Moxie Salon and Spa

Joy Schmidt started beauty school at 15, graduated at 17 and worked in several salons over the years, becoming a licensed cosmetology educator in 2010. First attending Cameo Beauty Academy and then working for Paul Mitchell Schools, the educational training she received helped with her leadership and management skills. For 29 years, Joy has been dedicated to her career as a hairstylist and is even more passionate about the industry now as a salon owner.

Moxie Salon and Spa is a full-service Salon offering hair and skin care services. The idea of Moxie came from 30 years of being in the cosmetology industry. One day a friend asked, "What are you waiting for?" and that's when Joy’s creative mind got working on the vision of Moxie Salon and Spa. After overcoming the obstacles that came with the pandemic and training hairstylists in a virtual setting, Joy was determined to finally open her own salon.

Her three daughters are her inspiration and following in their mother’s industry. The oldest is a hairstylist, the middle daughter is an esthetician, and the youngest is currently attending beauty school. Joy says of her family, “I want them to see their mom push and make her dreams happen and I want to leave something for them to be proud of as well. I could not have done this without my husband by my side, he has always been my biggest supporter and I will forever be grateful to him for that.”

In 2023, Joy heard about the SBDC services for those looking to start a business and reached out to Jodi Henson, SBDC business consultant in Nassau County. Jodi helped her through the process of drafting and refining a business plan to secure funding. “Jodi was so professional and knowledgeable. She guided me throughout the whole process of building my business plan. She continued to check in with me to make sure I was on track. She even stopped into the salon to visit and see how things were going” Joy stated.

Eventually, Joy successfully obtained an SBA loan to cover the startup and build-out costs for the salon, along with working capital and help with marketing. In early 2024, Moxie Salon and Spa was officially opened in Yulee. Today, Joy is leveraging her years of cosmetology knowledge and experience as a leader and educator to bring her skills to her clients and employees. Joy says,

“I would highly recommend the assistance of SBDC...I knew I had what it took to run a successful salon, but when it came to the financials… that's where I was a little lost. SBDC helped me understand the process. I would not recommend trying to do a business plan to submit to the bank without this assistance.”