Our Suite Elite Featured Member is Haley Schaefer, owner of Studio Forty Six Five at Salon Plaza of San Antonio. Haley was born and raised in San Diego, CA and is the youngest of three girls. “I am blessed to have the most nurturing, loving parents who have always supported my dreams,” said Haley. “I met my husband in California and we relocated to San Antonio four years ago with our fur baby. We just welcomed our first baby girl into the world four weeks ago.” Haley has been behind the chair for eights years and has been with Salon Plaza for the past year and a half. “I love absolutely everything about The Suite Elite. I always say that I will be at Salon Plaza forever and it’s true. I have the benefit and convenience of owning my own business, yet having the support from management and corporate. The ambiance and presentation of the building is modern, clean and professional. I am proud of the business I have built and that I chose to be a part of the Suite Elite family.”
How did Haley make it hers? “I believe life gets too busy, too chaotic, and too stressful. I offer refreshments, play coffeehouse music softly in the background, and top my clients’ experience off with a hot towel infused with lavender essential oils at the shampoo bowl to give them the ultimate experience. I made it mine by creating a space for my clients to unwind, get pampered and leave feeling rejuvenated both physically and emotionally.” Owning her own business means everything to Haley. “It gives me the ability to live out my dreams of being an entrepreneur. When I open the door everyday to my suite, it feels like home. It is my passion and brings me joy.”
Opening her own business at Salon Plaza has impacted Haley’s life drastically. ” I have the freedom to work when (and how) I want and take vacation when I want. I have the financial freedom to achieve more in my personal life. My husband and I have been able to start a family. I can give my daughter what she needs, have the perfect work- life balance all while being an example to my daughter to show that she truly can do anything.”
2020 has been an unpredictable year but Haley is grateful for being a Suite Elite Member during the salon closures due to COVID-19. “I am so thankful for The Suite Elite during this uncertain time in the world. When we were in quarantine, the owner of my location was in communication with local and state officials and would send out weekly updates to inform us of any changes. We were not charged rent during the shutdown. Due to the support we had, I never felt like I was left in the dark or my business would struggle or ultimately fail. Many other businesses across the country, unfortunately, did not have the same outcome, so for that, I am truly grateful.”
How was Haley inspired to own her own business? “My inspiration came from a few places: The Bible, my mind, and Jamie Sea, owner of Salt Society and Salt Hair. My salon was named after the Bible verse, Psalm 46:5, which says, “God is within her, she will not fall.” This has been a verse I’ve held firm to throughout my career. When I was thinking about what my salon would look like, I would just close my eyes and envision it. I was able to imagine and create it in my mind and from there, it all came together. Lastly, my inspiration for taking the leap of faith was following Jamie Sea’s story of opening Salt Hair and Salt Society. Not only is she an incredibly talented stylist I look up to and love to learn from, but a positive, proactive business woman who inspires me every day.”
What piece of advice would Haley give someone considering joining The Suite Elite? “It is the best decision you could possibly make. It’s not only a great business move, but a great life move. Both you and your clients deserve it.” Great advice, Haley! Learn more about Haley in her interview and make sure you follow along with us @mysalonsuite and @salonplaza on Instagram to hear more from Haley.
{Please note: photoshoot taken before COVID-19 and mask mandates.}
