Salons by JC’s Leading Ladies: The First Franchisees

Apr 19, 2018

As we continue to celebrate the last twenty years in business, one of our most significant milestones for growth happened more than six years ago, when we began franchising Salons by JC. We had enthusiastic, energetic individuals ready to jump in feet first and take on the adventure of opening new Salons by JC locations and expanding our community to new markets across the nation.

Today, we highlight three of our leading ladies, Dana Bounds, Rita Carter, and Carol Westlund, who opened in Austin, TX in 2012, Mobile, AL in 2012, and Dallas, TX in 2013, respectively. As we continue to grow, it is important for us to recognize pioneers like these three women that made it possible for us to continue to catapult our growth.

Dana Bounds – Salons by JC Parkside Pavilion

“One of my favorite memories is sitting down for the first time with Jack, Cecil, and Steve in a coffee shop to discuss purchasing their first franchise location,” said Bounds. ”I quickly saw how down to earth and genuine they were and still are today.”

Dana loves to empower the salon suite owners that surround her each day. They’re what make each of our franchises unique, and our franchisees do an amazing job and making them feel that they are right where they need to be in their professions.

“I started my seventh year in business this past January, and I still get so excited to help provide an opportunity to individuals who want to own their own business and take their expertise to the next level,” she said. “I consider myself a partner to each salon suite owner. I want to provide them with a quality environment and experience for each of their clients”

Dana Bounds – Owner of Salons by JC South Austin

Dana has continued to grow as a professional, as well, in the process. She points to the power of social media as being a great asset for her – and advises that other prospective franchisees keep this in mind when launching and running their own franchises. She found hidden abilities over the years, especially when in a crunch. She has learned new things about the construction and permitting process and is not too proud to beg and plead with City officials for what she has needed to succeed.

“Thinking back to the first day in the coffee shop, it has been truly amazing to be a part of Salons by JC’s explosive growth over the last few years. It is always exciting to meet other franchise and salon suite owners and hear about their journey and trust in our brand,” said Dana. “Our success starts at the heart of the corporate leadership and carries through to the heart of the leadership within each location and staying true to our slogan, ‘We are passionate about you!’

Rita Carter – Salons by JC Mobile

Rita opened her Salons by JC franchise in Mobile, AL in 2012. From day one, she’s been a proud owner.

“I think for me seeing the transformation from an empty shell to a luxurious salon suite business made me proud to be a part of this business and what it had to offer to the people in the health and beauty industry,” she said.

Owning a franchise has been an eye-opener for her and has created great transformation in her life and allowed Rita to cultivate relationships that are of the highest value to her.

“I have many defining moments,” said Rita. “I love the fact that this concept has created an atmosphere for people of different cultures and ethnicities to learn from one another and build relationships with people you otherwise wouldn’t have had the opportunity to meet.”

Rita Carter – Owner of Salons by JC Mobile, AL

Rita’s craft and ownership has helped her to grow as a person and professional, and it has also allowed her to support others in their professional development and transformations.

“To see our salon suite owners grow their business and become successful in their field is what makes us successful,” she said. “It is a great feeling to have someone tell you how happy they are that they joined our family and love coming to their own suite to work, and I hear that on a regular basis.”

Carol Westlund – Salons by JC Dallas Casa Linda Plaza

As for Carol, she opened her doors in Dallas on March 25, 2013. She looked back to just after her opening day as a defining moment for her franchise.

“One of the moments that sticks in my mind the most was right after we opened. There was a salon not far from us that abruptly closed. The tenants were panicked because they needed a place to work, and they basically swarmed my salon,” said Carol. “It was neat because I felt like I was truly helping them continue their livelihood, and they had a place to go. We worked our tails off to get everything set up for everybody, and it really brought us all together. We’re more like family than tenants.”

Like Dana, she is grateful for the incredible salon suite owners who have filled the suites of the Dallas location.

“I regard all of my salon suite owners as my greatest assets. Without them, I wouldn’t have a business,” she said. “I try to treat them like a family and with the greatest respect.”

Carol was initially introduced to Salons by JC in a different role before becoming a franchisee. She was a massage therapist at the original location and thought they had a tremendous business model. In the early years, in addition to being the co-founder, Cecil was also the resident maintenance man, and she got to know him and more about the business over the years.

“I told him that if they ever started selling franchises, I would be interested. When that opportunity arose, I jumped on it,” said Carol. “I was absolutely terrified, but I did it. I am in a great location, which has added to our success. Additionally, I have incredible salon suite owners, which keeps bringing more great tenants in.”

Carol Westlund – Owner of Salons by JC Dallas Casa Linda

Carol also pointed to the enhanced resources, marketing education, and support with scoping out locations, among other things, as assets that Salons by JC has continued to improve and provide over the years of her franchise ownership.

“The company has grown into a sophisticated and special salon,” said Carol. “It’s amazing what they have achieved and accomplished over the years. I would never have started this business if not for the confidence I had in Cecil and Jack. It’s the best thing I’ve done, and I’m grateful.”

We are grateful, too, for every one of our franchisees and the positive impact they have on our business today and that which they’ll have for years to come.

 

About Salons by JC: In 1997, Jack Griffey and Cecil Miller began their journey to transform the beauty industry one salon suite at a time. Like most young entrepreneurs, they started out with a big idea but had to learn how to start and run a business from scratch. After much perseverance and hard work, one year later, they opened Salons by JC in Dallas, TX in 1998, welcoming beauty and wellness specialists who were ready to break free from the traditional salon model. The company has since moved its headquarters from Dallas to San Antonio, where it continues to grow through franchising. Today, Salons by JC has over 87 locations in 24 states and Canada.  For more information, visit salonsbyjc.com or salonsbyjc.com/franchise

Blog written by:
Tanya Sammis
Founder and Owner
Sammis & Ochoa 
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