September has been a busy month already. Licenses have been obtained, zoning permits obtained, printed materials ordered and received, retail products ordered, and the decor is coming together. I was scheduled to open by September 1 but ran into a few kinks and postponed the opening to September 15. Little things such as not having all of the furniture needed (closed cabinets and a few workspaces), ceiling tiles that needed to be replaced, a delayed sink installation, and final painting. But that is all being taken care of over the next day or two so it will be ready by the 15th.

I also ran into a little hiccup with the town when I applied for a sign permit. Due to circumstances beyond my control, the town will not issue a sign permit for the building sign at this time. Common signage (complex's landmark signage and naming of the complex) must be taken care of by the building owner before my building sign permit can be obtained. So the permanent signage has been delayed for about another month. In the meantime I am making do with a magnetic sign on my door so my clients can find me. That, and my door has been painted bright pink.

In preparation for the opening I’m gearing up for a big festival in our town. The Clayton Harvest and Music Festival will be on September 18, and I have a booth. So this week I’m preparing for the festival. This festival will be pivotal in getting the word out to the local communities that Tickled Pink Salon is here. Along with having a beautifully decorated booth, I will be having door prize drawings and offering mini manis at the booth. The manis will not only provide me with a way to introduce a taste of my services, but it also lets me talk one on one with prospective new clients. This is the largest event hosted in Clayton and last year attracted more than 18,000 attendees.

The second week Tickled Pink will be open will be just as busy. The Grand Opening/Open House has been planned for September 25. I have promoted this event through various business organizations I am involved in, on Facebook, through local businesses, and through direct mailings to past and present clients. I will also have door prize drawings at this event. Right after the Open House (on September 28th) Tickled Pink is hosting a dinner for one of the business organizations I'm a member of, MUBA (Mosaic Unlimited Business Alliance). This organization has been key in helping to spread the word about Tickled Pink. This provides a prime opportunity to introduce other business owners to the salon and to further build relationships with these business owners in an informal and comfortable setting. (Networking with other businesses is what has helped me get to the point of being able to realize my dream of opening another salon.)

So, all in all, things are going well. And I'm looking forward to a GREAT year.

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