With 2015 upon us, I thought it would be best to finish the year with this interview of an inspiring female entrepreneur who has built a s...
With 2015 upon us, I thought it would be best to finish the year with this interview of an inspiring female entrepreneur who has built a successful business with her passion and determination. Meet Seema Flower, the Managing Director of ColourNation - a London hair salon that offers specialist services including Japanese IHR Permanent Hair Straightening, Permanent Brazilian Straightening, Brazilian Straightening/Blowdry and Digital Perm.
Could you tell our readers a little about yourself?
I'm 46. I’m married and I have a beautiful 7 year old daughter, India who means the world to me. I have severe Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) and I'm registered blind. Despite my condition, I have been running a successful London hair salon in Oxford Circus, ColourNation for over 10 years.
ColourNation specialises in Hair Colouring, Hair Straightening, Hair Extensions and Hair Repair amongst other technical and innovative services
What impact did being diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa have on your life?
The impact it had on me was immediately. From a young age I was sent to a school for the blind. I don't think I could believe what was happening at first and how hard it would be on my family and friends.
What inspired you to move into the world of hairdressing?
I was inspired to go into hairdressing after experiencing one too many bad haircuts from salons that weren't very accommodating to people with disabilities.
What is the concept behind Colour Nation and how is it different from other salons?
The concept behind the salon is to offer great value service with honest professional friendly stylists. ColourNation is a highly motivated salon, with everyone treated as individuals. We offer a friendly and relaxed environment where customers can feel at home. We have private salon facilities where religious women and other clients that require privacy can have their hair styled in complete discretion.
Did you face any challenges while setting up/running your own business?
I’d say that accessibility has been an issue in regards to price lists from suppliers and also peoples view that if you have a disability you’re unable to run a business. I’d like to say I have proved them wrong and I hope I can inspire other people.
Could you tell us about RP Fighting Blindness and your role with them?
RP Fighting Blindness is a charity that raises funds for scientific research to provide treatments leading to a cure for RP. My role is to raise awareness for the charity, fundraise whenever I can, (including salon events, charity walks) and meeting with people who have RP to talk to them about the charity and what it can offer them.
And lastly, what advice would you have for other aspiring entrepreneurs?
Research as much as you can about your chosen field and make good use of resources. Have a good home and work life balance. Always be honest and treat people the way you'd like to be treated.
Thank you Seema for taking the time to talk to us. Folks, I hope Seema's story inspires you and fires up your entrepreneurial spirit. All the best for 2015!
Find out more about Seema Flower and ColourNation here: www.ColourNation.com
For further information on RP Fighting Blindness please visit: www.rpfightingblindness.org.uk
Could you tell our readers a little about yourself?
I'm 46. I’m married and I have a beautiful 7 year old daughter, India who means the world to me. I have severe Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) and I'm registered blind. Despite my condition, I have been running a successful London hair salon in Oxford Circus, ColourNation for over 10 years.
ColourNation specialises in Hair Colouring, Hair Straightening, Hair Extensions and Hair Repair amongst other technical and innovative services
What impact did being diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa have on your life?
The impact it had on me was immediately. From a young age I was sent to a school for the blind. I don't think I could believe what was happening at first and how hard it would be on my family and friends.
What inspired you to move into the world of hairdressing?
I was inspired to go into hairdressing after experiencing one too many bad haircuts from salons that weren't very accommodating to people with disabilities.
What is the concept behind Colour Nation and how is it different from other salons?
The concept behind the salon is to offer great value service with honest professional friendly stylists. ColourNation is a highly motivated salon, with everyone treated as individuals. We offer a friendly and relaxed environment where customers can feel at home. We have private salon facilities where religious women and other clients that require privacy can have their hair styled in complete discretion.
Did you face any challenges while setting up/running your own business?
I’d say that accessibility has been an issue in regards to price lists from suppliers and also peoples view that if you have a disability you’re unable to run a business. I’d like to say I have proved them wrong and I hope I can inspire other people.
Could you tell us about RP Fighting Blindness and your role with them?
RP Fighting Blindness is a charity that raises funds for scientific research to provide treatments leading to a cure for RP. My role is to raise awareness for the charity, fundraise whenever I can, (including salon events, charity walks) and meeting with people who have RP to talk to them about the charity and what it can offer them.
And lastly, what advice would you have for other aspiring entrepreneurs?
Research as much as you can about your chosen field and make good use of resources. Have a good home and work life balance. Always be honest and treat people the way you'd like to be treated.
Thank you Seema for taking the time to talk to us. Folks, I hope Seema's story inspires you and fires up your entrepreneurial spirit. All the best for 2015!
Find out more about Seema Flower and ColourNation here: www.ColourNation.com
For further information on RP Fighting Blindness please visit: www.rpfightingblindness.org.uk
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