For Terry Michaud, being a nurse anesthetist in the military is a lot like working in the beauty industry.
“You get to serve people in both roles,” Terry explained. “I’ve always loved the beauty industry, and I loved the customer service element.”
She actually attended cosmetology school; however, she switched gears and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing before joining the U.S. Air Force. She eventually achieved the rank of major and a master’s in Nurse Anesthesia. She worked as a nurse for 8 years and later as a nurse anesthetist for 12 years before retiring.
After Terry retired from the military in March 2019, she wanted to get back into the beauty industry and open her own business.
Interested in possible franchise opportunities, Terry took a class on franchising at her Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, CO. An advisor with the class assisted Terry on her search and provided her with a list of different franchises to check out. As luck would have it, Blo Blow Dry Bar was on the list.
Blown Away By the Blow Dry Bar Franchise Concept
Blo immediately stuck out to Terry because she had always dreamt of getting back into the beauty industry.
Eager to try out our blow dry bar services, Terry headed to Denver to get her first blow-out and immediately fell in love with the franchise.
“I told my husband– ‘I never had to worry about doing my hair before, and now that I’m retired, I can, but I don’t want to!’ I think women would appreciate this in Colorado Springs. I loved the concept.”
After speaking with our Chief Executive Officer, Vanessa Yakobson, and a few of our blow dry bar franchisees, Terry was sold.
“I loved that Blo was the largest blow dry franchise with over 130 locations [at the time.] I figured it would make sense to join the creator of the blow dry bar concept,” Terry added. “Why wouldn’t I want to be with the people who started it and do it the best?”
Everything Happens for a Reason
From there, Terry signed the franchise agreement and was ready to get started. However, there was one minor roadblock – she was set to sign the lease for her location right when the pandemic struck last year. At the time, her governor ordered a state-wide shut-down, and Terry had to wait until May to sign her lease.
Eager to get her business up and running safely, Terry began to think of ways to keep her future clients and staff safe once her blow dry bar opened. Drawing on her former experience and education as a nurse anesthetist, Terry recalled learning about a specific UV light that kills bacteria and viruses in the air.
“When COVID hit, I knew there was a reason I had all the knowledge that I did,” she said. “I used the information I knew and contracted a company to get those specific lights so they could be installed during my build-out.”
“My background was such a blessing,” she added. “I’m glad I found a way to keep people safe.”
Operating With Excellence
With the support of the Blo team, Terry opened her Blo Blow Dry Bar franchise in October 2020.
“The corporate team works hard for us, and they’re a great support,” Terry explained. “I love the system they have. It’s one of the best franchises out there.”
Since opening, Terry has treated every customer that comes into her blow dry bar like a VIP. It also helps that she’s been in the service industry all her life. A simple way she does this is by going above and beyond when it comes to customer service and always ensuring a client gets the appointment they desire.
“I love developing relationships with my customers and supporting my community. I have all of my members in my personal cell phone, and when they call, I answer them by name. They know to reach out to me if they need anything,” she said.
Terry hosts member events and sponsors local businesses like artisans and massage therapists to provide fun and engaging services for her clients and partner with the community.
“My goal is to host a member event sponsored by a local business every month.”
Terry prides herself on being both community and family-oriented. “I treat each of my employees like family, and I take them under my wing. I make sure they know I’m there for them, not just telling them what to do, but leading by example,” she said.
As COVID restrictions ease up and cities reopen, Terry is excited to welcome new and returning clients.
“We’ve needed a service like this in my area for so long, and my community loves it,” Terry said.
Ready to Join A Community-Serving Franchise?
Looking to join a franchise that allows you to draw on your former career and educational experience to serve your community? Our blow dry bar franchise is full of franchisees with diverse talents and welcomes those with various industry experience.