Interview with Celeste Trapp of HairM

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October 30, 2009 by Cecilia D. | Comments (1)

Celeste Trapp is the owner of HairM, an upscale salon and spa specializing in men’s grooming. At HairM, “Where Every Man Is King,” clients walk away with not only a tailored cut and looking great, they also feel great. With two locations and more ventures on the way, Celeste still manages to balance her life, doing things she enjoys most such as traveling (she recently came back from a trip before our meet-up, and left for another vacation soon after)!

How does Celeste manage to work on her business (not so much, in it) and still find time and energy to do more? Read our interview to find out!

Let us get to know Celeste. Who she is, what she enjoys …
I take balance in my life very seriously. While I am passionate about my work, I also love traveling, socializing, and going on new adventures. I make time for these activities.

How did you come up with the concept for a gentleman’s salon?
I was waiting to get a treatment at a salon and a man was at the same place I was, waiting and getting his feet soaked. I just thought to myself, “He needs his own place. This salon isn’t catered to his needs.” In addition to seeing how men could feel out of place at women’s salon, I also felt they shouldn’t be short-serviced in a barbershop either. That’s how the concept for HairM developed, a high-end salon specifically for men’s grooming. The first HairM location was opened six years ago to give men an upscale salon experience without the frou-frou and fluff.

What is a typical customer looking for when he comes to HairM?
Our customers are every day guys who realized what they were missing. HairM is a new experience for them and it gives them a break in the day. Women have always been able to view their time at the salon as exciting and relaxing, whereas men would just be in and out. At HairM, the stylists go through advanced training to specialize in men’s hair, so not only are they getting a great cut, they get to relax in an atmosphere where “Every Man Is King.”

What’s your most popular product or service? Are there special packages and rates?
We offer the King’s Cut, which is a 45-minute service that includes shampoo, conditioning, tailored cut, styling, steamed towel, plus a 5-minute scalp massage and stress-relieving neck rub. With the Emperor’s Cut, they get a 10-minute scalp massage and a hand massage too. We also just do the basic cut and shampoo for the guy who still wants to be in and out, but prefers to leave with great hair!

What’s the best way a woman can convince her boyfriend, husband, or guy friend to visit HairM?
We have packages for holiday and gift certificates are nice. Just introducing them to HairM is a good start. And if it helps, we offer free beer and TV stations!

There are great benefits given to employees at HairM, such as retail commission, paid vacation, medical, and a 401K-retirement plan. But what is it about the atmosphere at HairM for employees that keep them there?
We have a very structured system that promotes professionalism, respect, and organization in the work environment. We also have great clients that are appreciative and give generous tips. Stylists are never rushed or left without tasks to do. It really is a stable, stress-free environment.

Do you have any plans in store for HairM’s future?
Yes, in November we’re opening Y-Chrome, a new barbershop venture complete with basic hair services, shoeshine, a pool table, and checkered floors! It’s a 2,055 square feet space at the Commonwealth Building and we’re offering free advanced training to find the best barbers out there.

I’m also planning to open a HairM location in Lake Oswego and possibly the Seattle market.

What are some of the most rewarding aspects of having your own business?
Happy employees and clients—we have a 90% client retention rate, which is spectacular! I also enjoy the flexibility and traveling that I get to do while still being able to know that reliable and trustworthy staff members are managing the businesses.

Any advice or guidance for women aspiring to be business owners?
Have a business plan and utilize resources. There’s an MBA program at Portland State University that I took part in for start-ups and small businesses. Also, think through not just the concept of the business, but also the finances.

Something people would be surprised to know about Celeste …
I moved to South Africa for three months … for love!

Are there any misconceptions about HairM that you’d like to set straight?
Sometimes people perceive HairM and the female staff as women in a dark den looking to lure men in. But that’s not it at all—we’re not “hooters”. Many men just don’t feel comfortable having other men perform scalp massages or any other type of bodywork. We’re professional women who’re highly trained in styling, massage, nail detailing, and face and body treatments—just for men.

HairM – Downtown Portland
101 SW Main Street
(503) 517-0570

HairM – Beaverton, Cedar Hills Crossing
3300 SW Hocken Avenue
(503) 352-0882

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One Response to “Interview with Celeste Trapp of HairM”

• barber girls portland | IPA Forum Says:
  
  April 28th, 2011 at 2:12 am

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