member of the month
"When you raise your prices, there are going to be some customers
who feel like you are stealing from them," says Nikki's husband,
Bob Garner. "But these people don't understand the expense of
owning a business. I would say to them, 'Has your electric bill
gone up? So did mine.' I'm not making any more money here."
But overall, the rise in price hasn't caused much commotion among
clients. Instead of driving prices lower to appease the public, the
salon has taken a realistic approach to providing value for clients
without shortchanging the business.
Against the Odds
But things haven't always been smooth sailing for Nikki and her
team. As a single-store owner, Nikki took on a lot of responsibility
and was reluctant to delegate many responsibilities. But when her
health took a turn, her business model had to change to survive.
In October 2010, a trip to the gym changed Nikki's life forever.
An overzealous effort to amp up her workout routine left her with
a bad headache and other symptoms that culminated in a stroke.
Afterwards, Nikki was in the ICU on ventilators while she was in
a lengthy coma. Despite the overwhelming odds against her, she
woke up and started her life again, relearning the most basic tasks
with the help of physical rehabilitation.
"She is a very strong-willed and determined woman," says Sun Tan
USA Manager Amy Mays.
During her absence, the staff banded together to take care of
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