Clutch Hair Co.

Can I make this work? “Yeah, I can” with SBDC support

Kalyn Benaroya had been a hairstylist for 10 years when a friend suggested in 2015 she open her own salon.

Kalyn went to the SBDC to find out if her business idea for Clutch Hair Co. was feasible.

“Really how I got into business is I sat down with them and said ‘Can I do this?’ Kalyn said. “’Can I actually make this work as a functional business?’ They showed me, ‘Yeah, I can.’”

She met with an adviser, who helped her write a business plan and talked her through financing options. In a whirlwind, she opened her Hood River salon in 2016. Kalyn hired two fellow stylists. Together, they specialize in cutting, coloring and styling hair for men and women.

Kalyn said she appreciated SBDC’s honest advice. She was also impressed by how accessible the program was.

“Seeing them made the reality of opening the salon happen,” she said.

She continues to work with the SBDC for advising and uses her business plan to improve her business. And as she meets others in the community, she refers people to the SBDC when they need help with their businesses.