Orange brings luck to her

Not everyone is lucky enough to translate a passion into a lucrative business. Only those who keep their eyes on the goal can make anything happen. This is true in the case of Joby Linsangan Moreno whose undying interest in hair grooming has led her to put up Orange Blush Salon (OBS).

It was in 2003 when OBS started its operation on Del Pilar St. in her hometown Cabanatuan City as Joby’s “additional source of income.” She was then working as a medical technologist at a local hospital. In only a span of eight months, Joby was able to open another branch that led her to decide to quit her job.

Fast-forward to the present, OBS has visibly multiplied with 18 branches (10 of which are company-owned while eight are franchised outlets) in and outside the metro. “We target to open 10 more branches in the next 12 months,” said Joby who graduated from the University of Santo Tomas with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology.

Below are excerpts of my interview with the lady whose favorite color is orange, thus the name of her salon.

Where did you get your idea of putting up a salon? What made you choose this type of business?

“I have always loved the hair business; and have always been interested in the beauty salon industry. I sincerely believe that when you choose a business to build, it has to be something that defines you and that you could relate with. It has to be a business that you would want to grow old with.”

What are your responsibilities as a business owner?

“As a business owner, you are in charge of your team. You are the leader, the visionary, the one who motivates the team to reach your goals. The business owner understands what it takes for both the business and the team to progress, to move onward.”

What is unique about your salon?

“At Orange Blush Salon, we believe in after-sales support, that’s why we offer warranty services. We believe that we are responsible for the trust that the clients are giving us, and that every service should be handled with utmost love, care and concern. That’s why a warranty is given so that our customers could feel that our brand can be trusted and our brand is a reliable one.”

What were your struggles when you were just starting out?

“The struggles we had to face while we were starting out were memorable, because by these struggles, we pursued and did our best to find solutions to salon-related problems. When we were just starting out, all our stylists (all three of them) were pirated by another salon that just opened. I was disappointed but never discouraged. Instead, we found ways on how we can overcome this hurdle by hiring younger hairstylists who graduated from hairdressing-related courses at vocational schools. They turned out to be the ones we needed for our salons.”

How long did it take you to expand your business?

“We believe in consistency and delivering our promises. Our customers are our kings and queens, and they are the reasons why our salons have grown over the years. Managing multiple branches is never easy, but with God’s help and guidance, coupled with experiences learned, we are learning. This year, our expansion plan is to grow via franchising.”

Have you ever turned down a client?

“We recently had this client who wanted to have her hair rebonded, but had severely damaged hair due to her overly bleached hair. We recommended an intensive conditioning treatment first before any chemical treatment could be done. She insisted on Rebonding. We had to decline because her hair will be even more damaged if we proceed with the Rebonding procedure. It takes genuine concern and honesty to be able to explain to a client why her/his desired procedure cannot be done sometimes.”

Does OBS help the community where it is located?

“Yes, we do. Orange Blush Salon is a sister company to Orange Institute of Fashion and the Arts, a TESDA-accredited training center for Hairdressing NCII. Over the years, we have produced scholars and have employed several graduates in our salons nationwide.”

What do you look for in an employee?

“An employee has to be God-fearing and a naturally good person. He/she must have a sense of responsibility and a team player. I especially like employees who are cheerful and are optimistic; they make work more fun.”

To what do you attribute your success? What for you is key to success?

“The key to success for me is staying focused on your goals with that burning desire to fulfill them; it is continuous learning; taking advice; taking calculated risks and being well-prepared for them. And it is true that hard work beats talent most of the time.”

What are your future plans?

“My future plans include raising a happy family where God is at its center and where love can be felt and found at all times. I plan to take care of my parents and siblings in the future. I plan to grow Orange Blush Salon with my loving and hardworking OBS team; I plan to be a public speaker ­— an extraordinary one; I plan to travel the world soon. I plan to bring people closer to God by making my light shine so that others may glorify Him with my accomplishments and work.”

What piece of advice would you give to someone just starting out?

“Find the blessing in everything. Challenges are blessings in disguise. Study your homework. Read. Research. Keep learning. Pursue your dreams. Dare. Achieve. Plan. Plan so well, anticipating setbacks. Pray. Always pray; and believe that all things are possible with God.”

Tell us about the new promo packages of OBS.

“We have our new Hair Pares promos, hair salon packages for different OBS hair treatments. We will also be launching our OBS After Conditioner Treatment and OBS Leave-on Conditioner, especially formulated for salon-treated hair in October.”

What inspires you?

“Family inspires me. Dreams inspire me. Love inspires me. Passion inspires me. My Love for God inspires me. It gives meaning to everything else.”

The most essential principle you follow in your business? In your life?

“Put God first in everything you do; and that as C.S. Lewis quotes: ‘It is not your business to succeed but to do right; and when you have done so, the rest lies with God.’”

(For more info, check out Orange Blush Salon Facebook page or visit the Orange Blush Salon flagship store at Sparks Place in Cubao.)