A Passion For Entrepreneurship: Rachel’s Story

As a former foster youth, Rachel was painfully aware of national statistics predicting she would not graduate from college or achieve economic stability. Rachel pushed herself to the point of burnout, determined to defy the odds and create her own destiny.  

Shortly after graduation, a peer asked Rachel what she would pursue if she weren’t on a research path in academia. Rachel deliberated before sharing that she would open a business.  

“Once I started thinking about it, I felt such excitement for this new vision for my life,” remembers Rachel, “I didn’t want to turn that excitement off or to wonder, 10 years from now, ‘What if…’” 

She joined Pathways to Financial Power to get help in realizing her dream of opening a salon. She was paired with a coach, a former salon owner who provided invaluable guidance on navigating the beauty industry. 

She helped Rachel understand different business models, financial management, and the importance of creating a unique client experience. 

Ultimately, Rachel was paired with three different coaches, each bringing new insight to her entrepreneurial journey. She built a business plan and began a relentless campaign to source gently used equipment from salons through Facebook Marketplace. In the end, she managed to acquire most of the equipment to build her salon through donation. With help from her friends, she was also able to store it for free. 

Rachel and her coach Rob are now actively searching for commercial space to launch Rachel’s business in December.