Meet Jennifer Traverso of Salon Forza

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Traverso.

Jennifer, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My story began when I was in the seventh grade, I had to write an autobiography and create my own ending.

I do not remember this however upon graduation from high school I was given a box from the school filled with one project or essay from each year that moved along with me. I didn’t think much about it nor did I really go through it. I did not reread my autobiography until years later and I had already been working in my present field. I had to laugh, my ending to my autobiography was that I was either going to be a lawyer because I like to talk and help people or I was going to be a hair stylist because I love to talk and help people. You-tube, Pinterest and Instagram were not of my time so I had to depend on magazines, people watching and being in a salon to be current and try to recreate what I saw. I learned to braid on barbie dolls and I am one of 6 with three sisters who have curly thick hair that I always practiced on and styled for events. I always knew I loved the beauty industry but never looked at it as a career option.

I graduated high school and moved on to a community college where during my second year during finals I said enough is enough what am I doing here. I went home contacted a beauty school went in for a tour and information and started the next month.

After many interviews, I found my home, a place I felt that I could grow and learn, I needed to work there. I wouldn’t take no for an answer. I met the staff and everyone seemed so happy, I interviewed with the two owners separately and they were not hiring. I insisted they give me a chance, they would not be disappointed, I will work for free, I just need to gain experience and for someone to give me a chance. I called back after my interview and made it clear that I was not going to go away and that I could bring so much to the table if they just took me on board their team! I will never forget the phone call I received, they were going to hire me for one night a week! Awesome! They really didn’t know what they got themselves into. I was thirsty for knowledge and a hard worker. They hired me for one evening and I worked the rest of the week for free, bringing in my own guests and annoying the very busy senior staff with my how to questions for each guest I had. I moved right along and earned myself a spot on the floor as a full-time stylist where I stayed happily with continuing growth for 12 years. It was then I made the next leap. The decision was made, a lease was signed and construction began. This leap was backed by nothing but my confidence, hard work and personal savings. There were many bumps, bruises, lessons, and tears but this March I proudly say Salon Forza turns 6 years old!

Has it been a smooth road?
Define smooth, I suppose that depends on who you are speaking with. I don’t believe anything in life that is worth obtaining is easy or smooth. It is supposed to be a story of trials and tribulations of tears, sweat and hard work, right?! When the decision was made to open my business I never looked back and had 100% confidence that it was going to be smooth. That was until my first bump came along and it came along pretty quick. I was in the process of applying for a SBA loan when I needed to leave my job and be an independent contractor while the build out was happening. The bank could no longer finance me because they need two years of tax returns filing as an independent.

I had more like two days under my belt. It no longer mattered that I had twelve years strong consistent work history and great credit. Again, I would not take no for an answer and I did my research and ended up at a local smaller bank. This bank noticed how organized, prepared, and determined I was. They looked at all the moving pieces, took into consideration my work history, consistency and the fact that I was staying local. This bank took a risk and invested in me. I was back and smooth sailing without missing a beat.

Running the business seemed easy, there were formulas for budget guidelines and percentages for reorders, what I didn’t know I had access to learn. What I had expected to be the easiest part was managing the staff. I always wanted to lead by example and treat people how I would want to be treated and managed. The guidelines were created and the handbook written it should all be smooth right. Wrong. I had to enforce the law and even though I did so with kindness I had to have hard conversations and realize that I was not always going to be the popular vote.

My biggest struggle is the work life balance. I am a wife, mother of three boys and one large cane corso (Male dog). I am a daughter, sister to five and friend to many. This will always be a constant balancing act but I am truly blessed to wear so many hats and have strong shoulders in my life. Pressure is a privilege that I am proud to have.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Salon Forza – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Salon Forza is a full-service salon and express spa. Our talented team offers experienced hair styling, detailed makeup artistry, an extensive line of nail services and a private spa room for complete skin care, facials, waxing, eyelash extensions and more. We are located in the heart of downtown Andover and invite you to indulge in our specialties.

What I am most proud of as a company is our unwavering consistent customer service. The Team at Salon Forza is here to serve you, we make sure to offer a tour to all our guests so they feel most comfortable when they are in our home. We want you to feel comfortable enough to know where the beverage station is but know you will never need to get up and get anything for yourself. It is our pleasure to serve you!

What I believe sets us apart from others and gives me the largest sense of pride is the charity work and donations the team at Salon Forza are involved in. We are committed to supporting our local community, charitable events and organizations. It never seizes to amaze me the efforts the team makes to be the difference we want to see in the world.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
What I love the most about Boston is the diversity in culture from Museums to historical monuments. The large selection of shopping, restaurants and entertainment. You can go from one area of Boston to the next and receive a completely different experience but a great one no matter what you seek or where you are.

Contact Info:

• Address: 26 Essex Street
  Andover Ma.
  01810
• Phone: 978-409-1781
• Email: salonforza@gmail.com
• Instagram: @salonforza
• Facebook: facebook.com/salonforza
• Yelp: yelp.com/biz/salon-forza-andover

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