In collaboration with Savoir Collab, we introduce you to:
Jennifer Cunningham
Gamine Beauty
2845 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90026
IG: Gamine_Beauty
FB: Gamine Beauty
Email: jc@gaminebeauty.com
What is the name of your business and what type of business is it? How long have you been in business and who is your ideal client?
Gamine Beauty -I have owned Gamine for 2+ years. Prior to my ownership, Gamine was an LA salon for over 25years.
We are a tribe of craft hairdressers. We provide individualized cut, color and styling services as well as makeup.
Our ideal client is one that values personal style and does not compromise quality. We love clients that want hair that works best for their busy lives and looks great all the time without much work. Many of our clients also need “red carpet” hair and makeup. We absolutely LOVE to give people their “Movie Star Moment” when they look fantastic and feel like it!!
So you’re a mompreneur, eh? How old are your children and what are their names?
My son, Lee, is 8. My daughter, Georgia, is 4.
Speaking of momming and being an entrepreneur, what would you say is the most challenging thing about being a working mama? What is the most rewarding?
The most challenging aspect of being the boss is that my business needs me as much as my children. It’s hard to be “crushing it” in both areas of life at the same time. So, you make choices. Unless there is a real time sensitive issue, Sunday is a non-negotiable Family Day. Of coarse, the kids will keep you honest! The times when I do have to work more, for whatever reason, the kids are so clingy and are melting down for Mommy all over the place. That is the worst for me. That’s when you’re feeling like you will not be nominated for the Mother of the Year award. When I took over the Salon, of coarse, I was there all the time. It quickly got to a place when every time I even touched my purse, Georgia would loose it! I have learned a thing or 2 about life/work balance since then!!
A #SAVOIRMompreneur is seasoned, refined, confident, graceful and intuitive. What does this look like in your everyday life?
I try to think ahead and plan the future knowing that all I can really do is take things a day at a time. Everything changes everything! You get up and get yourself ready and your kids ready. You talk about being you best self. You try to model that for your kids with authenticity. My children know that my work has been my life’s work. They applaud my successes and cheer me on. They know I’m chasing my dreams and I encourage them to do the same. Yet, there are hard days and I lean on my family and share my feelings. Not everyday is a banner day, but we don’t talk about it and certainly don’t “post” about it. But, it’s a part of life that we need to work through with acceptance and as gracefully as possible. My confidence comes from knowing I have support and a family that lifts me up when that confidence wanes. The signs are all around us all the time. I try to open my eyes and heart to them. We may try to ignore them sometimes when they aren’t what we want to see or hear. I try to listen even when it’s uncomfortable because I find that fighting the universe usually doesn’t end well! See the signs, learn the lessons! Flow like water, bend like reed! Try to, anyways.
What’s your best advice to female business owners looking to start and/or grow a family?
Do what you can to get your “ducks in a row.” We all need support, so get those systems in place before you are overwhelmed and just reacting. Commit to less that you think you can handle. You can always put more on your plate. Feelings of not being able to keep up can lead to depression and overwhelm. It WILL be overwhelming, but that’s when you need a break and a little quiet so you can think. Listen to your heart and don’t forget the self-care piece. It’s refueling the tank; you can go a whole lot further when your tank is full.
If readers want to find you after reading this interview, where is the best place to do that?
www.gaminebeauty.com
Instagram Gamine_Beauty
Facebook Gamine Beauty
Readers are invited to a $20 gift to spend towards a service with us. PROMO CODE: SAVOIR