Personal Hair Therapy is a company that specializes in custom supplemental hair solutions, designed to help women going through the stages and struggles of thinning hair with compassion, understanding, and free education.
Amber Charette, the owner of the company, is a licensed cosmetologist and expert in the field, helping women through their thin hair challenges.
Find out how Amber’s struggle with thinning hair, laid the foundation for a successful hair care consulting business.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey into hair care consulting.
My journey began many years ago when I started to experience the same problem that I help women with today! I have a crazy gene, like a lot of other normal, healthy women that causes thin hair.
Several years ago, while working in finance, I got the bug to start helping other women like me find solutions for their thin hair caused by many different things, not just genetics.
I didn’t have any degree or certifications to allow me to DO hair, so I started consulting via Skype in my home from a desk in my bedroom. I’d talk with women about different supplemental hair options, how to order them, and also how to wear and integrate them with their natural hair. I wanted to share the knowledge I had to help women. I loved every minute of this and found it to be greatly rewarding.
Soon after, in an unfortunate series of events, I lost my job with the company that I was working for at the time. It seemed tragic at first but has turned out to be a gift in disguise. Within 30 days of losing that job, I had enrolled in cosmetology school with the sole mission of making my passion for helping women feel beautiful and confident through hair restoration.
I knew that to help women, it would be best for me to be able to touch them and help them, hands-on! Going back to school in my 30s wasn’t the easiest thing, but it was fun! I continued to consult online while I was in school and soon secured a part-time studio to also SEE clients after graduation.
Today, I continue to consult from my home office rather than my desk in my bedroom, and I also see clients in my studio from all over the world. I consult with them initially online, and then a portion of them make arrangements to visit me for their services. Personally, and professionally, I’m the most fulfilled and content that I’ve ever been. It’s truly a gift to help women and walk their own journeys alongside them.
What did you do before launching your own business?
Before Personal Hair Therapy, I was a full-time mom and then worked in finance, specifically in mortgage lending.
How did you fund your business?
My business has funded itself from my very first sale. This hasn’t been the easiest way to do things and has had its stresses. However, after losing a job, having my husband in school and finishing up a residency in his line of work, and raising three daughters at home, it was a necessity.
Recently though, I have had a potential investor approach me. He expressed a genuine interest in what I am doing, and although there are no specifics, things are looking positive in that area. I’m so excited about the possibilities!
How many hours do you work a week and how much is spent in your home office?
Currently, I work a lot. Sometimes all seven days of the week, including my home office schedule and some studio hours. I’ve learned that I MUST give myself some days off – no answering emails, or text messages, or phone calls from clients. I do offer emergency services, but, that’s rare. I usually get two days off each week.
How would you rate your success?
Each time I can help someone feel beautiful again, I am a success. For me, this happens almost every day. I’m still a work in progress, always learning, and keeping an open mind. My business is also a work in progress – there are so many things to improve and additions to be made to serve my clients better. But in my line of work, we’re changing lives along the way. I’m lucky not to have huge goals to hit to feel I’ve achieved success. I get to live a little bit of that each day.
What has been your biggest business struggle as an entrepreneur?
I think all women struggle a little bit to juggle their responsibilities at home with work. This still remains a challenge for me. I have an amazing husband, and we have three beautiful daughters who are growing faster than we ever thought possible. I try to balance my time “at work” with my time as a mom and wife, and also time taking care of me. Some days I strike a good balance, and others may not go as well. But I’m always thankful that when it comes down to it, I get the final say when it comes to my schedule – family always wins!
What advice would you give to a new entrepreneur?
I’ve heard it said, “Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” This is very good advice.
How do you manage all of your personal and business activities?
I have an iPhone and use that for my consultation and studio schedule. I love my iPhone, but I’m also a pen and pencil girl! I love to make lists and jot down notes to help me feel like I’m not getting overwhelmed. I also keep a paper calendar that gives me a week’s view at a time, and that helps me to see the big picture and to anticipate what’s coming next!
Thanks to Amber Charette for sharing her story!
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