Alli Webb on Drybar and Salon Shutdowns with Guy Raz | How I Built This | NPR

Transcript

hello everyone and welcome to how I built this resilience Edition how how's everybody doing today this is it is fashion week fashion and beauty week all week here on how I built this resilience edition and we are taking your questions right now for Ali Wehbe co founder of Drybar you can submit those through Facebook or Twitter or YouTube we love yo... Read More

Summary

In this video, Ali Wehbe, co-founder of Drybar, talks about her current role in the company after its acquisition by Helen of Troy. She also discusses the challenges faced by franchise owners and their strategies for staying afloat during the shutdowns. Ali shares her insights on the importance of self-care and feeling good during difficult times, and how the beauty industry can still thrive in this context. She also talks about her own experiences and struggles as an entrepreneur, and gives advice on validating ideas and staying optimistic during challenging periods.

Questions & Answers

Q: Can you talk about your role in Drybar after the acquisition?

The acquisition of Drybar by Helen of Troy mainly involved the product side of the business. I am still heavily involved in product development, signing off on every product that goes out the door. While my role has shifted throughout the years and I am no longer in the day-to-day trenches, I continue to be on the board and maintain a peripheral view of the company.

Q: How are Drybar franchise owners coping with the shutdowns?

The majority of Drybar locations are franchise operations, and they have faced significant challenges during the shutdowns. Many franchise owners have been able to negotiate with landlords to postpone rental payments, which has helped them stay afloat. They have also made cutbacks and adjustments to their businesses to adapt to the current situation.

Q: How are Drybar locations being reopened safely?

Drybar has implemented new protocols to ensure the safety of both clients and stylists. Clients are now seated with one empty chair between them to maintain social distancing. Stylists are required to wear masks, and virtual check-ins have been implemented to minimize waiting times. Health checks for clients and stylists are also conducted prior to appointments.

Q: Is there a future for the beauty industry during this crisis?

Despite the challenges faced by the beauty industry, it is still important for people to feel good about themselves during difficult times. The way we feel on the outside often affects our internal well-being. Beauty services like blowouts and massages provide a sense of self-care and well-being, and I believe that people will continue to seek out these services once the situation improves.

Q: What advice do you have for entrepreneurs trying to validate their ideas?

Validating an idea can be a combination of data-driven analysis, talking to friends and experts, and following your intuition. It is essential to identify a need or a problem that your idea can solve, and to ensure that there is a market for it. It is also helpful to observe existing businesses or services that are not executed well and consider how you can improve upon them.

Q: How do you stay optimistic during this uncertain time?

In times of uncertainty, it is important to stay focused and keep working on the aspects of your business that can still progress. While it may be challenging, there are still opportunities to be explored and ideas to be developed. It is also important to maintain a sense of community and support one another during difficult times.

Q: What positive changes do you hope to see after this crisis?

This crisis has brought people together in ways we have not seen before, creating a sense of camaraderie and support. I hope that this sense of unity continues to grow and that we can come out of this period with a deeper understanding of what is truly important. There is an opportunity for people to let go of pettiness and focus on what truly matters, both in business and personal relationships.

Q: How do you come up with new business ideas?

New business ideas can come from various sources. Squeeze, a massage concept by Drybar, was born out of frustration with existing massage experiences and a desire to improve upon them. Other ideas could be sparked by personal experiences or by identifying gaps in the market. Collaboration with other entrepreneurs can also generate new ideas and opportunities.

Q: How do you deal with setbacks and turning struggles into strengths?

Confidence and self-belief are essential when facing setbacks and struggles. It is important to follow what feels right and exciting, even if it means taking unconventional paths. Embracing leaps and jumps in the pursuit of what you love can lead to unforeseen opportunities and personal growth. Remember that all experiences, even the seemingly disjointed ones, contribute to shaping who you become.

Q: How do you find optimism in difficult times for small business owners?

It is important to focus on the aspects of your business that can still progress or be improved, even during difficult times. Use this time to work on the back-end aspects of your business, research new opportunities, and plan for the future. While the future is uncertain, maintaining a sense of hope and optimism can help navigate these challenging moments.