Mompreneur Monday: Gretchen Alfonso, WH Beauty Studio Hair
- Jey Flores Mazur
- Sep 27, 2019
- 4 min read
It's time for another Mompreneur Monday, and I'm so happy to be introducing you to this badass mompreneur, Gretchen Alfonso.
Originally from San Francisco, and San Diego, California, Gretchen moved to Montreal after marrying her husband. They have a beautiful toddler boy named Jordan (who is going to be a heartbreaker, because he's just too good looking).
I have to say, this interview was inspiring to me, because I adore Gretchen's fearlessness, and confidence. You can definitely see that she instills those values in her son, because for a little boy who's only a couple years older than Kai, he can swim six feet down in the deep end of their pool. Not scared at all. Pretty impressive!
When I asked her what the hardest part of motherhood is, she said, “am I enough? Am I giving him enough information to take on the world? But we put so much pressure on ourselves". It's true, I could definitely attest to that, because everyday, I always worry that I'm not doing enough for my son. I think as mothers, we always want the best for our kids. However, like she said, we need to stop putting so much pressure on ourselves, because we're doing the best we can. The best part of motherhood for Gretchen is, "seeing him progress, grow and become a smart and compassionate human."
Gretchen has always had drive, and was always someone who liked working on her own terms. Before she started her business in Montreal, she had always rented booths at salons in San Diego, and was also a bartender who helped open up a well-known spot in the city.
Now, Gretchen is the proud owner of WH Beauty Studio Hair in the West-Island. She does this full-time, and is also a full-time mommy (which is definitely a job in itself). Her company offers the latest colour trends, colour correction and hair cuts, as well as waxing, henna brows, threading, and eventually permanent make-up. She does my hair too, so if you're wondering what her work is like, check out my hair, or check out their instagram. She also mentioned that she had another project she is working on, that has to do with fashion.
As someone who runs her company full-time, I asked her what the advantages and disadvantages were of having her own business. She said, "the disadvantages of owning your business is at the start you can’t take as many vacations anymore unless you’re mobile. But I know if my son is sick or there is some sort of emergency there’s no one to tell you that you’re unable to leave". It's true, I work full-time on my events company, and if my son is sick, or he had an allergic reaction at school, I'm totally able to go and get him and stay with him at home. This is a luxury that you have, however, you have to play catch-up with your clients for the days you miss.
When talking about how motherhood and a "mompreneur" come into play, Gretchen says, "not only does [your business] it give you your own personal space, it helps empower you as an individual. Reminds you that you’re not just a mom! Also shows your children that you can be anything and everything that you’ve always wanted to be". I couldn't have said it better. I was always the type of person who needed purpose in something I loved to do. It was a part of me, and running my own business gives me that space for my need to be creative. I also want Kai to be able to own whatever it is he loves to do, and make it into a livelihood. Being your own boss though, is definitely hard work. Gretchen adds, "it’s semi flexible. You can definitely set your own days off and time for your family but don’t get me wrong having your own business is time consuming. Just be ready to juggle the days and time and don’t give up!"
Running your own business is challenging, but rewarding. I asked Gretchen if she had any advice for other people out there who wanted to start their own thing, and she expressed, "do it! Believe in yourself! Don’t be afraid to fail. You cant live your life in what ifs all the time. You wouldn’t want your kids to be that way!" As for advice for motherhood, she says, "when you wake up, give yourself 5 mins. Love yourself and believe in yourself. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Society is hard enough, let us love ourselves a little more and with that being said our little ones will follow our success, no matter how big or small. But don’t give up! Remember you are bad ass and own that shit!"
After a great interview with Gretchen, I have to say, she was so humble, and a good spirit. You definitely need someone like her in your life to look up to. She's also my hairdresser, and a friend, and I can't thank her enough for constantly supporting me and my business too. One thing I really love about Gretchen's company culture, is that she treats her clients like family, the same way we do at Ka'Ana Co. Ohana is the love, respect, understanding and humility.
Thanks Gretch!
If you guys need a good colour, haircut, treatment, brows, waxing, or anything beauty-related, please go see Gretchen at WH Beauty Studio Hair.
By the way, I'm offering some promo deals for WH Beauty Studio Hair:
$240 for Full Balayage, including a haircut and style.
10% off ALL hair services including hair cut and style, all colour services, braids, extensions, up-dos.
Free haircut with the purchase of any colour service.
Call to book: 514-581-8485, mention promo from Jey Flores.
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