By: Shane Feeney, Mario Troiani, and Elijah Costa
Elle Hair Studio is a local, small hair and make-up studio with a few different stylists, located in
Canton, MA, and was founded by Michelle Kriensky. The three of us had a
chance to sit down with the owner to talk about Elle and its beginnings.
Where are you from originally? Did you grow up on the South Shore?
Yes, I did. I grew up in Randolph, MA.
To gain some insight of the salon we asked her to give us the general overview of the
salon and why she decided to choose this line of business.
I am happy to say that I am able to have 3 different chairs in my studio, for myself and the other
stylists I have to work out of in my studio. I also have inside of Elle Hair Studio, a licensed
esthetician, who rents a room to work out of. I am happy to say that on an average day at the
studio, we will have around 30 different clients come in. Around 60% of the women coming in
are there to see myself. Also, I have been glad to help one of my full time stylists grow her client
list.
To keep everything running smoothly, I employ three different assistants, two part-time and one
full-time. They handle the booking for my studio as well as any other daily tasks. However, I take it upon myself to make all of the orders for the studio’s supplies, as well as keeping the financial records for the studio.
When did it start? What Year?
I first opened the doors to Elle Hair Studio in July of 2016.
What was it that made you want to start this business?
At the very beginning I said to myself, “If I don’t have any children then I’ll open a salon myself”.
I never had any children of my own, so I decided to follow through. Plus, to be frank, I was
exhausted by all of the discrimination, jealousy, and spitefulness in the salon industry. I wanted
to create a studio that clients felt at home in, somewhere where everyone feels valued, no
matter their circumstances. So, I set out and created that place for all stylists and people to feel
at home.
What was the toughest thing you went through when opening?
The entire process was very difficult. Whether it was picking the best name, dealing with the
board for approval, or bringing the studio up to code to meet commercial business
requirements, it was all a hassle. It took me around 3 months from start to finish to get the board
to approve the salon.
What inspired you to keep going as you were getting the business off the ground?
To tell you the truth, I put a large amount of capital into opening the salon, so that is what kept
me going, I took a big risk and I had to make it work.
If you had to start over from day 1 what would you have done differently? Or what was
your most difficult challenge?
If I had to go back to the start, I would not change a thing. I’m very grateful for the way things
have turned out in my life, between the people I have met and the studio’s success. I could not
imagine it any other way.
If a customer was to choose between your business and 3 others just like it, why would
you suggest they at least give you a try first? What makes you stand out?
I think it is my attention to clients and emphasis on welcoming new ones. It creates a friendly
environment where anyone can feel happy joining. I would encourage anyone to come in and
see for themselves.
What is the number 1 way you currently bring in new customers?
Definitely word of mouth. I enjoy giving my clients my absolute best work, and in turn they tell
their friends, family, coworkers, whatever helps to bring in more clients. One thing I will say is, if
you do good work, the people will come.
If you had to look 6 months to a year into the future, where would you like to see your
business be?
I want to be doing what I am doing now, and I would say that is true for the next 10 to 15 years. I
cannot complain about how business is and I absolutely love what I do. In the salon industry it is
not often that hairdressers stay this busy for this long. There are things that change in the
industry over the years, you have to adapt to new styles, clients, brands, and products.
In the more distant future, would you like to step away and be more a manager or a
passive owner? Why?
The plan for me is to step away, eventually, somewhere down the road, whenever that is. Once I do decide to leave the business, I will leave the salon to whoever is there and they can have
what has been built. This industry is very individual based, it is not something I could sell, the
people come for an individual’s personality, it is not something you could replicate.
What advice would you give someone who is just starting out their own business?
The major thing you have to be in this industry is to be strong, have conviction in yourself and
what you do. If you know your service is good and you are doing it the right way, do not let
anyone deter you. Having thick skin in this industry goes a long way, it goes without saying, do
not take things personally. The industry has a lot of jealousy in it.
Elle Hair Studio is located at 655 Washington Street in Canton, MA. You can contact them via:
Phone: 781-562-1584
Email: ellehairstudiocanton@gmail.com
Website URL: http://www.ellehairstudiocanton.com/