Business & Tech
Small Business Q&A: Challise & Co.
Despite the recession, the full-service salon on Canton Road is hiring three part-time professionals.
owners Challise Copeland and Carrie Cox work with clients and manage the expanding business.
Copeland credits a growing clientele to word-of-mouth promotion. "We earn new business by giving great service at a fair price and by creating an inviting place to be and work. I've had no turn over of my original five staff members. We've got 15 in the company now."
Q. What's the best thing about your job?
A. Everyday there's something different.
Q. What is the best thing about East Cobb?
A. The community. We all try to use and support the people and resources in the area.
Q. Why did you choose to open your business in East Cobb?
A. We both live here and we worked here for the previous owner when the business was called Studio 5.
Q. Why did you pick this kind of business?
A. Copeland: I moved here from Ohio after high school. My parents said that I needed to get a job. I've always liked working with hair, so I went to cosmetology school. After graduating, I worked for the Atlanta Opera for five years doing wigs and make-up. In 1991, I decided that I wanted to work in a salon.
Cox: I've been in the industry for ten years. I have a corporate background. I was looking for a change and thought that I would like the hair and spa industry. I found that I'm good at it and I enjoy it a lot.
Q. What are some of the services you offer that people don't know about?
A. The newest services we've added are keratin treatments to smooth your hair and eyelash and eyebrow dyeing.
Q. How long have you been in business?
A. Copeland: I bought Studio 5 in 2003 and changed the name to Challise and Company.
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Cox: 2007 I became part owner. It was a natural step up from managing the place.
Q. How did your business get started?
A. Copeland: The former owner wanted to sell and I liked working here. I bought it.
Q. Do you have advice for anyone who'd like to start a small business in this area?
A. Get a great accountant and a great attorney [they both laughed].
Cox: Do your research. Know your area. Don't be afraid to try different things to see what works for you.
Q. Is there anything else you'd like our readers to know?
A. The Friday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 26, we're having a shopping day. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. no services will be available, but all of our products, including Aveda make-up and hair care, will be on sale up to 30 percent off. Our gift certificates will be 50 percent off. Certain restrictions apply to the gift certificates.
is located at 3595 Canton Rd., Suite C-9 in Northeast Cobb. For more information, call 770-591-5264.