Turns out the secret to successful business for this salon owner is simply having a little fun.
A seasoned stylist discovers she’s an entrepreneur at heart after 30 years in the industry, and opens Ludik, a salon where business has been booming since its inception in 2015.
A New Chapter
“When my mom was in hospice care, I decided being generous should be a way of life,” says Kellie-Ann Philbin, whose salon located in Beloeil, near Montreal. “People come to a salon to feel beautiful, to have fun. And this is what I wanted to create when I opened Ludik [a play on the French word ludique, which means playful].”
“Since barbering was starting to become hugely popular at that time, I wanted to tap into the men’s market. I commissioned an in-depth marketing study and underwent a personality assessment to see if I really had what it took to become an entrepreneur because, essentially, I was starting from scratch. Philbin says she approached this part of her business with a “build it and they will come” motto.
Finance 101
According to Philbin, it’s a misconception to think salon owners have more dif culty than other professionals in obtaining credit and loans from nancial institutions. ‘If you have a solid business plan, the funds will come. It’s very important to do your homework and surround yourself with experts in their eld to help you, like lawyers and notaries who can draft sound contracts.
At Ludik, Philbin says stylists are all under salary. “That way I can provide them with a guaranteed income, which is good for their own credit, and helps foster team spirit. Clients are very sensitive to this; everyone loves being pampered by staff who can take care of their every need, particularly in a high-end salon.”
Creating the Space
Before teaming up with Montreal-based Lanvain Design for the salon, Philbin carefully curated mood boards to ne-tune the functionality and style of her future workspace. “I wanted something upscale, but without any bling. That’s why I went with an industrial-chic style.”
With a refined palette of nutty browns, splashes of shiny glass and metal accents, Ludik perfectly creates an after-work relaxation space for a busy clientele of professionals. Eco-sustainability is also key, and that’s why almost everything, including hair clippings, metal colour tubes and even chemicals, is recycled with the support of Green Circle Salons. “The only way to plan for our future is to take care of our environment,” says Philibin.
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