Today, in continuing our celebration of National Women’s Business week, we’d like to shine a spotlight on Chelsea Schmalenberg! Chelsea is another amazing example that many future women in business can follow, and everyone who works with her including us at Slick Marketers, is so incredibly lucky to do so. Here’s a bit about what makes Chelsea the outstanding woman in business that she is:

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It sounds so cliche, but in my line of business, I love watching other people’s dreams come true. As an owner/operator of three Sola Salons with many of my salon owners (tenants) being women, I have seen so many achieve goals for their businesses, as well as their personal lives without even realizing they could be reached. Watching each of them succeed, grow, and build are what I love the most. 

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After being with corporations for the better part of my career, I noticed that there was a gap and almost like a “piece” that was missing. I’ve come to learn, after much reflection, that the gap was the desire to have limitless opportunities, and also to have true autonomy. It’s very comforting to know that when my head hits the pillow at night after a long day, that I am the one responsible for all of my business(es) growth, operations, success, and rewards. 

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It means independence, self-sustainability, and strength. The drive for independence comes from both of my parents. They always taught my sister and I to be tenacious. If we wanted something bad enough, we needed to work hard to attain it. The self-sustainability is more from a financial perspective. Though the risk was great, it was worth it in the long run, as I have been able to achieve financial security. Lastly, strength. For both men and women in business, I’ve learned that owning your own is not for the weak of heart, mind, and body. Many days there are challenges that I would have never dealt with in a former life; however, overcoming these adversities have only made me stronger and more capable.

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I am a partner in three Sola Salon Studio locations in Illinois. I am not only an owner, but also the operator, which means that I handle all sides of the business: the finances, day-to-day operations, and everything else in between. I could tell you about every nook and cranny of each building, as I watched each of them be built from the ground up, as well as each of the names of our salon owner’s kids, pets, siblings, etc. I really am fortunate to be privy to all of these small and large details.

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My measurement of success has changed significantly than when I originally started this journey of business ownership four years ago. Nowadays, I measure success when my businesses are running smoothly, my salon owners are happy, and ultimately I have peace of mind.

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In today’s society, women as a whole, have come such a long way professionally. There have been many women who have paved a path to make it possible for me and others to achieve our goals. Owning your own business provides so much opportunity, freedom, and complete control. If you want to be a woman of business, and I highly encourage you to do so, continue being tenacious and fearless. You may slip and fall, but dust yourself off because it will all be worth it in the end.

Chelsea Schmalenberg

Co-Owner/Operator Sola Central Illinois