Each week, Macaroni Kid Lower Bucks features a different "Mompreneur" -- a local mom who also runs a small business in Lower Bucks. The challenges for small business owners during the COVID-19 pandemic have been unprecedented, and even more so for many moms who simultaneously juggle virtual schooling and the many social and emotional challenges that children face during this confusing time. For more information on how you or someone you know could be featured in an upcoming Mompreneur article, click here.
Meet Bernadette Bickel!
Hi! My name is Bernadette Bickel. I am from Philadelphia, but I have lived in the Lower Bucks area for the better part of the last 20 years with my husband, Brian, and three amazing kids: Emma (16), Adam (10), and Olivia (8). My children are Pennsbury students who have been virtually learning for the past year.
I’ve always known I’d become a hairstylist. I started professionally in this industry 16 years ago, and I’ve never doubted that I made the right choice. I attended Empire Beauty School where I learned the basics and was licensed immediately after completion. I have received extensive training in curly hair from Ouidad Salon in Manhattan, and most recently Rezo Salon in Westfield, NJ. I belong to a few online education groups where I continue to improve my technique and skills. I love what I do and anyone who knows me knows that I am super passionate about my craft.
Working on My Dreams
I worked in traditional salons for most of my career. My first salon closed, and my team joined another salon but it just wasn’t the right fit for me. During the quarantine, I had a lot of time to reflect, and I realized that while start-up costs are high to open a business, the demand is there. It was time to start working on my dreams. I’ve always wanted to open my own salon, but I had been with the same team for my whole career and I was afraid of leaving that security and comfort. I was back and forth about the idea of a salon suite, which is relatively new. I knew that I had to do something. While quarantined and fumbling our way through distance learning, I did all the behind-the-scenes work and finally opened my suite at Image Studios in October 2020. I am finally home!
Hair by Bernadette @ Envision Beauty is a hair salon located inside Image Studios in Feasterville, PA. The services offered range from haircuts and colors to more intricate services like blonding, dimensional color, and balayage. I myself specialize in curly hair. I am certified in two different curly hair cutting techniques, and I am still working to further grow my skill set through personal and professional development. I am also fortunate to work with a partner, who I met in transition from salon to suite life. She is great at color, and I’m learning new and different ways to do things.
I like to think that my business is special because of our guest experience. I like the vibe to be relaxing, but professional. I pride myself on keeping my space tidy and clean. I offer the best hair products and have many to choose from. I offer Ouidad Products, R&CO, Olaplex, and Aluram. I also use a low tox hair color line called Calura by Oligo Professional that is better for the hair and scalp. I am constantly seeking education to better myself and my skills.
Juggling being a mom and entrepreneur is definitely not easy. I have a lot of support at home from my husband, Brian, who is a great dad and partner. We share responsibility when it comes to the kids' education and activities. Being a suite owner enables me to work around my family's schedule. When my children went back to school, and by back to school I mean back to sitting at the kitchen table and learning via the school-issued chrome book, I worked around their schedule. I offered my clients hours on weekends and nights mostly, and we made it work. The good thing was that we were all in the same boat. A lot of my clients had their own children at home virtually learning so my schedule change was better for all of us. Throughout all of these changes, I have been careful to balance time for family. I am grateful that my kids are happy and have really bonded during this time. The advice I would offer is to take it one day at a time and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Want to Learn More About Hair by Bernadette?
Check her out on Instagram and Facebook!
Email: Bernadettedoeshair@gmail.com
Phone: 215-459-4139
Hair by Bernadette
1045 Bustleton Pike
Suite 7
Feasterville, PA 19053
