Ronald Phillips II

More than a Salon

Ronald Phillips II opened his Xcentrix Style Studio near downtown Indianapolis in 2003, offering an eclectic array of art, clothing and home furnishings on consignment in addition to salon services. The name he chose had multiple meanings: To Phillips, "X" represented both the turn of the century and the X Generation. "My whole idea is to be more than a salon," he explains. "We encompass a relaxation area and image consulting. We're a venue for local artists and designers."

The entrepreneur went to BOI after he opened his innovative style studio for affirmation that his idea could work. BOI helped him focus the business and erased his sense of isolation: " They helped me know that I wasn't the only one out here doing it by myself. Being a new startup, it was nice to hear other people's ideas."

Phillips notes that his studio has changed and evolved with growth on the "boutique" side of the business. "I feel like I'm getting stable," he says. "The first three years has been more of a learning experience. In the next five years, I'll push it into full gear and even expand."

The full-time owner and manager has two employees - a receptionist and a stylist - with room for two more. "I've been trying to find the right team of people to gel, and I found my first team player," he says proudly. He also is applying a lesson he learned as a shy young employee at an innovative startup company called Shoe Carnival: "I'm trying to incorporate a fun atmosphere. When it feels like 'work,' productivity drops."

Phillips admits that he doesn't get away very often: He even lives above his studio in one of five upper-story apartments over five first-floor businesses. But he believes his sacrifices - a more frugal lifestyle, fewer vacations, the overwhelming investment of his time and heart- are well worth the fulfillment of being his own boss. "Even now, it's just sinking in that I'm the one charting the course," he marvels.