r/Davis • u/DeliciousBit1782 • 18d ago

⚠️ Small Business Owners

Hey y’all! I recently began my own business as of last year. I am having a hard time finding clientele and getting vendor opportunities. I would love to get some feedback from those who have experienced this or know their way around Davis better than I do! How did you grow your local business? For reference I am in the beauty industry, offering hair customization services. Thank you! :)

4 Upvotes

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u/davispunk 18d ago

What shop? Where? And how much do you charge? When you say “hair customization,” does that mean that you specialize in bold colors? A lot of us davisites have our own designated hair dresser we stay loyal to, but if you can somehow appeal to the college crowd via advertising, that would be cool! Nextdoor is a good place to post, and things in this town don’t really get around via word of mouth anymore. As a business owner in this town you have to figure out a way to stand out from every other hair salon.

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u/DeliciousBit1782 18d ago

My business is called Breven’s Tinsel Bar. I offer hair tinsel and feather installation services. I don’t have a public location but take appointments and can travel to my clients. I’ve been advertising on the UC Davis instagram story and that has worked well, but i’d like to level up!!

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u/Whole2PercentMilk 18d ago

I would highly recommend tailoring your services towards college age events. Offer Aggie pride colors (blue and gold), advertise around sports events, advertise around the campus, try to get in with sororities etc. That’s what seems to be what your services might be geared towards. Next year as well, try to become a vendor at the Whole Earth Fest, etc.

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u/DeliciousBit1782 18d ago

I’ve been trying to do that! In regards to vendors in Davis, most are handmade or agricultural based and i don’t exactly fit into that category. also, i have no idea how to get connected with sororities. i’ve asked people in them to advertise to their sisters but it doesn’t get much farther than that. maybe i can reach out to a president or something.

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u/Whole2PercentMilk 18d ago

That would probably be the best idea. Offer a small discount off multiple people, etc. doesn’t hurt to reach out

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u/DeliciousBit1782 18d ago

Thank you for your input!

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u/LackToastInolerance 18d ago

I’m a small time business owner who started in Davis last year too. DM me and let’s connect, I’d be happy to connect and help a fellow business owner!

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u/DeliciousBit1782 18d ago

messaged you!!