CSUN University News Clippings

Photo by Joseph A. Garcia

Shauna De Herrera, a licensed esthetician at Shear Impressions Studio, works moisturizer into the skin of Gerson Vasquez in a facial room at the Simi Valley salon. Nearby is a microdermabrasion machine.

Photo by Joseph A. Garcia

Shear Impressions Studio owner Ann Nguyen, seated in front, has assembled a staff that includes, from left, Cheryl Miller, Bong Buan, Maysy Phan and Shauna De Herrera.

Owner: Ann Nguyen.

Product or service: Modern beauty services for the family, including modern haircuts and styling, color and highlights, radiant facial, waxing and professional makeup.

Location: Sycamore Plaza at 3090-B Cochran St., Simi Valley.

Date established: March 2009.

Hours open: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Telephone: 522-5511 or 818-212-9049.

E-mail: shearimpressionsstudio@hotmail.com.

Web site: shearimpressionsstudio.com.

Employees: Five.

Startup capital: $100,000.

Estimated annual gross revenue: $150,000.

Questions to Ann Nguyen:

What prompted you to start your own business? My dream has been to own my own business. I have always had passion for the beauty industry and enjoy helping others look and feel good about themselves.

What is your educational and career background? I earned my bachelor of arts degree in business marketing at Cal State Northridge. I also am a licensed cosmetologist with 10 years of experience in the beauty industry. I currently own two businesses: D’ Right Cut Hair and Nails Studio in Panorama City and Shear Impressions in Simi Valley.

How much research did you do before starting your business? I did extensive research on demographics before I opened Shear Impressions Studio. There were a lot of statistics and demographic factors that I researched, such as the population in Simi Valley, the average income of my target market, the average amount they spend on beauty care and hair products, who are my competitors, and the number of salons in a one-mile radius.

What were the most helpful sources, including Web sites? The most helpful sources were the Chamber of Commerce and the city of Simi Valley Web sites.

When were you the most discouraged? It was most discouraging for me when the economy turned down. The housing and the stock market crashed, causing the unemployment rate to increase and forcing consumers to cut expenditures. Since Shear Impressions Studio caters to consumer beauty care and grooming, we are somewhat recession-proof because everyone needs grooming care.

What company or individual do you admire? I admire all those who are fighting to keep their houses, jobs and their businesses — especially small-business owners. I believe we should pull together and succeed together at this time.

What will make your business stand out from competitors? Shear Impressions Studio stands out from competitors because we have an aggressive marketing strategy. We have a unique customer recognition program that makes them feel like a member of our family. Our clients will never feel they are a number when they come to us. Our customer retention program will encourage our clients to come back. In addition, we strongly believe in excellent customer service. Our clients will be pampered and given individual attention.

Who is your target client/customer base? We cater specifically to middle- to high-end consumers and business professionals who demand only the best.

— Businesses less than a year old can be profiled in Who’s New in Business. Businesses older than one year can be profiled in Company Spotlight. Those owning franchises in the region can be profiled in Franchise Focus. Only businesses that have never been profiled in The Star may participate. For more details or the questionnaire, call 437-0235.