Staff Photo by Laura-Chase McGehee/Chattanooga Times Free Press/ Nov 12, 2010 - Donna Harrel touches up the roots of customer Vanessa Owen at Sa-Hair-A Salon in Ooltewah.* Name: Sa-Hair-A Salon
* Location: 5032 Ooltewah-Ringgold Road
* Products/services: Sa-Hair-A Salon is a full-service hair salon that exclusively carries Paul Mitchell products.
* Age: The salon is 20 years old. Debbie Howington has owned it for the last 15 years.
* Startup investment: $30,000
* Annual sales: $100,000, though income is divided up among the individual stylists and varies widely.
* Target market: Howington positions the store as a middle-of-the-road "family salon" to open the salon to all potential customers. She caters to the young, the elderly, women and even men, she says, and she constantly studies the latest styles to keep customers coming back.
* Biggest hurdle: Some customers don't have the hair for a few of the more extensive procedures and styles, Howington said, so it's important to communicate with the customer about their goals beforehand.
* Biggest reward: "I love the customers I come into contact with everyday, and my great stylists have been working with me at least five years, and some as long as 12," she said.
* Challenges: Maintaining her niche as a family salon while competing with the higher-end salons and discount chains, Howington said.
* Lesson learned: It's important to balance family and business, both for herself and by making allowances for her employees.
* Five-year goal: Howington has no desire to grow bigger or significantly expand her business, but wants to continue to offer "smiles and friendly service," and maintain her customer base.
* Contact: 396-3333