Many, many businesses suffered during the restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic; those who rely on face-to-face interactions probably more so than most. But in today’s episode, we’re joined by an entrepreneur who didn’t let the lockdown dull her spirits or her motivation. Annie Stancliffe creatively pivoted the focus of her nail salon business, High Five, during the lockdown, and she stayed true to her goal of creating a space and a brand that “feels like home” when things opened up again. Annie’s pattern-recognition and people skills, along with her fresh perspective on the beauty industry, have allowed her to break down some of the pervasive, harmful norms which exist. In today’s episode you’ll hear some examples of how Annie and her team have solved operational challenges, how they respond to the desires of their customers, why Annie chose not to raise venture capital, and how she lives out the concept of Ikigai. We always thought Annie was going to solve some of the world’s big problems, and after speaking with her today we know we were right! 

Key Points From This Episode:

• How the pandemic altered their plans, and how they made the most of the lockdown.
• The importance of being motivated about the direction you are taking your business.
• What excites Annie about her job.
• Why Annie decided not to raise any funding for High Five, and how this impacts the company’s growth.
• Pressure that people feel to raise venture funding.
• Annie’s experience of working in a venture backed start-up.
• What Annie learned about herself while doing her MBA.
• How Annie sees her future unfolding.
• The problem with tipping.
• Why Annie sees her lack of background in the beauty industry as an advantage. 
• Learnings that Annie has had along her journey of running High Five.
• How Annie utilized the High Five space when nail salons were not allowed to operate, and how this benefited her business in the long term.
• Creativity prompts that Annie uses in her team meetings.
• The transferable nature of the skills that Annie utilizes in her business.
• An example of how High Five responds solves operational challenges in an on-brand way.
• How High Five promotes conversation in the salon and online.
• A trait that is common amongst women, and one of Annie’s key goals which relates to this.
• Advice from Annie for dealing with the stresses of being a founder and CEO.
• High Five’s approach to service and product options, and how they have evolved over time.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Annie Stancliffe Email Address

High Five

High Five on Instagram

Launchpad