Wow! Where does the time go? We can hardly believe that it has already been almost a year since the very first Ginger & Maude® Hair Salon franchise opened its doors in Tigard, OR. Today, we’re catching up with Jill Habrich, Franchise Salon Owner, to learn more about her journey and experience as the first franchisee, as well as what she’s looking forward to for the salon.
Journey to Ginger & Maude Hair Salon
Q: What sparked your interest in this opportunity? Was there a specific moment or experience that made you think, "This is the brand I want to be part of"?
A: After talking through the business model with Deanna and fully understanding what the Ginger & Maude® brand means, I was pretty much “all in” on moving forward. I love being a part of a brand that puts employees, community, and the environment at the heart of the business.
Q: You weren’t a hairstylist prior to this. Why did you choose to buy a hair salon franchise business?
A: Well, I actually worked in a salon years back as a receptionist. I saw firsthand how the environment can be so toxic for employees. I’m pretty sure that the stylists I worked with were being taken advantage of at the time and none of them knew or complained. Besides having that experience, I think as a business the hair industry is one that often succeeds; hair always grows and people need it cut. Coupled with a good business structure, Ginger & Maude Hair Salon just made sense as a franchise opportunity.
Values & Purpose
Q: Ginger & Maude Hair Salon is deeply committed to caring for people and the planet, which is demonstrated by our B CorpTM and sustainability certifications. How do these values align with your personal beliefs, and why was that important to you in choosing a franchise?
A: Being a B Corp was a big part of why I chose Ginger & Maude Hair Salon as a franchise. I have been known to say, “it takes a village,” and I truly believe that, as business owners, we have to do the right thing by our employees and the environment. If we all make 1% of a difference, it will make a big change across the board.
Q: How do you see your salon contributing to and becoming part of your local community?
A: I personally like to volunteer and give back, so I’ve tried to have the salon participate in community events throughout this first year, like handing out candy at Halloween, creating events for the community (like Santa pictures), and focusing on supporting local non-profits in our community first. We’ve even polled the community to get their feedback on which we should support. It’s been a lot of fun getting involved.
The Franchise Experience
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of this experience for you so far?
A: Watching my stylists and employees grow as individuals and professionals. They are all amazing people but seeing them learn and succeed has been the most rewarding.
Q: How has the Ginger & Maude support system helped you as a first-time business owner? What’s been most valuable?
A: There are so many pieces to starting a business, and having the business plan already laid out with so much detail and resources has been helpful. Meetings and trainings with Deanna's team, as well as having them on hand to talk through scenarios, has felt like a partnership.
Q: For someone considering a Ginger & Maude Hair Salon franchise who might be nervous about taking the leap, what would you tell them?
A: Starting a new business is always going to be nerve-racking, but with Ginger & Maude Hair Salon, you will have a good support team to help along the way and another franchise now open that has vetted the business process proving it works.
Building the Business
Q: What aspects of the boutique, personalized approach are you most excited about bringing to life in your location?
A: I love being able to create a small, relaxing space where clients can come and feel accepted as they are while creating beauty in the world. I feel like we have created a trusted space where a client can communicate how they are feeling and we are able to listen and take action. To be entrusted with their feelings, concerns, and their beauty journey is humbling.
Q: What is an unexpected challenge you've faced? How were you able to overcome it?
A: I would say I was most surprised with dealing with the buildout. There were so many unexpected construction delays for small things that ended up being large hurdles. I think the best advice I got was to not rush to do something out of order, because it's easy to want to paint a wall while nothing else can be happening, but if that wall gets damaged later, it's twice the work. I overcame delays by trying to be patient, complaining to friends and family, and doing some drinking. In the end, it was taking one thing at a time and focusing on what could be done that made it all come together.
Looking Forward
Q: What are you most looking forward to now that you've been open for about a year?
A: Seeing how much more growth each employee makes as they build their clientele. I'm also excited to be a bigger part of our local Tigard community.
Thanks for being part of the Ginger & Maude Hair Salon community, Jill. We can’t wait to see what the next year brings you.
Interested in owning our franchise and owning your own Ginger & Maude Hair Salon? Get in touch by calling/texting 971.354.7531 or through the link below.