Summer Huffine is one of the top female entrepreneurs in NorthEast Arkansas. She has worked extremely hard to get where she is today. Summer currently owns and works at Bloom Oasis, Willow Salon, and Backroad Social. Through her past jobs, she has learned to communicate and treat customers. Now she has applied all of her past experiences with work and communication to the job she desires most.
"You can either allow trials to bring you down or allow them to make you stronger & more determined!"
"When others are successful, you are successful too."
What were some main events that occurred in your life that evolved you to the person you are today?
I went through lots of trials at an early age, and then into my adult life. I knew that I wanted more for not just myself but for my daughters. You can either Allow trials to bring you down or allow them to make you stronger & more determined! I chose to make my dreams come true and poured my heart and soul into my dreams.
What jobs did you have previously to cosmetology and did you enjoy them?
Yes. I was a waitress for about 10 years at my mom's restaurant, the railroad station. I loved working there. It taught me so much about how to treat & interact with customers, it taught me how to manage a staff, I always say working there taught me so much about owning a business and how to multitask! Everyone should work in a restaurant, or truly teaches you so much!
What was your main motivation to start making your own businesses?
My main motivation was I wanted to inspire other stylists, I wanted to be able to help guide them and teach them. I saw that it was something lacking! And I love to see something grow and be successful not just for me but for others. And I guess growing up in the restaurant business world, I had this burning flame in me that loved business! It's crazy in some ways because owning a business is a 24/7 job but I love it!
What were some main advantages and disadvantages to starting your career?
I guess you could say was being a single parent. I worked long hours and having the support from my mom and grandma to help with the girls helped! But being a single parent trying to start your dream of opening a business was hard but I was determined. So I'm so glad I did have a support team!
How was your support system and what criticism did you have to face?
I think the previous question sums up my support team! I couldn't have done it without my mom and grandma and ex-in-laws they were huge support too! Trials I faced, man I'm a giver and want the best for everyone; but one thing I've learned is not everyone wants you to succeed. I had to let that go and not listen to the negative talks. I even battled at times maybe I give too much to others and I question maybe I shouldn't etc. but then I realize that's who I am, I'm not going to stop giving nor stop my dream because of others. If we all did that there would be no successful businesses. I am so happy to see small businesses thrive! When others are successful, you are successful too.
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