194: Carmen Painter
Owner, Dream & Co Beauty Salon
This is a story of perseverance and determination to hold fast to the dream of her own business, even through a global pandemic.
Carmen had just signed the lease on her salon location in January of 2020. The entire building had to be renovated and prepared for the shop’s services. Focusing mainly on what she knows best: all haircare services. As the shutdown began, she monitored the renovations so that when they were completed, they were done according to COVID regulations and restrictions. For instance, in a hair salon, chairs must be a minimum of 5 feet from each other. She instead placed hers 6 feet apart which made them accommodate guidelines without plexiglass-glass. This kind of forward thinking was present in this entire interview.
When the business partner she chose didn’t work out, Carmen reluctantly brought on her daughter. She was initially concerned that her daughter may not meet her high shop standards and it can be difficult to work with family. About her daughter, Carmen said, “She stepped up 110% and is the epitome of a salon coordinator.” She is thrilled to be working together.
Furnishings for the shop were hard to come by, as were loans or grant money being given to businesses because of COVID. Remember her business doors had not yet been open, having only signed the lease just before the shutdown. So, she didn’t qualify for those. Her husband constructed hand-made shelf units and furnishings for the entire shop. They made do with what they had. This in turn has given the shop it’s totally cool unique look. Nothing commercial or store bought about it. It’s a one of a kind.
Not working because of the shutdown was mentally difficult for Carmen. She
said, “I have always fended for myself…I signed the lease in January and there was no turning back now.” Staying busy with building projects was one way to stay active. She additionally would walk 9 miles every day to clear her head and stay physical. She also cooked meals for homeless people once a month. She told us, “Having that kept me going. It gave me a sense of worthiness.”
As she was about to open at the end of June, people would pull up in their cars and ask out the window for a haircut. “Could you please?…Do you mind?…I know you’re not open yet, but could you?…” Being the rule follower she is, she told them all no because of the mandatory shutdown, but offered each of them to come back in a few days. Their first haircut would be totally complimentary.
What she feels about this pandemic: “That it has shown us what we need and want. What you can do without and what you really need…and what you have taken for granted. It has forced us to be still.” She hopes that from the experience, “We grow in the education of your chosen craft.”
