PatriotLedger.com:
The salon is buzzing with lively chatter on a Saturday morning. The air smells of hair products. Foils are ruffling in the background. But this is no chi-chi salon. Run out of the basement of Gayle Cronin’s Abington home, Studio 23 is more “Steel Magnolias” than Newbury Street.
Cronin, 27, is a new breed of female entrepreneur — or mompreneur — that has left the rat race to set up shop at home.
Cronin is one of 10.1 million women in the United States who own their own business, according to the Center for Women’s Business Research. These women-owned businesses generate $2.3 trillion in annual revenue.
Cronin’s business started slowly and had roots in another woman-owned business.
Previously called Lorraine’s in Whitman, Studio 23 was started in 2001 by Cronin and two of her classmates from South Shore Vocational Technical High School in Hanover. The previous owner had turned the studio in Whitman – along with many of her clients – over to Cronin.
As her business developed, Cronin decided she needed a better space and moved into a small studio on North Avenue in Abington. Business was great but with a husband and son, Cronin said it was a lot to juggle and sometimes was a struggle.
“I wanted to feel like I could easily manage both my family and my business,” said Cronin.
So, in 2007, she moved Studio 23 into the basement of her newly built house in Abington.
Cronin and her clients say the the new location is great.
With her business downstairs, Cronin said she has struck the right balance between work and family.
“It’s a lot easier. I feel like I can do both now,” she said.
Photo by sashafatcat