We had the good fortune of connecting with Jen Booth and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jen, how do you think about risk?
When thinking about risk I tend to look at the reward as well. Im a big believer in risk vs reward. I feel that risk and reward have to match up. It’s like going to Vegas for example. If you gamble or risk losing $10,000 you have to be ok with the fact that the reward may not be what you think. You have to be ok with losing that $10,000. Since most people tend to avoid risk,I feel those who are brave enough to take risks already have a competitive advantage. For most circumstances the higher the risk the higher the reward. I also like to learn from failed risks by asking myself what’s the lesson here, what would I do different next time. I believe being an entrepreuner is a risk in itself. I also believe that being an entrepreuener can have a big reward as well. It gives you the stage to fullfill your mission in life. I remember taking over the family business at age 19 with no business skills, no money, and no credit to get financing. That was an interesting risk. LOL Without that risk I wouldn’t have been able to design the business I have today. Anytime there is risk involved I always like to look at it from a cost benefit analysis. Whats the risk, what am I willing to lose? What’s the reward? I use this philosphy in having conversations with my team as well. I have to be willing to take risks and have crucial conversations when we experience breakdowns in the company knowing that the conversation may not go as planned. Also, knowing that this risk could create new possibilites for the relationships inside our team.

What should our readers know about your business?
Our salon was founded in 1979 by my grandmother, Edna Goelzer. When I completed hair school at the ripe age of 19 I had to purchase the business from her or she would have to have sold it then. I took ownership of the company in 2006. Since then we have grown to a brand new facility that I was able to build and design and I currently own the real estate aspect too. I remember in the beginning of business no one wanted to give me any money. Fast forward 15 years and thru hard work and smart financial decisions I had no problem attaining any kind of financing for the new project. What I love about our company is the team. We have a salon mascot. Her name is GIGI, a giraffe. Giraffe’s are always sticking their necks out for another and have the biggest hearts of all land mammals. This represent how we show up as a team. When one team member goes above and beyond for another we shower them with love. Another special asset of our company is our missions to provide exceptional guest experience and give back to the community. We partner and giveback with a local charity, HOMe. which supports homeless women and children. Part of our guest experience is we strive to help people see their inner and outer beauty by giving complimentary makeup touch ups, doing special things for their birthdays, even being the most positive piece of that persons day.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in Race City USA. Known to be the home of all Nascar Professionals, including Dale Earnhardt Jr. There are a lot of cool race shops to visit and opportunites to meet Nascar Drivers. We would also spend sometime on Lake Norman. This is a man made lake surrounded by beautiful homes and lots of nice landscaping. Lake Norman has 52o miles of shoreline and covers 32,000 acres. For fun nightlife we can head to Charlotte, which is only 30 min away. There is so much to do and eat there.. One of my favorites being some of the rooftop bars. The cool thing about my city is you are 4 hours from the beach and only 2 hours from the mountains. Its the best of both worlds.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have had so many great mentors during my lifetime. My grandmother being my first mentor and cheerleader as she owned the business before me. I am so grateful for HPSA (High Performace Salon Academy), my team, and my special support group known as the BABs. My favorite books that have set me up for success are Profit First and Rich Dad Poor Dad.

Website: www.jboothsalon.com

Instagram: jboothsalon

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