Rising Stars: Meet Sarah Sudrovic of Ohio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Sudrovic.

Hi Sarah, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was originally going to school for dental hygiene, but I quickly realized I was following the “safe” path instead of my passion. After graduating in 2005, I left YSU and enrolled at the Casal Aveda Institute to become a hairstylist, and I never looked back.

After working in different salons, I knew I wanted to build something of my own. I wanted to create a space where stylists could truly thrive, not a stuffy, overly spa-like environment, but somewhere fun, laid-back and welcoming where both the team and our guests could feel comfortable being themselves.

BANG! started in an 850-square-foot space with me and four other people. We eventually expanded into a 1,900-square-foot salon with a team of 11, and now, after 17 years in business, we are expanding again into a 3,600-square-foot location. We currently have 13 team members, with room to grow to around 20.

One of my biggest lessons has been learning how to care deeply about my team while still remembering that I am their business owner. When you work side-by-side with people every day, it is easy to become close and see them as friends. But owning a business means stepping back when necessary, setting expectations and sometimes making difficult decisions. I have learned that even when a working relationship needs to end, it does not have to end badly. People can be coached, supported and treated with respect while still protecting the business and the environment we have worked so hard to build.

Being recognized as a Salon Today 200 salon for growth was one of my proudest accomplishments. But honestly, seeing BANG! continue to grow into a place where stylists and clients both feel welcomed, respected and excited to walk through the door is what I am most proud of.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. Like every small business, we’ve made it through COVID, inflation, rising costs and the challenge of adjusting our pricing while still giving our guests value. One of my biggest personal transitions has been stepping away from being a full-time hairstylist and becoming a full-time business owner. I had to learn the numbers, understand what actually creates a profitable business and stop “winging it,” which I’ll admit I did for the first few years. 😂

Growth also means introducing changes while protecting the fun, welcoming culture that makes BANG! special. That balance isn’t always easy, especially when you work so closely with your team. But I truly love all the transitions and challenges that come with growth. Every stage has taught me something and made me a stronger owner.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
BANG! Hair Studio is a full-service salon where everyone is welcome. With our expansion into a new 3,600-square-foot location, we’re offering customized color, blonding, extensions, cuts, styling, lash lifts, brow laminations, full-body waxing, spray tanning and multiple luxury head spa services.

Our focus is giving every client a personalized experience in a fun, laid-back atmosphere where they can feel completely comfortable being themselves. We are also passionate about education and continually invest in our team so they can grow, stay current and provide the best possible services. Clients can expect talented stylists, honest recommendations, a complimentary beverage bar and great results without the stuffy salon attitude. That’s BANG!

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Adaptability. Accountability. This industry and business in general are constantly changing, so you have to be willing to learn, adjust and sometimes admit that what used to work just doesn’t anymore. I’ve learned not to get so attached to one way of doing things that it holds the business or my team back. Staying open to change, listening to the people around me and continuing to show up when things get hard have been the biggest parts of my success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.banghairstudio.com
• Instagram: @banghairstudio
• Facebook: @banghairstudio