Entrepreneur Success Story:
Haircuts, Etc.
Founder and CEO, Charity Burris
Business Background
Haircuts, Etc. is a full-service multi-chair salon in Lawrence, Massachusetts. The business sought assistance through our Small Business Technical Assistance Program to modernize operations, improve digital systems, strengthen financial management practices, and prepare for future growth and funding opportunities.
Challenges
The salon relied heavily on manual processes, making it difficult to effectively manage finances, monitor business performance, and make informed business decisions. Limited operational systems also made it challenging to prepare the business for financing opportunities needed to support future expansion.
Technical Assistance Solution or Strategy
We helped the business transition to digital operations by implementing a point-of-sale system, salon management software, bookkeeping tools, and an e-commerce-enabled website. We also developed and implemented a digital marketing strategy to strengthen customer outreach and business visibility. The owner also received customized one-on-one business technical assistance focused on financial organization, business planning, funding preparedness, loan and capital readiness, and operational improvements. Together, we implemented systems and processes that improved financial management, business performance, and long-term sustainability.
Service Impact
Funding provided through Mass Development's Empower Digital Grant and the Lawrence Partnership Grant enabled the business to modernize its operations and strengthen its digital infrastructure. As a result, the owner can better manage business performance, make more informed business decisions, improve the customer experience, and operate with greater efficiency. The business has onboarded 2 new staff and is now in a stronger position to pursue future growth and financing opportunities while continuing to increase revenue.
