Exploring Life & Business with Gabriela Fittipaldi of Revive Salon Raleigh

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriela Fittipaldi

Hi Gabriela, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I graduated cosmetology school from Mitchell’s Hair Academy in Raleigh, NC in 2014. Out of school, I worked at a small salon for about a year and a half before deciding to venture out on my own. From there I opened my own salon suite business, naming it Revive Salon Raleigh in July of 2016. I didn’t have a huge following of clients to my new space, so while I worked on building my clientele list, I waited tables nights and weekends. After about nine months of working two jobs, I built a clientele big enough for me to work behind the chair full time. This definitely didn’t mean that I had a lot of money coming in, but I was able to get by. I was grateful to my mom, for letting me live with her rent free the first two years of my business so that I was able to pay my salon rent, buy product, and work on expanding my knowledge of the industry by taking continued education classes. In 2018, I was approached by a small marketing business that was running a “Groupon” type of deal. This consisted of their business selling a coupon card to potential new clients. The client would receive up to four different services, all for $60. The only ‘catch’ for them was their expiration date was within three months of purchase and the only ‘catch’ for me…was that the only money I would make is if the client tipped me. Don’t get me wrong, those few months of repeat clients, on top of my clientele I already had, was exhausting. But it paid off and grew my business astronomically. Not everyone that came with the coupon card stayed with me, but I kept enough of the clients that I was able to move into my own apartment six months later. Continued education has always been very important to me so that I am able to stay at the top of my game and keep up with the latest trends. Doing this and keeping in touch with my clients throughout the COVID lockdown, helped me create an even stronger community between my clients and myself. In 2022, I hired my first employee. She assisted me with day-to-day tasks within the salon, product ordered and assisted with clients. In Spring of 2023, High Tide Salon in downtown Raleigh reached out to me asking if I would be interested in renting one of their new salon suites, opening in 2024. Although I knew my rent would be much higher than I was used to and I could potentially lose some of my clientele from the move, I deeply felt that this was supposed to be the next move for me. Business wise and personally. I decided to take the leap of faith and sign on. Today, I am in my dream salon suite located in downtown Raleigh. I have two beautiful, vintage windows that gives my space so much natural lighting. This space has been a complete game changer and helped me to find my spark in this industry again. I never imagined I would run my own business, but eight years later I am still doing the damn thing and loving every second. There is so much that I have learned, mistakes that have been made and dreams to make happen. I truly believe that if you set your mind to something, you can achieve anything.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Owning your own business is full of obstacles and challenges. Anyone that tells you otherwise, is lying. The biggest struggle for me has been learning how to say no. I am a people pleaser, and this is the people pleasing industry. In the beginning of building my business and brand, I tried to have my hand in every hat and take on every client that sat down in my chair. Today, I know where my strengths are and what my passion is. It has made me a better business owner and stronger stylist.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Revive Salon Raleigh?
I started my business at twenty-two years old and just celebrated my eighth year as a woman owned small business owner. I have been a hairstylist in Raleigh for a decade now, specializing in hand tied extensions and lived in color. I love creating a color, cut and style that makes the client look and feel their best. I am constantly working on continuing my education in this industry so I can keep my knowledge broad and up to date. I feel best when my clients are excited to get in my chair. It’s so much more than just a job for me. It is my passion. The word “Revive” in Revive Salon Raleigh, is because while I focus on the client’s hair goals – it is key for me to keep the integrity of the hair. To look good, is to feel good. When people leave my chair looking good, I myself feel amazing!

What was your favorite childhood memory?
I can’t nail down one memory that stands out the most, but any time I have traveled with my mom has been when I’ve made the best memories. Traveling is something that is a huge love for the two of us and we have gotten to go on some pretty amazing trips. We love getting to see different parts of the world and experiencing different cultures!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/revive.salonraleigh/

Image Credits
Jessica Shaffer
@grace_into_joy