Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Zwalua.
Hi Sarah, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I knew when I graduated high school that college wasn’t something I saw myself doing. I’ve always been artistic, had a hard time in school and was passionate about the beauty industry. I knew that I wanted to do go to beauty school. Passionate at a young age cutting my Barbie dolls & American girl dolls hair- I felt it was destiny. In beauty school, I thrived, Acing all my tests and finally feeling like I fit into a group of creative minds alike. After graduating and in my first salon job, I realized how important it is to find your salon home & the tribe that fits with it- and after my third salon I found it. I was working hard, dedicating my life to the craft and building my clientele. I worked long hours and weekends and went above & beyond to create long lasting relationships with my clients. I finally felt like I “made” it. And then Covid hit. Like everyone, I went through an extreme shift not being able to work & create. My mind tried to keep busy – but it wasn’t the same. My mental health took a huge hit. I kept thinking – once I return to work I’ll be better. Returning back to work, with the anxiety of the unknown, a mask and new guidelines to follow; I soon realized I was not ready. I had to take a step back from doing what I truly loved and take care of myself. June 18th, 2020 I checked myself into a mental hospital. I remember the date vividly because it was my birthday. A birthday present to myself. A constant people pleaser and taking care of others first; I realized I finally needed to take care of past issues of never feeling good enough and always wanting things to be perfect. I felt like I changed into a new person and i couldn’t figure out who I was or what I needed anymore. But I soon realized in order to take care of myself I needed to make some life changes and unfortunately that meant my career I worked so hard for. When you feel like you finally hit your purpose in life and then you get that taken away, you struggle to find a new meaning. Thankfully, another door opened. No one was prepared for the next adventure I would take. The salon & spa I worked at for 10 years, the owners were looking to retire, and my husband and I were on their radar. After 2 years of training and feeling out what management and ownership would be like: we took the plunge. I knew Eve Salon & Spa was my home, and I didn’t want to leave. My husband and I have now owned Eve for 3 years! I love to be able to still work with my amazing co workers who have been there with me every step and cheered me on. I love to be able to still make meaning connections with clients. I love to be able to create a place for clients to learn to love themselves – on the inside & out.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Owning a business is never easy. Especially in the times we live in now. There are days and moments where you want to run away. But there are also days where you make the best connections. Currently I am watching my newer employees succeed and I feel very proud. I do not have kids- but I do feel like I have *25* of them. I’m blessed to be able to cheer them on in their successes and help build them up. I encourage them to take care of themselves most importantly – in a business where they are taking such good care of others as well.
As you know, we’re big fans of Eve Salon Spa. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Eve Salon Spa is a full service salon & spa. We offer all things hair – but also massage, facials, waxing, head spa, manicures and pedicures. It’s really a one stop shop to get all of your beauty needs taken care of! We offer high end products like Aveda, Kerastase, Unite & Glo. We have been a business for almost 20 years!
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I have so many cheerleaders in my life, which is so important. My husband, who works full time at Mulders Glass, would have never dreamed of owning a hair salon. But he saw my passion and he saw the amazing workers at eve and dove in head first. He’s seen me in many phases of my life- and still loved me & supported me in all of them. My mom is also is a huge cheerleader and actually retired from Portage Public Schools to come work the front desk at Eve. She wants the best for me & eve and always is in my corner. I have amazing family, friends and my co workers! I wouldn’t be where I am at without them. The previous owners, Ben & Denise Boyer really took my husband and I under their wing and taught us everything we needed to know. Neither my husband or I have a business degree or went to college. It just goes to show you that you can accomplish anything you are truly compassionate about. We wanted to make what Ben & Denise created as best as could. We truly are passionate about our community and giving back to others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.evesalonspa.com
- Instagram: Evesalonspa
