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Naturally Beautiful: Launching Your Own Business with Sustainable Hair Design
Using vegan and sustainable products, master hairstylist and barber Ronja Neugebauer focuses on bringing out her clients’ natural beauty. Under the motto “Authenticity: The desire to be, not to appear,” both women and men find a place at the “AuthenticHairdesignBielefeld” salon where they can take a moment to focus solely on themselves in complete peace and quiet.
This is how the story of the company’s founding began
Ronja Neugebauer, founded in Bielefeld
Launch of AuthenticHairdesignBielefeld: A sustainable hair salon
Focus: Fashion, Lifestyle, Sustainability
How did you come to set up your business?
Ronja N.: The timing of setting up the business feels just right, and I’m convinced that, like almost everything in life, it can be planned. The desire to fulfil my potential and the planning that goes with it have grown over the last eight years. I spent a whole year planning it intensively.
„My motto when starting a business is: ‘Be grateful for criticism, but don’t let it deter you from your path.’‘“
– Ronja Neugebauer
What support did you receive during the process of setting up your business?
Ronja N.: Without the team I had, whom I could rely on 100% during the planning, refurbishment, fitting-out and opening phases, my project would never have grown to this scale. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my advisors at STARTERCENTER.NRW at the Bielefeld Chamber of Crafts, my bank, my tax advisor, my salon fitter, my advertising agent, my landlords, as well as my friends and family!
My motto when starting a business is: “Be grateful for criticism, but don’t let it deter you from your path.”
What role did STARTERCENTER NRW play in this?
Ronja N.: The team at STARTERCENTER.NRW gave me the confidence I needed to bring my project to life exactly as I envisaged it, and to stick with it even when faced with obstacles. Whenever I have questions or problems, the expert staff at STARTERCENTER.NRW, who specialise in all areas, are always on hand to offer advice.
We also benefited from their help in drawing up the business plan and applying for the master craftsman start-up grant and other funding.
What advice would you give to someone who would like to start a business but hasn’t dared to do so yet?
Ronja N.: Talk to lots of people, preferably other self-employed people, about your plans. Even if you encounter scepticism, stay committed to your project. Think carefully about how you want to implement it and build a reliable team around you.
Always think positively and embrace a bit of freedom! Be grateful for any feedback you receive, whether negative or positive. Make sure you have a financial buffer for unforeseen costs!
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