Summerville, SC

A Beautiful Idea As a young girl, Tabitha Lopez loved working closely with other people and helping them feel good about themselves. As an adult, Tabitha drew upon this passion and enrolled in cosmetology school at the age of 32. In 2004, Tabitha opened a hair salon but in November 2006, she took things a step further and opened the Simply Beautiful Salon and Day Spa. Established with a vision rooted in scripture verse, the premise of the business’ operation is “true beauty comes from within.” Tabitha selected the business name as a tribute to her sister who had been severely injured in a car accident three years prior. While visiting her sister one day, Tabitha told her, “You are simply beautiful to me.” That comment proved inspirational in Tabitha’s new venture.

The Simply Beautiful Salon and Day Spa held its grand opening in mid-January 2007 and offers a full line of spa services including hair care, skin care, natural nail manicures and pedicures and a variety of massages.

Pampering the Venture When Tabitha made the decision to expand the salon and day spa, she needed information and advice pertaining to lease/purchase options as well as financial support in order to obtain salon equipment for expansion. Tabitha found the help she needed when a customer referred her to the South Carolina Women’s Business Center (SCWBC) and Business Coach Mary Dickerson.

Mary provided Tabitha with literature on various business aspects and was critical in gaining $25,000 in monetary support via Business Loan Express.

“Mary and the SCWBC really went to bat in obtaining the financial support I needed to expand the salon,” said Tabitha. “They were persistent in making sure all of the paperwork was in order and extremely helpful in securing the loan in a timely manner.”

As a part of the process, Tabitha also received assistance in writing a business plan and obtaining contact points for relevant seminars and new business start-up support outlets.

The Complete Package With the $25,000 loan, Tabitha was able to purchase much needed equipment for her business expansion including two leather pedicure chairs, shampoo bowls, office furniture, and other upgrades such as interior decoration. Accordingly, the business has grown, increasing from three to 10 employees to fulfill obligations of scheduled demand and walk-ins. She is currently serving between 350 to 400 clients at the salon and day spa. Tabitha has established a future goal of bringing in $2500 per day and is currently seeing a range of $500 to $1600 per day. Tabitha has also started hosting Pretty Princess Parties through the salon, offering manicures, pedicures and special gifts for little girls.

“The SCWBC has been a critical part of the success of Simply Beautiful Salon and Day Spa,” said Tabitha. “Their support and expertise helped me to secure funding and gain knowledge that allowed me to anchor and continue growing my business.”

Simply Beautiful Salon and Day Spa
221 Stallsville Road
Summerville, SC 29485
(843) 695-0711
www.simplybeautifulsalonanddayspa.com