City in a Village visit: Blacklace – Bold entrepreneurship and holistic well-being in bright new spaces
The City of Hamina's City in a Village visit series this time focused on getting to know the beauty company, Blacklace. The company is run by a beautician and entrepreneur. Hanna Koistinen, whose new premises are flooded with light from large windows. The recent move from Sibeliuskatu to new premises on Fredrikinkatu has been a significant step for Hanna.
The move has been like moving to a new city. I've been really happy,
Hanna is happy to show off the comfortable facilities, which currently have two treatment rooms and the possibility of a third.Becoming an entrepreneur by accident – “I’d rather do it than regret it”
Hanna's path to becoming an entrepreneur was not a given, but rather a happy accident. Initially, she had not thought about becoming an entrepreneur. Hanna worked as a security guard, but she had a longing for something new.
At first I thought that if I could do something small, even at home,
Hanna remembers.In 2019, Hanna founded the Tmi Hannako business in Virojoki. In 2022, Hanna went to ask about a place to do nails for the weekends, also from a company in Hamina. The entrepreneur at the time, Sari Vuori, had been looking for a rental chair person and, even though that place had gone, said that Sari's space was enough for one more. For about a year, the company operated in both Virojoki and Hamina. However, Sari soon had bigger plans for Hanna: she was about to quit and offered Hanna to buy the entire company.
The decision required courage, but Hanna's motto was: "It's better to do than to regret, there's no need to think about it on your deathbed"". Hanna ran the company (originally Tmi Hanna Ko), worked as a security guard and studied at the same time, until about a year ago in the spring she decided to quit her job completely and focus on her dream. The name Blacklace remained unchanged, and with it many loyal customers who were already familiar with the place moved.
Extensive service offering and close local cooperation
Today, Blacklace is much more than just a beauty salon. Hanna provides cosmetology services, gel and extension nails. In addition, the premises have a separate eyelash technician and a visiting nail technician with a rented chair.
Many people also know Blacklace for its wonderful clothing range. The clothes come from a Danish broker. Hanna is particularly proud of her collaboration with other small entrepreneurs, especially female entrepreneurs: Blacklace's store currently sells products from around 20 other small entrepreneurs, some of which are local and some from other parts of Finland.
The client base is delightfully broad, from 15 years old to 95 years old. The work is very personal and based on trust.
For example, when doing nails, we hold hands with the client every four weeks,
Hanna describes the best aspects of the job.Cursor is involved in growth and change
Hanna says that marketing has always been her stumbling block, even though she actively updates Instagram to share news and products. In the intricacies of entrepreneurship and the change of company form to a limited company, Hanna has received invaluable support from the regional development company, Cursor.
I've been actively using Cursor since I founded my business. I didn't know anything about entrepreneurship at the time. I've probably had a meeting with all their experts. I've received really top-notch service there – if they don't know something, they'll find out.
Hanna thanks and reminds other entrepreneurs to utilize Cursor's services.Success in the beauty industry requires continuous education, as trends and products are constantly changing, and customers are aware. Hanna uses high-quality products, such as NeoStrata and Heliocare series, whose programs include regular training. Hanna only sells products that she likes and is sure of their effectiveness.
A look into the future
For a "everything right now" type like Hanna, there are plenty of visions, and hopefully some of them will be realized by the coming autumn. Future plans include expanding the team: another beautician and podiatrist is joining Blacklace.
Another person in the same field makes everyday life easier, then someone else will take care of the boutique side and we will be able to serve customers more widely, Hanna reflects. The goal is also to find new, interesting clothing brands to delight customers.
Although the everyday life of an entrepreneur is intense and sometimes the thought arises that it would be easier to get by in paid work, Hanna has learned to appreciate the freedom of entrepreneurship. Life has also taught her to calm down and take days off. For the city, vibrant, service-producing and networking companies like Blacklace are extremely important.
The City of Hamina thanks Hanna for the warm welcome and wishes Blacklace a great future in its bright new premises!