Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Anthony Ingraldi, Owner of Alibi Cutting Room, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Alibi is a creative hair studio located in the heart of Little Italy in Toronto. Our hair artists are masters in colour, cut, and style–scissors are our medium. Come in and experience Alibi for yourself. Our master artists are there to help you feel your best and amplify your natural attributes. Our customers range from young professionals to celebrities—and everything in between. We provide high-end services without pretension.
Tell us about yourself
I always knew I wanted to be creative. At 18 years old, I immersed myself in a hairstyling apprenticeship and swiftly fell in love with the industry. I went on to spend a decade at Medulla & Co., where I spent 5 years as co-owner. Over the years, I worked with countless celebrities, from Anna Wintour to Jon Hamm. All do in large part to my technical training, innovative approach, and colour mastery. My entrepreneurial spirit inspired me to create a salon that was uniquely its own.
At Alibi Cutting Room, I am an expert in natural, lived-in colour, curated cuts, and men's grooming. What motivates me is always trying to outdo myself to do better each day. Holding myself accountable for every action. Whether that's pulling in higher numbers each month in sales or creating even better colours and curated looks for my clients. Also, training in the gym every morning before I start my day and pushing my physical potential to its max definitely keeps me motivated. Most importantly, staying consistent and on my mental and physical game is what I focus on to stay motivated.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Growing the company. Our biggest accomplishment is that we doubled our core team and so far have managed to hire and retain great talent while keeping our core values consistent. Hiring is a tremendous challenge, and for Alibi having a passionate team of really amazing talent is critical to our success. While we still have a lot of work to do, I am extremely proud of the team we have managed to build over the past six years and feel confident that it sets us up for future success in the years to come. I also feel it's important and so fulfilling as a boss to pay it forward and educate people to be successful.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
I would have to say my five biggest challenges are:
- Managing and motivating staff
- Finding new clients
- Salon maintenance
- Product sales
- Being able to let go and not micro-manage my team
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do your research, and be prepared.
- Have your finances in order.
- Make sure you have time, and manage your time well.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://youralibi.co/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/youralibi.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youralibi.co/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alibi-cuting-room/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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