What They Need To Do Is- We Are They
By Scott A. Sumner
Thunder Bay Business
30 year old Frank Lombardo has been in the hair business for 7 years now and wants more of his age group to put their ideas into action in Thunder Bay. “ The young people here keep saying there is no work. They say“ they” should do this here or open that in Thunder Bay. We have to ask ourselves who are “ they”. We are “ they”. They are us. If we don’t do it who is going to do it. The young people have to try,” smiles Frank Lombardo. “ There is a big generation gap. The young people are running away for this or that and not acquiring a skill or
trade. They may be losing. There are lots of opportunities here for young people. This is my second business and I’m not done. Why not say “Why can’t I do it.” People are afraid. If you start with nothing and it doesn’t work who cares. You have to fail to try and succeed. People
have flaws and go forward and learn from it. If you try something and it doesn’t work, that’s fine try something else. You are young. You have to realize when you have youth on your side you have the world in your hands.”
Lombardo recently opened his 2nd business Mirror Mirror, buying a location on Arthur Street and renovating it the tune of some $70,000 to include a full spa location on the first level and attractive hair styling location complete with Plasma TV’s on the main level. “ The customers we have had from the beginning are really pushing and sending new customers to us. They are very proud of our new location. I have a lot of customers who have stayed for 10 to 12 years with me. We have many customers now but want many more,” states Lombardo. “ We are
trying to create a look that will suit them in a place that is a hip, trendy place to be. Anything can be done on anybody if it is done properly. There is a line and when you cross it is too much though. A haircut should look nice on that person. We do what the clients want or
will have thousands of ideas for a new look visit after visit. We do hair shows in Manitoba, Alberta and Ontario in hair cutting and colouring to keep up on new trends. Our next course is in the fall on doing extensions, a first of it’s kind in Thunder Bay. It will be the only certified hair extensions in Thunder Bay. We can do clip on or fusion extensions that are the top quality in the world.”
The trend for men is more colour- full colour, some colour and high lites. “ What ever the customer wants. We have guys that no one knows that they colour their hair. 20 years ago you would see 3 or 4 women sitting beside each other in a salon. Now you can see 3 or 4 guys
sitting beside each other reading a Maxim or fishing magazine with colour in their hair,” smiles Lombardo. “ I love this career. It has been like reenergizing myself in the new location and I want to build again. The sales are up 30 or 40% since our move. It is a great location with residential around it. My loyal clients have stayed and word of mouth is like on fire.”
In the old days there were barbers, today it’s stylists not hairdresser. You dress a salad not their hair laughed Lombardo.
So what makes an entrepreneur succeed?
“ Encouragement is important. Don’t let anyone discourage you. Sometimes one person can make a difference on a decision to go forward. Also if you have a business idea you should put it on paper. You need to develop a plan so when you go to the bank you can know what you are doing. I was a hypocrite of a business plan at first but it lets you discover what you are in for. It sounds textbook but really it is very useful. You realize your expenses and your potential.”
What about Thunder Bay as a business location?
“I think the city needs the young people to get a hold of the city or it will all go franchises or big box stores and then we are doomed. The local people have to support local business or give them a opportunity to price match to keep the money local. There is not one reason in the
world that a person can not do anything they want. I have confidence but you have to act take risks. You can’t let anything get you down.”
You had a successful location but moved?
“When I moved people thought I was crazy saying you are already doing good. You have to realize even if you are doing good you can do better. When I turned 30 I asked is this it? You want to do different things. This location had my name written all over the walls. A person
my age with my experience in the business, there was nobody else out there to do it. This is my time to step up to the plate. People have to realize all the old jobs with high wages, vacations and benefits are done. When people realize they have to start making their own way they
will be very successful financially. In this modern day you can be left in the dusk.
You also are a partner in a wholesale beauty supply business?
“ Forma Beauty Supplies. I am shareholder of that company. We import our products from Europe with our main distributor in Toronto. Our district is Thunder Bay to Sault Ste Marie and to the Manitoba border. We have grown so fast here in Thunder Bay we haven’t expanded in the region yet. Our products are salon exclusive sold only to registered business owners. It is very protected product. We have the largest stock inventory in Thunder Bay. You can see our Forma Beauty Supplies 2007 Ford Focus Corral out on the streets of Thunder Bay.
The young entrepreneur is quick to thank his wife Carrie, and family for their great support. Let’s follow the progress of a young Thunder Bay entrepreneur.
