Sometimes the most rewarding journeys begin with a single brave decision. For Rene Onotaro, that decision was leaving the security of a full-time position at a large franchise salon to pursue her dream of business ownership—and with the right guidance, that leap of faith has transformed into a flourishing enterprise.
The Vision Behind the Business
With an impressive 37 years in the hair styling industry, Rene brought decades of expertise and a loyal following when she relocated from upstate New York to Texas in 2022. While working as a full-time stylist for a major franchise, she recognized an opportunity to leverage her extensive experience and build something uniquely her own.
Her vision was clear: open Hair Expressions By Rene inside Salon Lofts Georgetown, where she could provide personalized service in an intimate, professional setting while maintaining the independence that comes with business ownership.
Strategic SBDC Partnership Makes the Dream Reality
Recognizing that expertise in hair styling doesn't automatically translate to business acumen, Rene partnered with SBDC advisor Luther Ortega Luper in November 2024. This collaboration would prove instrumental in turning her entrepreneurial vision into operational reality. Luther provided comprehensive support throughout every crucial step of the business formation process. His guidance included:
Legal Foundation: Helping Rene establish her LLC structure and secure her EIN number, ensuring proper business registration and tax compliance from day one.
Financial Infrastructure: Facilitating the setup of business banking accounts, creating the financial framework necessary for professional operations and clear separation between personal and business finances.
Contract Navigation: Reviewing lease agreements to ensure favorable terms and protect Rene's interests as she secured her space within Salon Lofts Georgetown.
Marketing Strategy: Developing a comprehensive marketing plan designed to attract new clients while retaining the loyal customer base she had built over nearly four decades in the industry.
This holistic approach ensured that Rene had all the essential business components in place before opening her doors, setting the foundation for sustainable success.
A Woman-Owned Business Making Its Mark
As a female entrepreneur in the beauty industry, Rene represents the powerful impact of women-owned businesses in our community. Her journey from employee to business owner demonstrates how experience, combined with strategic planning and expert guidance, can create remarkable opportunities for growth and independence.
Hair Expressions By Rene now operates successfully within Salon Lofts Georgetown, where Rene provides personalized hair styling services in a professional, comfortable environment that reflects her decades of industry expertise.
In Rene's Words: Her SBDC Experience
Reflecting on her SBDC experience, Rene shares valuable insight for other aspiring business owners: "Counselor was fantastic. Having him walk with this with a business perspective helps me to make better decisions. Business support and spiritual support."
This testament speaks to the comprehensive nature of SBDC assistance—providing not just technical business guidance, but the encouragement and perspective that entrepreneurs need during the challenging yet rewarding process of building something from the ground up.
The Impact of Strategic Business Guidance
Rene's success story illustrates how the right support at the right time can accelerate the transition from employee to entrepreneur. In just a few short months, she has moved from working for someone else's vision to building and operating her own thriving business.
Her journey demonstrates that with proper planning, expert guidance, and decades of industry experience, it's never too late to pursue business ownership and create the professional life you've always envisioned.
Looking Forward
Hair Expressions By Rene stands as a testament to the power of combining extensive industry experience with strategic business planning. Rene's successful transition from franchise employee to independent business owner shows what's possible when expertise meets opportunity—and when entrepreneurs have access to the guidance they need to make informed decisions. For clients seeking personalized hair styling services from a seasoned professional with nearly four decades of experience, Hair Expressions By Rene offers the perfect blend of expertise, personal attention, and professional quality.
Visit Hair Expressions By Rene at Salon Lofts Georgetown
