Top City Small Business Awards | Onyx Salon and Wellness Spas and Onyx Wellness Cafe
How did you get to where you are today with your business?
HEATHER: I had the incredible opportunity to work at one of the best salons in the United States. I was given an amazing foundation for the industry and also trained to be an educator.
Teaching people has always brought me so much joy. I adore doing hair, but I also love helping people grow and master their craft.
I had started my own business inside someone else’s business and was training stylists who would later work for that business. It made sense for me to take the leap and open my own salon. I was a single mom at the time, so I was quite nervous but came up with a plan that made me comfortable. I sold my house, bought a commercial building and lived above it while we built the salon. This meant I could provide for my son and build my dreams.
What motivated you to open your business in the Topeka area and how has the community impacted your growth and trajectory?
I moved to Topeka from San Diego 14 years ago and I love it. Honestly, coming from a bigger city and knowing the cost and hustle, Topeka is a gift.
This city has so many incentives to promote small business owners. The resources and connections that GO Topeka offers are invaluable. I truly feel like this city wants to be full of successful entrepreneurs. So, hands down, I choose Topeka.
This community has been everything for Onyx. Topeka has truly shown up to celebrate and support all of my girls and their careers. I couldn’t be more grateful to this community. We’ve had amazing support from NOTO, Downtown Topeka Inc., GO Topeka, Greater Topeka Partnership and the community, who really support their local businesses. I am truly blown away by this community every day.
What sets you apart from other businesses in your industry?
Education, mentorship and room for growth. Most salons are either commission or booth rent. I know what it’s like to be working at a commission salon and to be ready to grow to the next level, but can’t in that space. I also know how much money it costs up front to start your own business as a booth renter.
I wanted to have a space where I could mentor my girls and help them grow into whatever they want to be. I have a buyback program that keeps the startup costs for booth rent to a minimum, and really helps them get their footing. I want all of my girls to have great success. Once they are on their own, I still check in with them, guide them and help in any and all ways possible.
What did it mean to you and your team to be a finalist in the Women-Owned Business category of the Small Business Awards?
It means so much to be a finalist for the Women-Owned Business category. Women’s empowerment and mentorship is my identity and the heartbeat of Onyx. I love these women to the moon. It’s truly a blessing to see them all walk into such strength of self and success in their careers. To win is the icing on the cake for me and them.
We have such incredible small business owners here in Topeka, so being in a room with all of these unbelievable entrepreneurs is amazing. Thank you for this opportunity, and for always supporting Onyx.
