We had the good fortune of connecting with Catherine Chishti and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Catherine, what is the most important factor behind your success?
100% client experience and education. Value isn’t just in the the color or cutting service alone but the also the customers experience. It starts before the guests arrives and well after their service ends and they leave the salon. I want to make sure that they have everything they need to maintain their extensions, color,and style till their next appointment.
Continuing Education as a stylists and been something that I have thrived on for the last 18 years. I absolutely love to learn and then extending that education on to my guests. I always feel like when I am super excited about something that I have learned, it makes me a better stylists and business owner.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I trained and started my career in NYC for 6 years before moving to Dallas and starting a family in 2008. After a short break I was ready to get back to work and worked at some reputable commission salons in north Dallas area. Due to my husbands job requiring travel, I needed a flexible schedule but also was ready to build my career and aspirations. That is when I decided to work for myself and start building my dream career.
Deciding on branding and stepping out of my box to put myself out there was one of the daunting tasks.. Given all my previous work experience was at commission salons, marketing and sourcing clients was their responsibility but of course mine to maintain the relationship through my work. Now taking all this on initially was a tough decision, I have found my rhythm, dream clients and a brand that is authentic.
The physical and mental demands of being a hair artist can be very tasking, competitive and require a lot of energy and time. With the need to have a strong online presence, it is important to take care of those needs as well as your own. Something I have learned is to give your self time while you build your 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.
So Frisco has grown into quite go to spot with lots to do, Here is what a week would look like:
Day 1 – Brunch at J Theodore followed by a day hanging by the pool
Day 2 – Shopping day at Legacy West with lunch at North Italia
Day 3 – Spa day at the Westin Resort and Spa for a massage
Day 4 – The Star and Heirloom Hall/Flea Style for a build your own hat and brunch
Day 5- Hair and facials at Vibed Salon and Studio ( my spot)
Day 6 – Yoga at Yoga on Main and then Frisco Farmers market and shopping on Main St. Lunch at Didi’s
Day 7 – Brunch at Davio’s and check out Grandscapes in the Colony
Basically eating and shopping Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
It would have to be John and Xena Parsons who owned Xena’s Beauty Company in NY. They gave me my first opportunity by hiring and training me from assistant to stylist. They focused on understanding the basics, how to ensure the customer had a great experience and supported me in the early stages of my career.
Website: Www.vibedsalonandstudio.com
Instagram: @catchishtihair , @vibedsalonandstudio
Image Credits
Erica East Photography