Inspiring Conversations with Neka Brown of Urban Salon Suites

Today we’d like to introduce you to Neka Brown. 

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
A few years ago, In March of 2019 to be exact, I was taking a next step course through the university circle with my mother representing her construction company. My mother owns a two-story office building in Shaker Heights, OH. The course that we were taking was about how to grow your business and take entrepreneurship to the next level. While sitting in class I thought of ways to make more income and with the hair industry being the way it is, I proposed the idea. I was inspired by the salon lofts in shaker heights Ohio. I had an appointment there and I thought these are basically similar to office spaces giving people the opportunity to work in their own space without having to worry about the overhead cost. My mother has a construction rehab and demolition company and I figured I would take my savings, cash out my 401k and work with her to rehab the downstairs portion of the office building. My thoughts were, “I could bring in the income downstairs while working upstairs and helping my mother go from a small business to a cooperative company. I was currently working at medical mutual but prior to I spent 6 years at Swagelok where continuous improvement was my forte. This was also a great opportunity for my mother because she was transitioning from demolition to rehab and this would give her a chance to show me how to run her company as well as her first big rehab job. We were able to work together to find contractors and help my envision come to light. 

I currently had a hairstylist that I had been going to for several years who ended up working in the same hair salon as my nail technician. I had told both girls my idea and they had agreed to come work in my salon once I was up and running. I started to pay attention to all the small arguments between the hairstylist whether it was too many people in the waiting area, products running low from other stylists borrowing them, missing products, and more. Once I noticed this I figured if everyone had their own suite and was able to lock their door then that would eliminate that problem which would also eliminate the turnover. Most hairstylists want their own salon but most of them do not want to pay the overhead cost. This way they get the best of both worlds and added 24-hour access is a plus and a luxury. We went through many difficulties getting everything completed. I mean this was my first time opening a salon or any business, especially rehabbing everything. We had to tear down walls, redo the electricity, and pick out all decor. I worked around the clock and visited many salons and vendors to make sure I got ahead of any foreseen issues. The goal was to get a good group of stylists and nail techs and keep them. A few months prior to the opening I also decided to go to esthetician school. I was able to get three good hairstylists and two nail techs. All we were missing was someone involved in skincare and we had a fully functional one-stop shop. We had our grand opening in March of 2020 and I still have 4 of the 5 original tenants that I started with. We also host small community events and give back to the community and children by hosting trick or treat events, back-to-school giveaways, and more. 

We also faced a big hit with a worldwide covid 19 outbreak forcing us to close our doors for 3 months after being open for less than 2. It was at this time I also went and purchased vending machines as. a way to drive sales outside of the weekly booth rent. Vending machines were my way of being able to sell items but not physically be there. I considered opening a boutique but I am also a full-time student studying criminal justice with hopes of starting law school in 2024. I purchased two vending machines. One is filled with chips, snacks, and beverages. The other was personally customized to sell hair store products. The hair stores were also closed due to the worldwide shutdown but that did not stop any women from getting their hair done. I was able to fill the vending machine with the products required to create the most popular looks. I also have the machine highlighted in the front window so that you can see it when you drive by and purchase items from us in case the stores are crowded, out of stock on items, or closed 

Another thing I want to highlight is the building where my salon is located. 3713 Lee Rd. The building is currently owned by me. This year I was able to purchase it from my mother in hopes of building generational wealth. My next goal is to lease another building and open a second location of Urban Salon Suites eventually turning my suites into a franchise. My concept is salon suites with an open sealing so that you still get that intimacy of being a private salon but everyone still has their own space. Prior to my mother owning the building, it belong to my grandfather Charles Brown who ran and owned Chuck Brown Bailbonds. I actually worked there in the office when I was 16 years old as a collection specialist for my grandfather’s company. When I was a little girl, I would ride past and run up to his office where he would give me $100 every time he saw me. His office is now my office where I hope to rehab the upstairs and turn it into a full spa. I currently utilize one office as my own and another as my private suite where I specialize in facials, full body waxing, massage, and foot detox. It has been a great couple of years and each year gets better! 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road. Getting all the work done and up to code to be able to pass inspection was the hardest part. Dealing with different contractors that were working multiple jobs set us back a lot. We had to replace a few contractors throughout the process and even had to take one of the contractors to court where we won. There were also issues getting started making sure we had the right water temperature so that clients wouldn’t accidentally get burned but making sure the water was hot enough that the hair could get cleaned following cosmetology standards. Coming from a background that had nothing to do with cosmetology was also difficult. I had to research all standards and necessities that were needed to open a beauty salon. I also had to make sure I had the right group of people to prevent any drama and turnover due to girls not getting along. There were a few hiccups getting started but since then they have been smoothed out and it has been smooth sailing thus far. 

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My beauty salon offers individual suites for licensed beauty professionals. These suites come fully furnished with Bluetooth lighting allowing these professionals to play their music of choice while servicing their clients. In our suites, we have three hairstylist and two nail techs with two pedicure bowls and the massage chairs to match. Upstairs I am located in my own suite specializing in facials, full body waxing, and massage. Our salon has fully stocked vending machines, two bathrooms, and complimentary wine for our clients. I am most proud of our luxurious setting and services. We are a one-stop shop where you can come in and receive a full pamper day. 

Pricing:

• Brazillian Wax $55
• Brazillian Wax & Mini Vajacial $65
• Brazillian Wax & Luxury Vajacial $90
• 60 Minute Massage $65
• Custom Signature Facial $50

Contact Info:

• Email: nekabrown@gourbansuites.com
• Website: www.gourbansuites.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urbansalonsuitess/?hl=en

Image Credits
Urban Salon Suites