Styling a flight attendant’s hair in a salon in Orange County, California, where she was working in 1988 and hearing about her travels, Lia Hakim became convinced she wanted to fly for a living.
She applied to American Airlines, was hired and, based in New York City, went on to work for the airline for 34 years. But hair and beauty, her first loves, were never far from her mind. She worked at a salon in the Big Apple while on the ground and even “did hair” for her flight attendant friends.
A Westchester County resident since 1992, Hakim finally opened her own salon in Armonk in 2013. She named it Hott Blowdry & Beauty Lounge to capture how she wanted her clients and the brand to feel, “not temperature-wise (but) bold and confident.” She added that after a breast cancer diagnosis in 2023, the name took on deeper meaning.
A second location followed in Rye Brook in 2015. Next, Hakim launched Totally Hott Salon in Rye Brook in 2017 and Hott Lash in Armonk in 2019. Then, in 2024, she merged the two Armonk locations into what has now become a franchise model.
As part of our recent focus on franchises, how they work and how they especially benefit franchisees, Hakim was happy to share some insights into her own franchise experience.
Financial structure and key revenue streams
“We operate as a C Corp parent company with each location set up as an individual LLC. Core revenue comes from in-salon services, retail sales and gift cards, with additional streams like off-site Hott to Trots (party and bridal services). Now we’ve added franchise sales as another growth engine.”
Start-up costs and financial strategy
“Opening each of my corporate owned locations required a six-figure investment for build-out, branding and systems as well as a good deal of sweat equity. I use a Profit First accounting model that ensures profitability first, with expenses planned from what remains. It flips traditional accounting on its head and lets me see exactly which levers to pull for profit growth.”
Biggest expenses and how Hakim manages them
“Payroll and leasehold costs are our largest expenses. Profit First gives us clear visibility and flexibility to scale or pull back where needed while keeping healthy margins.”
Franchising status and inspiration
“Hott franchising is officially live, with first locations in development. A Hott franchise isn’t just for women. It’s for anyone who shares our culture and wants a proven path to ownership. I also wanted a way for my own team to grow into ownership without leaving the Hott family.”
Selecting and supporting franchisees
“We look for leaders who embody Be Happy. Be Healthy. Be Hott. I’m seeking owners who want to run a fun, exciting business that makes people feel good, one that touches every guest and leaves a lasting mark on the community they serve. I also believe beauty is one of the few industries that will remain largely irreplaceable by AI, making this an even more future-proof opportunity. Every owner receives direct one-to-one coaching from me as an international salon business coach, something unique in the franchise world, plus proven turnkey systems and ongoing education to maintain brand standards.”
Financial goals ahead
“The next few years are about smart scaling – strengthening our flagship salons while expanding nationally through franchising. The long-term goal is to grow to 100 franchises while keeping profitability, guest experience, brand standards and culture strong.”
