Meet Jessica Waitt of Rinnovo Salon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Waitt.

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 had five younger sisters. For this reason, my dad worked 2 sometimes 3 jobs in order to take care of us and the family. He worked hard over the years and became a general manager, and was very good at his job. He hired people who needed a chance, and who he thought had potential and just needed someone to give them a shot. He really believed in people, and his work ethic definitely had a huge impact on who I am today. My husband and best friend is a huge supporter, and has been a great resource in becoming an owner as he has also been business owner. Having the personality, and drive is part of who I am and is hard wired in me. When I had my second son, I knew I had to make a change or I never would. My two sons are the reason for everything I do. To be a strong woman in this world is so important to me, and it’s important for them as young men to growing up in the world today. I want them to look at everyone equally, as well as believe that if they DO THE WORK, they can do anything! I knew it was time for me to start this business when I started making a business plan and it didn’t scare me. In the past I would even think about the work it would take and it would scare me off, and this time every challenge that I faced I was able to push the fear aside and find an answer. Each time a road block came, or I was stressed, or cried, or felt defeated, I truly feel that this made me better and learn from it. Instead of being afraid, and getting too down on myself, I picked myself up each day and continued to plunge forward.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
This has been the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. Obtaining the financing was definitely something that is a huge factor. Being able to have enough to start with and know that you might not be able to take any of it home for a while is a struggle. Hiring the right people can also be stressful, mainly because you have to really understand different personalities. I want to be able to help everyone and do for everyone, and so saying no to some things and being able to find the balance is extremely hard, especially being a mother. Some other challenges are just relying on others and letting go of control a little bit in order to delegate and not be a micromanager. Any and all licensing you need never starts or comes on time, and the delays mess up your timeline and in turn mess up your whole plan in general!

Starting a business from the ground up includes so many small details that just take time to figure out as you go, so you just have to continue to do good work, reach out to the community as much as you can, and try to keep positive even on the slowest day!

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Rinnovo Salon story. Tell us more about the business.
I am the owner at Rinnovo Salon. My vision has and continues to be a salon that is super friendly and inviting to anyone that walks in. I want to make people feel comfortable instead of intimidated, and I felt like more and more people were growing fearful of going to a salon! I just want people to have a place to go, that they can really feel comfortable to be themselves and know they are not being judged. I love the craft of hair, and always want to be learning how to be a better hairdresser, and over time the skills came. Over time I also realized the special bond I made with so many of my clients. I believe our salon specializes in doing great hair, but also wanting to be a listening ear for the person and truly care and want them to succeed in their life goals. Hair can sound and come off as superficial, but it’s such a huge impact on how we feel about ourselves. No one is perfect all the time, as a mom of two young sons, I understand that sometimes you just don’t have it all together! The beauty of our salon is that IT’S OK!! We don’t want anything but a chance to make you feel special, and feel good! The meaning of Rinnovo is rejuvenate and renewal in Italian. This is so very meaningful to me because every single time I do a bang trim, a highlight, a fresh root color, I know that person is walking out feeling new and they will have a different outlook on life!

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I think luck has a very small role in becoming a business owner for me. Most things I’ve done have had some sort of setback, I’ve had to navigate through things and redo things that I thought for sure would work and didn’t. Am I lucky that I was able to get financing for me dream? yes. Am I lucky that I found a great location?

Yes. Am I EXTREMELY lucky to have an amazing support system and an amazing husband and family? YES, YES, YES! In the most important of areas I have been able to find an abundant amount of luck!

Contact Info:

• Address: Rinnovo Salon 733 Turnpike St, North Andover, Ma 01845
• Website: Rinnovosalon.com
• Phone: 978-655-5466
• Email: info@rinnovosalon.com
• Instagram: @rinnovosalon
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rinnovosalon/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/rinnovo-salon-north-andover

Image Credit:
Katherine Henry Boudoir

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