Through SCORE mentoring, a solopreneur achieves her teenage dream of helping women feel happy with makeup.
When she was enduring school bullying, JaHannah Queen Mary Pitchford turned to makeup to boost her self-esteem. Initially, I played around with makeup because it made me feel pretty, said Pitchford. “If that’s what makes me happy, why can’t I do it for other women? ”
As a licensed esthetician with five years of experience, Pitchford opened Queen’s Palace Wax & Beauty Salon in June. Three months prior to her grand opening, she began mentoring with Nina De Rosa of SCORE.
From finding an accountant to reviewing finances to marketing, De Rosa guided her throughout the entire process. Pitchford’s business plan, finding a space, and applying for grants were among the most important steps.
“I suggested she look into salon suites,” De Rosa said of her solution to high rents. “It seems to be a growing trend, and with the type of clientele they were attracting, she could certainly capitalize on it.” Because of its proximity to public transportation and its location in a busy shopping center, Pitchford chose this area.
For the solopreneur, business has been good. She credited her mentor for her success.
“I needed her to help me make that first leap,” Pitchford said. “She’s a prominent figure in my business. I would always want her there every step of the way.”
De Rosa continues to mentor Pitchford biweekly. Looking forward, Pitchford will rely on De Rosa’s comprehensive human resources expertise when she adds staff for her beauty business. Services include waxing, facials, eyebrow tinting, and makeup applications.
The North Penn High School alumnus Pitchford hopes to use bullying as a catalyst for positive change. Queen’s Palace Wax & Beauty Salon has partnered with A Woman’s Place Domestic Violence Center in Doylestown since this summer. Customers who purchase wax hair removal services will be donating a complimentary wax hair removal service to a woman in crisis through the ‘Get-A-Wax & Give-A-Wax’ campaign.
“Domestic violence awareness is a big part of the business’ mission,” she said, adding that she hopes her salon is a “safe space” for women. “(Estheticians) notice things that you normally wouldn’t notice, like scars and bruises. I want to actually have that conversation, ‘hey, are you OK?’”
Pitchford visited Bucks County Community College recently and distributed customized gift bags containing eyebrow wax vouchers and information about intimate personal violence.
As she continues to inspire women, especially adolescents and young adults, Pitchford strives to convey the Queen’s Palace motto: “Embrace Your Royal.”
“You can do anything you put your mind to.”
About SCORE
Since 1964, SCORE has helped more than 11 million aspiring entrepreneurs. Each year, SCORE provides small business mentoring and workshops to more than 375,000 new and growing small businesses. With more than 70 members across Bucks and Eastern Montgomery counties, SCORE Bucks County provides over 4,300 free mentoring services annually to local small business owners through one-on-one counseling and small business seminars. To
stay up to date on news and happenings, join SCORE Bucks County’s email list. Text SCOREBUCKS to 22828.
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