Anthony Roy knows what rock bottom looks like. Before opening up Salon David Anthony with his business partner David Schmidt, Roy was very close to losing his house.
"I was unemployed for three years," he said. "I used to go to food shelters."
Roy was feeding himself and his elementary-aged son. But, somehow, he managed to keep his house.
"I received so much help throughout Joliet," he said. "That's why I help other people; when you give, you get."
Salon David Anthony opened in Oct. 2010. Schmidt is a hairstylist and Roy handles the business end of things. Even in their first year, they offered free hair cuts to cancer survivors. That first year, about 50 people came to the salon. Schmidt said he hopes many more people find their way to the salon this year.
"I wish we could find even more people," he said.
Both owners have a personal tie to cancer, as both Roy's and Schmidt's mothers are cancer survivors.
In addition to helping those battling cancer, Roy and Schmidt have given time to other community organizations, including Special Recreation of Joliet and Channahon, collecting coats for MorningStar Mission and offering discounted cuts for children to help families on a budget.
Lessons Learned
Now that they have been in business for two years, both Roy and Schmidt agree on at least one thing - their business plan was invaluable to look at where they were going.
"You know exactly what you're looking at, it makes you understand where your money is going to go," Roy said.
Both also agreed though, that the plan taks a long time to do and a long time to update.
Schmidt also said doing research is important when starting a business.
And even though both of them put a lot of time into their business, they both love what they do.
"I could not imagine doing anything else," Schmidt said.
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