Florida salon investing in the potential of young entrepreneurs
Jennifer and Shadleigh Watson use their business to uplift those around them
With belief and hope, one needs to dive through the window of opportunity to realise a dream.
In the midst of the global health panic, a Florida mother and daughter took a giant leap of faith. Spending her working life in a corporate environment, Jennifer Watson’s keen business eye realised an insatiable need for personal care and grooming. What came from the roll of the dice was Flicks & Fades Salon, a unisex one-stop shop that caters for all manner of aesthetic tastes.
Opened on July 1 when level three of lockdown allowed, the first weeks were quiet but by mid-month, momentum began to build and the crew have not looked back since. “People thought I was crazy opening when we did, but we took the opportunity when it was provided,” said Jennifer. Unable to fight the lure, Jennifer has been coaxed back to the corporate world, handing the reigns to her 22-year-old daughter, Shadleigh.
This youthful custodianship is the inspiration behind their first market and entrepreneurship day, held on November 13. Providing a platform for young business people, the market featured an array of traders, from homemade knitwear and freshly baked confectionary to ice cream vendors and a perfume and gifting store. “We want young people in the salon to enjoy the vibe. Young people see the world differently and here we can get together to have business minds engaging ideas,” said Shadleigh.
Among the traders were Daniel Edward and Cazlin Koopman selling sneaker-themed cellphone covers. “You just have to do it; you will get more support than you might realise. There is little security or opportunity in what is currently out there so why not take the gamble?” said Cazlin. Motivational speaker and author, Curt van Heerden from Institute of Grace was on hand to provide his brand of wisdom, saying “Entrepreneurship is a way to discover what you were born for. It is a chance to discovery how your gift can contribute to the world.”
The market was not strictly for the youth but for anyone who had something to contribute. “It is about supporting the community and growing the pool of traders so we can uplift everyone around us,” said Jennifer. Flicks & Fades themselves hope to evolve into a head to toe beauty and style franchise but until then, they will move forward one step at a time, hand in hand with the community around them.
