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In January 2020, Nia Pettitt opened the doors of The Curl Bar, an establishment that caters to curly hair, in London. Nia's vision for the salon did not only revolve around making clients feel attractive, but providing a space for every client to feel embraced and celebrated.

The brick-and-mortar company's journey to existence

The idea of opening a salon for curly hair was a longtime dream of Nia's. "I frequently traveled to America for my hair to be done because it was difficult to find a salon even in London and even in within the UK," she says. "I was looking to design an experience that was comfortable, calming, and also represented visually what I like as a girl." The customers responded positively to her vision. When they opened the doors at The Curl Bar, appointments were quickly booked.

"Your life will change as you begin to establish an enterprise. Check if you're ready for that change," Nia advises aspiring business entrepreneurs. It was impossible to predict what kind of change was about to arrive for Nia and the Curl Bar. Just a few months after its debut, the bar was shut down temporarily because of COVID-19 closures in the UK. But even an indefinite pause in operation didn't stop Nia from moving down.

"I did not have a plan to expand the business and certainly not in the event of a outbreak," she says. "I simply view every moment as something to learn from." As The Curl Bar was closed, Nia shifted her focus on social media, interacting to her stylists and her followers online until The salon was allowed to fully reopen.