Today we’d like to introduce you to Merlyn Colbert.
Hi Merlyn, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Well, I guess you can say my entrepreneurship journey started after working at my dead-end job for four years and realizing this isn’t who and where I want to be in the next five years. I had to make a drastic change to improve the quality of life for me and my family. I made a plan and in 2016, I talked with my mother (a cosmetologist for over 30 years) about opening up another beauty salon with her. I went to nail school and obtained my nail technician license and the real fun began! We began searching for the perfect location and found it in early 2019. Our grand opening was January 4th, 2020.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not! A few of the biggest struggles we faced was dealing a lot with landlord/tenant issues. I would suggest to anyone opening a brick-and-mortor to find a representative that is well versed in commercial lease laws! Also, not being able to obtain our occupational license until after seven months of ready-to-open status and of course, the biggest, COVID-19 shutting us down after just two months of our grand opening date! Some more minor issues included finding motivated employees who could handle administrative duties and appointments while keeping up with new updated industry standards.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Madame Gems Beauty Salon & Spa?
We are an all-inclusive beauty salon and spa and we specialize in all things beauty! We have specialist in hair braiding, relaxers, nail extensions and pedicures, body waxing and facials. We have an extensive list of services located on our website. We are best known for our energetic and funny atmosphere. My Mom and I make a great team and we can usually make light of any situation with joy and laughter. No need to be shy when coming into our shop as this is a totally safe space. Our saying is “what is said in the shop stays in the shop!” Our brand is all about being authentic and true to yourself. We love that our clients trust us and open up to us not only about their beauty needs but in other aspects of their lives and you don’t just get that anywhere. I’m most proud of the work we put into making sure clients come into a clean and safe environment and are totally comfortable and at ease while receiving whatever service they came for.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I’m not a big believer in “luck” per se, but I truly believe that what you put out into the world is what you will get out. I have been beyond blessed in my shop still being open during this pandemic!
Contact Info:
- Email: Madamegemsbeauty@gmail.com
- Website: https://madamegemsbeauty.square.site/
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/madamegemsbeauty
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/madamegemsbeauty
- Twitter: Www.Twitter.com/madamegems
Image Credits
Dan Faenza, Merlyn Colbert
