Running a retail store takes more than excellent customer service.

It takes vision, consistency, and the willingness to evolve as both a business owner and a leader.

Patricia and Eliot Munro of  707 Hair Studios in Chicago understand this firsthand.

Their journey from stylists to retail owners is a blueprint for anyone learning what it takes to run a retail store.

Here are 7 real-world lessons they picked up along the way.

1. Trust Your Vision

Patricia spent 13 years working in a high-end salon, first as an educator and then as a stylist. When she decided to open her studio, it meant leaving job security behind to follow her dream.

Patricia says, “It was really hard walking away from a 13-year career as an educator to go and see if I can make it for myself. And I am grateful to this day for all of my clients who followed along my side because, without them, I wouldn’t have started growing or been successful.”

Starting small with just six chairs and a lot of determination, Patricia built something new. Her belief in herself allowed her to open her dream salon. 

Trust yourself. Believing in your vision is the first step to success. Like Patricia, start by clearly defining what your dream looks like, even if it’s on a small scale. As you begin to grow, surround yourself with people who support you, whether they are loyal clients, mentors, or members of your community.

2. Support Your Team 

707 Hair Studios has grown to 17 team members across two locations, but it didn’t happen overnight. Patricia and Eliot were intentional about hiring people who aligned with their mission, and that wanted to create a work environment rooted in trust. Because of this, their team structure is flexible, personal, and grounded in empathy. 

Running a retail store can feel challenging to handle, especially when you’re managing a large team. Remember that empathy and understanding can go a long way. A team that already shares your values, coupled with your emotional knowledge, makes for motivated employees. At its core, management is about empowering your team by understanding their needs, nurturing their strengths, and helping them succeed.

 

3. Stay Hands-On

When it came time to open their second location, Eliot didn’t outsource the work; he rolled up his sleeves. With help from Patricia’s father, a former construction company owner, Eliot spent every Sunday for six months building out the space.

He handled everything from framing and drywall to lighting and design. The experience became a symbol of the couple’s leadership style, built on passion, presence, and steadfast commitment.

Eliot’s dedication serves as a reminder to retail owners everywhere that staying close to day-to-day operations is better for business. Understanding the inner workings of your store gives you a competitive edge. When you’re involved at every level, you can spot opportunities to serve your customers better, faster, and with more intention.  

4. Invest in Continuous Education

Patricia’s background as an educator laid the foundation for one of 707’s most significant strengths: its internal training program. Every Tuesday and Wednesday, stylists and independent contractors are invited to participate in structured classes that include live models, note-taking, and feedback.

The couple took a traditional three-year salon training program and condensed it into six months to accelerate development. They also developed a certified continuing education curriculum to help stylists renew their licenses at an affordable rate.

For them, teaching is a passion. By meeting stylists where they are, they created a culture of learning that fuels both confidence and consistency. Consider ways you can educate your employees. By investing in their growth, you’ll sharpen their skills and turn them into true brand ambassadors. 

 

5. Build Wellness Into the Way You Work

Running a retail business takes energy, focus, and consistency. Patricia and Eliot structure their days with clear routines that support their physical and mental health. They carve out time for exercise, reflection, and intentional rest to stay sharp for their clients and team.

That same care extends to their employees. Monthly check-ins create space to discuss how things are going, both at work and outside of work. These conversations help them identify areas of stress early and provide team members with the support they need to stay motivated.

If you’re leading a retail business, think about how your daily operations support the well-being of everyone involved. Try encouraging open communication and creating systems that allow for time off. The goal is to create a work environment where people feel balanced and supported. When you take care of your team, it makes it easier for them to take care of your customers.

6. Structure Systems That Scale

Growing from one shop to two meant that operations had to evolve. Eliot and Patricia moved from a direct style to something more adaptable, shifting from a one-to-one approach to a more strategic zone-defense model. 

This analogy speaks to an innovative, scalable leadership style. As the team grew, they had to develop structured systems for training, scheduling, and communication, all while honoring the individuality of each team member.

This kind of flexibility is essential when you’re learning how to run a retail business successfully. It’s all about expanding and evolving while still staying true to your culture.

 

7. Use Retail Ownership to Create Freedom

For Patricia and Eliot, success is about profit, but most importantly, it’s about autonomy. Both of them left structured environments to build something more aligned with their values and lifestyles.

It has not only given them more freedom in life and autonomy over their existence, but it has also given the same thing to their team.

Owning a retail business gives you the chance to define what work looks like. When that definition includes creativity, balance, and purpose, you build a more sustainable life for yourself and your team. 

Don’t lose sight of your why. The freedom you’re creating is one of the most valuable things you can offer. 

Conclusion

707 Hair Studios is a successful salon, and it’s also a space for growth, community, and creativity. Eliot and Patricia’s story is proof that knowing what it takes to run a retail store is about heart, hustle, and lifting others along the way.

We Are Retail is committed to highlighting Illinois’ diverse and dynamic retailers. If you loved learning about the story of 707 Hair Studios and know a retailer who deserves recognition, Nominate A Retailer!