Alex Kasey was a stylist at Pike & Rose in North Bethesda’s PR at Partners before the pandemic shut the salon down permanently. Instead of falling into a pit of despair, Kasey took matters into her own hands.
She got in contact with a client of hers who was a new business owner and arranged to rent extra space in her office in downtown Bethesda. Alex Kasey Studios was born.
“The space was perfect for COVID, a 200-square-foot room with one shampoo and one styling chair,” Kasey said. “It was an ideal situation that I could take one client at a time.”
After 13 months, Kasey was able to move to a new, bigger location just down the hall that is over 1,000 square feet. She called it perfect timing, as things have been starting to slowly get a bit more back to normal. She can now see multiple people at once and was even able to hire an assistant.
“Everything worked out in my favor and it’s a perfect example of things happening when they’re meant to happen,” Kasey said. “There was no better time to branch out on my own.”
As far as products she used to design her space, IKEA cabinets have been an affordable option. Handles and knobs were from CB2 for a bit more of an elegant and fancy flair. Kasey’s reception couches are also from CB2 and her chairs are by Target. Side tables are West Elm and there are lots of plants for a homey feel. One of her clients works for Hospitality Lighting Management and was able to hook up the extensive lighting system in her salon.
Want to start your own business like Kasey did? Here are some products perfect for self-employment, all found in the Northern Virginia area.
Noise-canceling headphones: The Sony WF-1000XM4 Buds
The Sony WF-1000XM4 buds may have a long fancy name, but their simplicity is what makes them perfect for long days working from home. They are equipped with an eight-hours long battery so you can work 9-5 without worrying about recharging them. If you’re finding yourself working at your nearest Starbucks or shared workplace, their call quality is extremely clear and there’s a bone-conduction sensor that provides clear voice detection even in very noisy environments (hello Starbucks during pumpkin spice season!). Not to mention, they are Alexa enabled for voice access. The headphones are currently available on Amazon for $280 in either black or silver.
A boxed set of notecards from Penny Post
Anyone with a new side hustle will need some colorful stationery for those thank you notes to people who help you along the way. Penny Post in Alexandria has some great options, including this lemon print set and this fun dog-themed one. If simplicity is the name of your game, these flat cards that just read “thank you” in gold script are a great option. More on Penny Post’s stationery here.
Some thrifty clothing finds at Wardrobe Rescue
If you’ve spent most of the pandemic in sweats working from home, you are going to need some new pieces in your wardrobe. No matter what type of side hustle you’re starting, Wardrobe Rescue, the upscale women’s consignment boutique in Vienna, has everything you need to create the perfect outfit. As of late August, Wardrobe Rescue’s Instagram page (@wardroberescue) was boasting a gorgeous leather Louis Vuitton bag and black Theory blazer perfect for your next meeting. More on Wardrobe Rescue can be found here.
A pair of fierce boss lady shoes at the Shoe Hive
If you’re going to be your own boss, you’ll need a great pair of shoes. The Shoe Hive in Alexandria has plenty of options, including a luscious camel suede pair of flats by Ann Mashburn, sleek classic black heels from Sam Edelman and lots and lots of boots (fall is coming after all!). The Shoe Hive specializes in shoe lines that are known as both sophisticated and approachable. More on The Shoe Hive can be found here.
A comfortable desk chair at Belfort Furniture
Starting your own business can involve lots of time on your computer. If you’ll be working at your desk for hours on end, you’ll need a comfortable chair. Belfort Furniture in Dulles has a huge stock of desk chairs available. There’s the upscale executive swivel tilt chair if you have a large budget or the more affordable home office swivel desk chair. More information on Belfort Furniture can be found here.
A tailored suit perfect for meetings from Nordstrom
Meetings and lunches out require a tailored suit that makes you look your best. Nordstrom, which can be found in Pentagon City and Tyson’s Corner, has an extensive collection of men’s suits and separates. There’s the trendier skinnier fit dress pants or if you’re up for something a little more traditional, a classic fit plaid wool suit is a great option for fall. More on Nordstrom’s suit offerings can be found here.
Feature image © amenic181/stock.adobe.com
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