Krista Sides was just 14 years old when she started working at a salon as a receptionist. She went on to get her cosmetology license in 1998 and eventually opened Chameleon Salon Suites in 2008. The salon was doing well, but Krista knew she wanted to do more to further her mission which is “to empower others mentally, physically, socially, and financially in an environment which respects ideas, diversity, and hard work.”
She connected with the East Central Indiana SBDC when writing business plans for both Chameleon Salon Suites and Chameleon College of Beauty Culture. She worked alongside Peggy Cenova, East Central Indiana SBDC Regional Director, and other members of the team on various aspects of her businesses. “Peggy and the team were such an asset to me,” Krista noted. “Peggy broke down all the technical words explaining in simple terms what everything meant without making me feel less intelligent, why these details are beneficial for me to know, and suggested options to progress my business further.”
The team advised Krista on how to know her key numbers consistently. Before working with the East Central Indiana SBDC, she would receive income and pay bills. Now she understands where money is going and when so she can be prepared to reach her business goals. With this insight, she was able to launch Chameleon College of Beauty Culture and continue to grow Chameleon Salon Suites. “I appreciate Peggy’s continued leadership, mentorship, and emotional investment in my goals,” Krista shared. “It’s quite an overwhelming and kind of intimidating experience to write a business plan, but with support from a team like the East Central Indiana SBDC, dreams do come true.”