Shanna Cochran’s journey into the world of hairstyling began as a cherished hobby during her high school years. While working in the corporate world, she transformed her basement into a home-based salon with the help of her husband. This setup allowed her to juggle work, family, and her passion for hairstyling seamlessly. “It allowed me to still work at home. Take care of home. Take care of the children as well as do hair,” Shanna recalls.
Her business flourished through word-of-mouth, but social media truly catapulted her business into the spotlight. As her name began to circulate more widely on social channels, Shanna realized the need to expand beyond her home. In 2020, amidst the challenges of the pandemic, Shanna and her husband took a bold step by purchasing a brick-and-mortar location at a sheriff sale. This move marked the official establishment of Salon SC.
Navigating New Challenges
Transitioning from a home-based to a brick-and-mortar salon was not without its challenges. Shanna had to navigate a myriad of regulations and adapt to managing a larger space. “There were still rules and regulations you had to follow,” she notes, highlighting the complexity of maintaining compliance with the PA Cosmetology Board for her new, larger salon.
One of the most significant surprises for Shanna was the shift in her role from an employee to an employer. Managing a full-service salon with five chairs required her to adjust to the dynamics of leading a team. “We are all different, and everyone definitely has different work ethics,” she reflects on her learning curve in handling diverse work styles.
Innovating and Expanding
Shanna’s background in healthcare, where she worked in the appeals department, proved invaluable as she expanded her business. It inspired her to incorporate a hair loss specialty into Salon SC. Now a certified hair loss specialist, Shanna partners with medical vendors and is in the process of becoming in-network with a major healthcare provider. This expansion not only broadens her service offerings but also fulfills a personal mission close to her heart, inspired by her mother’s experiences with hair loss.
Her journey with the Community Power to Prosper program, referred by a fellow graduate, played a crucial role in her business acumen. “Every topic, week-by-week, you found some great gems in, and it would help you run your business even better than what you thought you could,” Shanna shared, emphasizing how the program helped her refine her business strategies, particularly in financial management.
Looking Ahead
As Salon SC celebrates its fifth year in its shop in Braddock, PA, Shanna is focused on growth and innovation. She has started developing a new five-year plan and is keen on furthering her partnerships, particularly with health insurances. Her work with veterans through the VA, providing hair loss services, is a testament to her commitment to community and service.
Shanna’s biggest hurdle has been learning to delegate, a common challenge for many entrepreneurs. “Trusting in another individual, you know, your business becomes your baby,” she admits. “I would dang near kill myself because I did not want to have to try to rely on someone else to get it done when I’m like I can just do it myself, but you really can’t do it all yourself.” This realization has been key to her growth, enabling her to focus on strategic aspects of her business.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For those considering similar entrepreneurial ventures, Shanna advises leveraging community resources like the Community Power to Prosper program: “To have such a community-based program like this to offer free of charge is amazing.”
Shanna Cochran’s journey with Salon SC is one of turning one’s talent and passion into a thriving business. It’s a story of adaptation, learning, and ultimately, the transformative power of pursuing one’s dreams despite the risks. As she continues to innovate and expand, Salon SC stands as an example of what can be achieved with hard work, determination, community support.