Whenever I connect with another bolder sister, it is a must that I introduce her to you also.

About a month ago I received an email from Nina, the manager of the Eleventh Hour Salon in Chicago. The location is in walking distance of my job, so I thought why not stop by to see what the salon was all about.

I must admit I was pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome I received upon entering. This tech-savvy salon had a modern, upscale feel with styling stations equipped with units for plugging in electronics. The manager and staff were all extremely friendly and made me feel right at home. I also have to share my eyebrow arching service was on point. My brows looked amazing. Thanks Lydia!  With all of that, I just had to meet the owner. As we were being introduced by the manager, I couldn’t believe who was standing in front of me. I could quickly tell the owner, a young twenty-something, was a bolder sister indeed. Ms. Yaa Boakye is not only the owner of the Eleventh Hour Salon, she is also a Personal Trainer, Nanny and someone who is passionate about giving back. At 25, this young woman is pursuing her dreams with drive and passion, while encouraging other women to do the same.

Here’s a little more from our interview:

Yaa shared that her motivation for starting a business began at the age of 13. Her parents instilled in her and her siblings the value of saving money and possessing a great work ethic. She was able to start her business without any loans, but with funds she had been saving since she was a teen. Yaa created Eleventh Hour Salon to fill a void. She wanted a space where women were able to connect and have a sense of community and comfort. After about a week of thinking about the name of the salon, she and her sister settled on the Eleventh Hour with the Chicago girl in mind. Women need pampering services so frequently, even sometimes at the 11th hour and the Chicago girl gets in done in the 11th hour. Services are offered to everyone, men and children included. They even offer options to keep children entertained while their parents are being pampered as well as concierge services.

When asked how she handles each of her responsibilities, Yaa explained how her day begins at 4am with her personal training clients, followed by making sure the salon is open and ready for the business day and then she handles her nanny duties. Yaa says she is always looking for ways to improve her business. As a business owner, I can relate to continuously looking for ways to grow. She also recognizes the value in providing excellent customer service. She greets every client as they enter the salon.

I also asked her to share some words of wisdom for the bolder sister readers and here’s what she offered:

“You have to smile and laugh because it’s contagious. If you frown at your challenges that becomes your mind set all day.”

Whenever she faces challenges, and she sometimes has doubts just like the rest of us, she puts on her favorite song “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye.  Yaa recommends we take ourselves to our favorite space, when things get a little difficult, think about that one thing that makes you smile. Mindset is 90% of the problem. She also advises women to find a mentor, someone who isn’t afraid of competition. For example, she expects all of her stylist to actually open their own salons.

As bolder sisters, it is a must we take value in ourselves. Yaa, reminds women to take care of our mental as well as our spiritual and feel empowered.

I was amazed by Yaa’s drive, but even more so by her positive energy and desire to help other business owners. She extended an invitation to each of you who are in need of business advice to email your questions to her at yaa@eleventhhoursalon.com. To top it off she even offered complimentary services to the women in the non-profit I work for, The Cara Program.

She ended our interview by saying people have different definitions of wealth and hers is helping people.

For more information about Eleventh Hour Salon, visit www.eleventhhoursalon.com.

Bolder Sisters, please leave some comment love for our bolder sister, Yaa.