Riding out the storm

Beauty services don’t have to be expensive nor impersonal. At Hot Heads salon, it’s all about the customers.

“The environment is really nice. All the girls get along it’s kind of like a family atmosphere,” stated Sarah Martinez, the manager of Hot Heads located at 204 N. Main St.

The business offers a variety of discounts.

“This month we have a shampoo, haircut and style for $22,” said Martinez. The business has been serving customers for the last four years and offers a plethora of options including perms, extensions, waxing, coloring and nail additions. However, the economy has taken a toll.

“We’ve definitely seen a slowdown in business,” said owner Trini Williams who added that one of their staples is coloring.

“Coloring is what they do all day long,” stated Williams, who previously owned a nail salon. A manicurist for 15 years, she has worked various other jobs, but has always known that she wasn’t one for following everyone else.

“All my life I’ve always kinda done whatever. I’ve been creative. I’ve never been one to punch a time clock,” stated Williams.

Over the years the business has seen an increase and a decrease in employees. At one time it had a maximum of 11 stylists, but now has seven. Each stylist is self-employed and rents space from her. She provides some products including shampoos and keeps the business clean and stocked. Her biggest challenge though is keeping the business flowing.

“We do promotional things, discounts, buy one get one free and a percentage off,” added Williams, who pointed out that the key to a successful business is satisfaction.

“Emphasize the customer service end of it, make sure the customer is happy and they’ll come back,” explained Williams.