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Company: Restoration Salon
Owner: Tim Weber
Established: 1993
Contact: 2151 N. Sheffield Chicago, IL 60614 (
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) 773.327.2403
Type: Hair Salon
Scissor Mister
This handsome hair stylist’s hot salon makes the cut
INSTINCT: How did you get started?
TIM WEBER: I went to DePaul University where I majored in music education and worked at the salon I actually now own. It was a tanning salon, and I was a receptionist getting paid $4.00 an hour. I worked there for four years. I bought the tanning salon at age 24—right after college—and then went to hair school. I’ve owned Restoration Salon for 14 years now. It’s a 14-year saga. Oh, that’s a long time! [Laughs]
How was hair school?
Oh, salon school is easy, that was only nine months. But getting the business going was tough—we went from tanning to doing hair and facials. And now we just do hair. I’ve expanded it into three storefronts.
Why did you streamline the business?
I just realized the other stuff really wasn’t what I wanted to focus on. It took up too much of my energy. And then there was dealing with employees. But actually I don’t have any employees now—people who work with me are all independent contractors. I decided I really don’t want to be a boss; I just wanted to own a salon.
What’s your advice for people who want to open a salon?
Make sure that you have what it takes to stay organized and well-rounded. It’s not just “hair,” but there’s all the other things, like the psychological part of it. Not with your clients, but with the staff. You have to have bigger goals than just the day-to-day.
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Can a fellow go in there and get a weave?
[Laughs] No, I don’t do weaves. That would probably be tricky.
Ever had to style someone’s hair against your better judgment?
I used to cut peoples’ hair who wanted mullets, and I had to give them one, but, thankfully, that was a long time ago. [Laughs]
I’ve always thought that your stylist doubles as your therapist.
Oh, believe me, I know. Maybe it’s something with my personality or demeanor, but my customers divulge all this information and drama about their lives. One time a lady came in, crying, and I asked what was wrong. She said she just found out that her boyfriend had a wife and a child. So I poured her a shot of vodka and gave her some chocolates.
How do you balance your workload with your dating life?
I have time for the dating life, but right now I just date my television. All my straight girl clients always ask why I’m single.
What kind of guy are you looking for?
I want someone established, who’s focused on his life and goals. But I need to be attracted to him to make that first kiss.
Know a great gay-owned business? E-mail
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!
Tim’s Top 5 Qualities Every Business Owner Should Have
1. Innate talent
2. Ability to multitask
3. Sincerity
4. Flair for organization
5. Creativity
Tim’s Top 5 Tips For Flawless Hair
1. Get a great precision haircut.
2. Use the right shampoo for your hair type.
3. Learn to style your hair with product.
4. Get a cut every four weeks.
5. Tip your stylist well!
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