Our first month open has been a fabulous month, with only a few kinks that we’re working on resolving.

First, our roof has a leak. We’ve had some really heavy rains over the past month, and we opened one morning to a huge puddle on the floor in the main treatment room. Thankfully this is an issue our landlord will be taking care of. In the meantime we've had to mask the staining on the ceiling tiles — as it's pointless to change the tiles until after the leak is repaired, especially since there’s still a lot of rain coming. We're hoping this will be repaired fairly soon. 

News about our pending signage: we’re still waiting to hear about the progress of the common signage, which has to be in place before we can even apply for a permit for the salon’s own sign. I’m not sure what sort of timeframe we’re looking at. In the meantime, we’re getting the word out and letting everyone know where we’re located via newspaper ads, fliers, networking with other local businesses, street signs (the temporary ones), a car door magnet on our bright pink door, and a banner above our door.

My biggest hurdle right now is finding ways to be out marketing the salon AND be in the salon to provide services. Obviously, I can’t be in two places at once. So, for the time being, Tickled Pink is by appointment only. Lucy isn’t able to work alone at this time, as she’s working with her six-month permit and won't be sitting for her board exams until the first week of November. After she gets her actual license it’ll be easier for me to be out marketing and still have the salon staffed for walk-ins.

All in all, things are going well though. Everyone loves the decor and atmosphere we've created.

—Melodie, Tickled Pink Salon & Nail Spa, Clayton, N.C.