We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelly Gonzales and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kelly, looking back, what do you think was the most difficult decision you’ve had to make?
I was well established in a hair salon in Keller, Tx with a full clientele and decided to move my family to the Dallas side of the Metroplex. From Rockwall to Keller was about an hour and 10 minute drive with no traffic one way. Unfortunately, traffic was always horrible and I seldom was able to make that drive in that short amount of time. I loved my clients and the thought of starting over sounded horrible. I drove that long drive for a little over a year until I decided it was in the best interest of my family and I to rebuild my business from the ground up in Rockwall, Texas. I made the move in February of 2020 and then covid hit. Aside from that small set back, I have rebuilt my clientele up and surprisedly…more of my clients from the other side of the metroplex are making the drive to me. It has filled my heart with joy meeting all these new faces and seeing a lot of my Keller clients still making the drive. This was by far the most difficult business decision I have ever had to make, yet it has turned out to be the most amazing thing to ever happen to my family and I. My business has grown to heights I never thought I could achieve.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I have learned a lot during my 16 years of being a cosmetologist. Very seldom do I have “clients” in my chair. Most of these folks become my friends and family. I have found that aside from doing quality work every time, the next best thing to that is to build solid relationships. The biggest lesson I have learned along the way is that clients are more than just a head of hair. Their investment in my services deserves my investment of building relationships that can last a lifetime. I honestly don’t think there is another job in this world I could be doing because owning my hair business just fits my personality. I love meeting new people, I love to talk, I love to listen, and it’s very easy to become invested in their lives. Has it been easy rebuilding and moving salons across the metroplex…No! I can honestly say that although it hasn’t been easy, it has been so rewarding seeing the growth of my business.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
One of my families favorite spots to hand out is Standard Service in Heath, Texas. The atmosphere is great, the food is great, and we love to do all the outdoor activities there. On a Thursday night, you can’t beat an evening in the Harbor in Rockwall, Texas listening to live music for the Concert on the Lake event in the summer. You cant leave downtown Rockwall without grabbing a slice of pie from Bonafide Betties Pies. Not sure you would be able to find a more satisfying dessert than that!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My former clients and all of the newest faces that grace my chair is who I owe everything too. It is always a little scary to trust someone new to embody your vision of what your hair should/will look like. For those who have helped me rebuild, made the drive from miles away, and those that have recommended me to their friends, family, and colleges deserve a great deal of gratitude for what my business has done since February of 2020. I am very thankful for the love and support.
Website: hairbykellyrockwall.com
Instagram: @hairbykellyrockwall
Facebook: Hair By Kelly Rockwall
Other: tiktok: hairbykellyrockwall
Image Credits
SWEETBOS PHOTOGRAPHY