Lotus Midwest visited with Andrea Birst, owner of Glance Spa and Salon. Andrea shares her journey as a business owner and discusses her passion for empowering women and creating a nurturing work environment.
Tell me about your business.
I took over Glance Spa and Salon in October 2009 and it’s been an amazing ride. I have a current staff of 16 and we offer all hair, skin, lash and nail services. We are the only team-based salon in Bismarck. It’s been really fun transitioning to a team-based culture in the last six years. This last year, I bought the Hair Academy with a business partner, the only hair school in Bismarck. The Hair Academy is passionate about education and teaching which wholeheartedly aligns to what Glance is all about. Coaching is one of my favorite roles, experiencing young students in school and helping them grow is fulfilling.
You are committed to giving back to your community. Can you tell me more about the work you do and why it’s important to you that your employees volunteer?
As the salon has grown over the years, we’ve started to focus on, “What do we want? What are our values? What do we stand for?” Giving back and community has become a part of who we are. We genuinely take volunteering seriously. My team volunteers every month. We take turns giving back at Heaven’s Helpers Soup Café and give free haircuts quarterly at Ministry on the Margins as a part of community outreach. Another thing we are doing this year is Glance Glambush Makeovers. It’s a campaign where we give makeovers every quarter to deserving, hardworking, selfless individuals in our community. The community nominates women who are deserving of a full day of pampering. Giving back is important. I believe every person and every business has a responsibility of giving back and taking care of our communities. It changes personal development, team culture and business culture. This changes teams for the better. Some of my team had never volunteered before coming to Glance. Just to see how their hearts are touched and changed is the whole reason we do what we do.
Wedding Services Include:
- Hair
- Spa
- Waxing
- Nails
- Makeup
Why do you think it’s important to create a nurturing work environment?
We spend most of our time at our workplace and at times more than we do at home with our families. So, why not create an environment and culture that makes people want to get up and be excited to come to work? I am so thankful we have been able to develop that at Glance. It’s important to make your people feel loved, valued and respected. They will take pride in the work they do, perform better and have an overall greater well-being. Happy employees = great quality of life.
Why do you think it’s important to create a nurturing work environment?
We spend most of our time at our workplace and at times more than we do at home with our families. So, why not create an environment and culture that makes people want to get up and be excited to come to work? I am so thankful we have been able to develop that at Glance. It’s important to make your people feel loved, valued and respected. They will take pride in the work they do, perform better and have an overall greater well-being. Happy employees = great quality of life.
What challenges have you faced?
I was young when I bought Glance Spa and Salon and I wasn’t entirely sure what I was doing. I had great mentors and a spirit to learn and have learned so much along the way. I have dealt with a lot of big challenges, just like we all have. The biggest hurdle is learning to overcome the stress of daily business life and recognizing everything happens for a reason and remembering to be grateful for those life lessons.
What challenges have you faced?
I was young when I bought Glance Spa and Salon and I wasn’t entirely sure what I was doing. I had great mentors and a spirit to learn and have learned so much along the way. I have dealt with a lot of big challenges, just like we all have. The biggest hurdle is learning to overcome the stress of daily business life and recognizing everything happens for a reason and remembering to be grateful for those life lessons.
What advice would you give to new business owners?
My advice to new business owners is to find people in the community that can help you build your business and help you navigate every aspect of it. Make sure those people— whether attorneys, banking or brand consultants—are people that align with your company values. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and look within your own team. I have been amazed by the leadership growth and willingness to lead within my own company! It’s been amazing!
How do you make sure you’re incorporating a healthy work/life balance?
I have learned to ask others for help. I can’t do everything alone and allowing others to help and take things off my plate has been a huge stress reliever. I try to be present when I am at work and leave work at work when I am with my family. My motto is “work hard, play hard”. I try to carve out time for travel with my team as well as with my family. At the end of the day, it boils down to church, travel and wine!
Support Glance Spa & Salon
Phone: (701) 751-1893
Web: glancesalon.com
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: @glancespasalon
Instagram: @glancespaandsalon
Address: 407 N 4th St, Bismarck, ND 58501