A Cause for Celebration
Gratitude Spa and Salon recently celebrated its first anniversary in early May!
Kristin Chorne, Owner Gratitude Spa and Salon
Gratitude Spa and Salon is a full-service spa and salon that offers all hair services, manicures and pedicures, massages and much more. Founder Kristin Chorne advertises the business as a place that welcomes everyone in for a day of relaxation, transformation and fun. Since opening Gratitude, Chorne has picked up a few lessons and a lot of knowledge as an entrepreneur in the Bis-Man area.
1. What steps were the hardest when taking the leap to start Gratitude?
The most difficult steps were mainly in the buildout itself and the detail that goes into that. I cannot thank my husband, Cory, enough for being the level-headed, calm human that he is. I’m a believer, so once I decided to do it, there was no looking back!
2. What was a typical day in your life like when you were beginning Gratitude?
A typical day during the buildout was spent checking on progress, picking out details and ordering products and equipment. Certainly, a lot of time is spent on follow-up and ensuring that everything is on track. I had a hard deadline for opening, and there were a lot of people that went above and beyond to make it happen in time.
3. What advice do you have for readers considering taking this leap?
First and foremost, make sure your banker is someone that you can count on to help and guide you. There were several programs available that I would have never known about, if not for Kayla at First Western Bank. Also, make sure you have the time, energy and commitment to be available and stay on top of progress or snags. Lastly, don’t stop believing!
4. What else would you like to add regarding your personal experience in taking this risk?
While I do understand that it’s certainly a risk, I choose to see it as an opportunity and investment. The name “Gratitude”, came from a moment I had in dealing with the journey of losing both of my parents. It’s rarely easy to be grateful for difficult things. Learning to find gratitude for the entire journey, even the most difficult parts (as that’s where the most growth happens), was a life lesson my parents taught me after they were gone. I truly feel that I had them guiding me..
5. What made you decide that the Bis-Man area would be a great place to start a business?
I was born and raised in Bismarck, and it’s where I raise my family. I absolutely love the area and community here, and I truly believe that Bismarck needed a beautiful, relaxing and customer-friendly spa and salon.
6. What do most people not know about Gratitude?
he fact that, essentially, I named the business after my parents as a tribute to their legacy and all that they offered to our family, as well as the Bismarck community as a whole. We talk often about my parents at Gratitude and the entire staff is aware that I feel it’s a reflection of their legacy. It’s important to me that everyone chooses to live up to that, and it’s not a small task. Offering grace, kindness and expertise to everyone is a requirement; not an option of working here.
7. What is something you wish more people knew about your company?
Gratitude is a family-owned business! My son, Tyler Richter, is a financial advisor at Legacy Financial Partners in Bismarck. He was very involved in the financial portion of the business and was very crucial in helping develop the financial plan. My daughter-inlaw, Katelon, is a cosmetologist at Gratitude. We plan to be here for years to come.
8. What is a day in your life like for you now?
I spend most of my time working the back end of the business, currently. I’m at Gratitude five days a week, on average. However, I’m able to do a decent portion of my job at home as well. I’m taking advantage of that currently, and spending as much time as I can with our two grandchildren. Don’t get me wrong, I’m working from home many nights until 11:00 or later and answering messages at all hours of the day, but I am enjoying the flexibility that I have.
9. What’s one thing the local business community could do to help you/your organization?
We have seen the majority of growth come from referrals and word of mouth. That is the best compliment we could ever receive. Please continue to spread the word!
10. Are you looking to expand Gratitude? If so, how?
We are looking to hire some new staff, and we’re excited about that! We also have some other potential upcoming services that we’re exploring currently as well and are excited to roll those out in the near future.
Get In Touch
(701) 595-7600
GratitudeSpaAndSalon.com
[email protected]
facebook.com/GratitudeSpaAndSalon
1147 W Capitol Ave
Bismarck, ND 58501