Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Schneider.
Hi Sarah, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started at The Avenue Hair Studio and Spa in 2006. It was my second job at a salon, but I quickly discovered that this could be more than a “job”. This was a company that would give me the opportunity to make cosmetology a fulfilling career.
After working for the salon for about 7 years, I took on a role as an educator inside the salon. I began teaching classes to the newer talent that were just entering the industry and beginning their career with us. I began to develop my leadership skills in these classes and quickly discovered that I enjoy being in a role as a mentor. I have learned so much personally and professionally during my time in the beauty industry, and love to pay forward any knowledge and insight I can to help the next generation of beauty professionals thrive.
In 2019, Dawn and Neal Carter were ready to sell shares of their company to some of the key employees in the business. I became a shareholder and maintain the role of building beauty and culture. Through my position as an owner, I am able to share my love for my craft, develop The Avenue’s next generation of rising stars and continue the Avenue’s legacy.
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?
I would always have clients say things to me like “Don’t you want to go out on your own and open your own salon?” And I always said, “Absolutely not.” I did not want to risk everything when I was still fulfilled here at The Avenue. So when the opportunity was presented to me to buy in to The Avenue, I felt very fortunate that it was a business that was already established with a wonderful reputation in our community. It was the dream of owning my own salon without the incredible risk of doing it all on my own. I have Dawn Carter as a business coach to help guide me along, and a team of wonderful shareholders and team leaders within the company that help me continue to grow the business every day.
Now, I’d like to remind you that I became an owner in 2019, and the next year we were mandated to shut down for 12 weeks during the Covid pandemic. That was a curveball no one saw coming, but a crash course in leadership and business ownership none the less!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At The Avenue Hair Studio & Spa, we believe service excellence starts with communication, professionalism, skill, and knowledge—and ends with client satisfaction. Through ongoing education, teamwork, and a positive atmosphere, we’re able to deliver creativity, build lasting relationships, and grow together. Our goal is simple: to provide an exceptional experience that leaves every guest looking and feeling their best!
We believe strongly in giving back to our community and find many ways to support local organizations.
I am most proud of the culture that has been built at The Avenue over the last 29 years. We strive to be a place that feels luxurious without being stuffy, and that our guests can feel the positive energy while they are here. We are also an employee based salon, which isn’t common in our area. I am extremely proud to provide paid time off, paid vacation bonuses, IRA contributions, health benefits and continuing education to our employees.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My best advice is to find a mentor that can help you grow, personally and professionally. You should always strive to find opportunities to be the small fish in a big pond, where you can learn from others who have done it before, and who are doing it better. Open your mind to new ideas, and NEVER. STOP. LEARNING.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.avenuehss.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theavenuehairstudiospa
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AvenueHSS
