Meet Erynn Watermeier, Spa Manager at Creative Hair Design Salon and Spa (Creativehairdesign.com).
Tell us a little about your business. – We are a 16,000-square-foot salon and spa. We have 80 employees, 55 hairstylists, seven massage therapists, 10 estheticians, five nail techs and quite a few receptionists to help make everything run smoothly. We typically see anywhere from 100-250 people a day, so managing this place along with my manager Lisa Jensen makes for never having a dull moment. John, the owner, is the best boss anyone could ask for. His motto is happy employees equals happy clients. He is always making sure we feel like we are family here, and trust me, we definitely take care of each other as well as the clients like they are our family.
How did you get started in the business? – I answered an ad in the newspaper for a job at Creative Hair Design when I was 20, not knowing that it would end up leading to my career. I left for a few years to see what else was out there but ended up coming back because this place felt like home.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – I tend to have a hard time believing in myself. I strive to do my job to the best of my ability knowing what expectations John and Lisa have for the number one salon and spa in Omaha.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – When John asked me to manage his spa, knowing that I would be stepping into a completely different role than I had previously known. It has been the best thing I’ve done this far. The girls and clients I get to work with make it worth coming into work every day.
Tell us a little about your family. – My family and I are very close and would go out of our way to help each other. My sister recently had a baby, and since it’s the first baby of the family, I am having the time of my life being a first-time aunty. To say I spoil the little guy would be an understatement.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – I went through a time in my life where my physical and mental health weren’t good. During that time, I realized how many truly great people I have in my life supporting me. Knowing these people are there for me no matter what I’m going through is truly the greatest blessing.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – It’s always been shopping, but these days I try to spend as much time as I can with my nephew. He is growing up too fast and I don’t want to miss a second of it.
Who inspires you? – It was my grandma Rosie. Growing up I always thought that she was magical but after she passed away I realized she was just a saint. She cared about everyone. Even when she didn’t have a lot to give, she was always willing to help. I can see that it has also inspired my father to do the same and hopefully someday I can say I lived to be half the woman she was.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – Professional shopper. I love to shop and put outfits together. Clients are always telling me I would be really good at it and I think it would be fun.
What is your favorite local Omaha restaurant? – Kona.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 330-5660; erynn80@creativehairdesign.com; Creativehairdesign.com.