Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur is Miranda Furtado, who’s all too familiar with the heartache of hair extension removal and costs – so she launched a business to alleviate the pain. We caught up with her to find out why her hair studio is a unique service in Toronto and what advice she would share with other young professionals…
[ad_bb1]
WORK
Describe what you do in less than 140 characters. Go.
A: Love’s In The Hair is Toronto’s answer to affordable hair extensions. We pride ourselves on good prices and great quality – all while being fun, approachable and knowledgeable.
What was the inspiration for your career route?
A: Addiction. No, seriously. Any lady who has had hair extensions knows the heartache of having them removed and the costs that go along with getting them re-installed. Love’s In The Hair started as an extra source of income earlier this year with the goal of having 1-2 clients per week. We have now grown into a studio and a team of three, which also includes mobile to service those outside of the downtown core. Lisa Delorme and Kristy Wieber, co-founders at Rent Frock Repeat, are also a huge inspiration – I love hearing success stories that involve female entrepreneurs, so it’s a reminder everyday what is possible if you try hard enough.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
A: I’ve always been in PR/Marketing/Editorial and have had some really cool experiences, from travelling to amazing places to interviewing celebrities like Slash from Guns ‘N Roses, but putting the Love’s In the Hair sign up on the wall was a pretty monumental moment for me. It feels really rewarding to see the fruits of your labour grow and have something tangible to look at and see on a daily basis.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?
A: To be honest, I’ve always hated this question (sorry, Notable!) The truth is, I’m not sure where it’s going to take me. I’ve always taken opportunities that have felt right for me. I never set out a career path and followed it. I did what was right for me, and created the opportunities to achieve what I wanted.
If I were to make a bold prediction, I’d love to see Love’s In The Hair as a national chain, complete with an e-commerce portion and a product line.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
A: Stock up on caffeine and concealer.
Be resourceful. In all seriousness, we live in an amazing country and you can really make yourself whatever you want. One of my biggest pet peeves are people who say they can’t. I’ve taught myself so much from putting in time and effort; my career wasn’t just handed to me. It’s taken a lot of hard work and I’m very proud of that.
Think outside of the box and ask questions – a lot of people I know are afraid to ask questions or ask for help out of the fear of being rejected. In my opinion, the worst someone can say is no. You have a better chance of succeeding by asking vs. not asking anything at all.
When in doubt, Google. I’m serious on this one. I’ve created entire websites on my own – and I knew NOTHING about creating one. It’s amazing what you can Google these days. There is a “how-to” for everything – so use it to your advantage!
Work/life balance – Ok, I of all people should not be giving advice related to this, but it should be said: take some time to reflect, and focus on yourself and those around you. (I seriously need to take my own advice on this one…)
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is it (or they) important to you?
A: Cancer research – Terry Fox and Weekend to End Breast Cancer. Cancer runs in my family, and I feel as though it touches everyone.
Smile Foundation – I was born with a cleft palate, so this is near and dear to my heart.
French Bull Dog Rescue Network – have you seen my little man?!
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
A: The one major challenge I’ve had to overcome is being self-conscious. It sounds really basic, but it takes a lot to put yourself out there. Early on, I adopted the phrase “fake it ‘til you make it” and, well, that’s what I did. I figure, I have 100% chance of failing if I clam up and don’t try. I at least have better odds if I put myself out there.
What does the word notable mean to you?
A: It really means to be recognized for hard work and dedication. A pay cheque is obviously great, but sometimes getting recognition for an accomplishment and seeing it in writing can mean more than a dollar.
PLAY
Where is your favourite place to wine/ dine in your city and why?
A: This is a tough one! Does a burger joint count? I’m a huge fan of Big Smoke on King St. West. It’s my go-to for the ultimate burger fix.
If I were to be little classier here, I’d have to say Jacobs & Co. It’s not a regular stop, but something I try to fit in at least 1-2 times per year. The Caesar salad is to die for – oh, and so are the toppings for the steaks – oh, and the wine list – oh, and…ok, I love it all.
What’s the most visited website on your Internet browser? The most played song on your phone?
A: WordPress and anything social media-related. My job(s) revolve around this, so they’re my go-to and always running in the background. If I had to choose something non-work related, Songza, People.com and Mashable.
Every time the girls and I are in the studio, Jason Derulo’s Want You To Want Me somehow manages to come on the radio. So, by default, I would have to choose that one. It kind of became our theme song!
Who’s one person you think everyone should be following on social media?
A: Well, as a small business owner on a budget, I’m going to give my little growing company a shout-out, I have no shame. Seriously, give Love’s In The Hair a follow. We work really hard at keeping up our Instagram game, so it’s worth checking us out. (Seriously, other Toronto-based salons have even started stealing our original creative content. Tsk! Tsk!)
If I were to play this game fairly, Jenna Marbles. She’s hilarious and the perfect distraction when I hit that block at 3pm in the afternoon.
What’s your favourite country to visit and why? And what’s the next one you plan on travelling to?
A: I’ve travelled a lot, but I would have to say Greece. Why? That’s easy: FOOD!
My next (dream) destination would be Bora Bora. When I was in college a girlfriend and I would joke that when we were older and successful, we’d head there for a weekend just because we could. And while I’m nowhere even remotely close to achieving that (and probably never will), I like to keep that little thought in the back of my head – even if it is for a literal LOL during stressful times.
What gives you the greatest FOMO?
A: Unfortunately, refer back to my work-life balance answer from before. I seriously need to schedule in some more time for friends and family. Being an entrepreneur takes a lot of time, and sometimes that focus can take over your personal life.
What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
A: Home reno shows on the W Network (I think I’ve seen every Property Brothers episode), Kardashian marathons and snacking on the Love’s In The Hair’s candy bar – yes, we have a bar of candy.
Oh, and wine! Albeit, I don’t feel guilty about that at all.
What’s something you wish you didn’t spend so much money on? What’s something you wish you spent more on?
A: Food and Uber rides. I am so busy some days that the Pizza Pizza app is the most used app on my phone. I should honestly own part of the company by now.
Spent more on? Clothes. It sounds ridiculous, but I’ve been pretty frugal the past few months – with starting a company and all. I’d like to go shopping without the guilt and just indulge in one special item, but my brain just keeps going back to the company!
And finally, what does success look like to you? Work, play, or otherwise…
A: Success to me looks like financial freedom, being my own boss, and waking up happy because I love what I do!
[ad_bb2]