all TEAL Hair & Makeup Studio was established in September of 2012. We have currently grown into a team of 7 stylist and makeup artists, already gone through 1 expansion and even started offering on-site services. All with Lypor & myself still working back to back just like day 1. We love our business, our team and still have a strong passion for the beauty industry. Most importantly we still have our friendship.
Has it been a smooth road?
We have had our ups and downs just like any other business. Finding out what works and what doesn’t, finding the right people for your team and managing work / family balance are some of the most challenging obstacles we encounter. We both work full time and have families to care for. In addition, Lypor lives on the South Shore so the traffic and commute are a battle for her as well.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We are a hair and make up studio specializing in corrective color, bridal hair and make up and hair extensions. Lypor has been specializing in bridal hair and make up for over 15 years. Christina has been an educator for SHE by So.Cap for over a decade and specializes and extensions, specifically in clientele with fine, thin hair. Together we have trained our team first hand so they can provide the same great service along with bringing their own expertise and experience to the table.
We have been in business for five years in September. We are most proud of how far we have come. We have built our team from 2 to 8 stylists offering an array of services to our guests on and off site. We truly value our relationships with our guests. We do our best make sure that the integrity of their hair along with having a fabulous service is always guaranteed.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I think Boston and the outskirts are a great place to start a business. There is so much variety and culture. Especially in the hair and make up industry it is an important aspect to have. I would absolutely recommend starting business in this city. There are quite a few hair and make up salons but I never consider it a competition. Everybody has a different style and taste and will find the right stylist for them.
Contact Info:
- Address: 229 Stedman Street,
Lowell, MA 01851 - Website: Teal-studio.com
- Phone: 978-453-8325
- Email: tealhairstudio@gmail.com
- Instagram: @tealhairstudio
- Facebook: @tealhairmakeupstudio
- Yelp: Teal Hair and Makeup Studio
Image Credit:
@wearefreebird photography
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