Today we’d like to introduce you to Tasha Schuetz.
Hi Tasha, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been a nail technician for 22 years, I’ve owned a large salon and spa, but closed it about 13 years ago when my husband passed away, I’ve always wanted to own another business , being an entrepreneur is in my blood. I continued to own my own nail business on a small scale(just me). Fast forward to 3 years ago. I was struggling with feeling unfulfilled and had a desire for something bigger, I felt like I was finally in a good place in my personal life, especially since the unexpected passing of my husband. I also felt like I was at a crossroads in my career as a nail technician. Did I continue with that career or take a leap of faith and do something id always wanted to do. After lots of conversations with my kids and significant other, I finally decided to make the decision to open Serendipity Slush Co. a hand crafted frozen cocktail bar. I have loved adult slushy’s starting with Trops(Tropical Liquors) in Columbia, MO, then moving on to Narwhals as i got older. I kept thinking what doesn’t Washington have, adult slushy’s! I initially thought about trying a franchise, but I didn’t want anyone dictating how i ran my business. I started to research all the components to owning an alcohol based business, I truly knew nothing! I have built this into a successful business by researching and asking lots and lots of questions. There has been learning and a ton of trial and error. People and bringing them together and making them happy in spot is my mission. I love people and hearing their stories. I chose the name serendipity because of the google definition: the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way. My life at times didn’t always feel like it but in hindsight i see that its been one serendipitous event after another, even the painful or challenging life events.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Mostly it has been smooth, but there have been bumps or obstacles along the way. When I first opened in November of 2023, i was in a 300 sq. ft. space, that was just a walk up window. I quickly realized i could grow and accommodate my customers if i had a place where they could chat and hang out. January of 2024 I signed a lease for 1100 sq. ft. Space just a block from where i was, that was another learning experience, having to do a full buildout on a the space, obtain permits, line of contractors, get the line of credit to pay for all of it, stressful and scary! We opened mid march of 2024! I’ve also had to learn how to navigate having my nail business and Serendipity on top of having 2 boys in school, my schedule can be challenging, but it’s totally worth it. Learning how to accommodate both my family and my business and finding the balance between the two.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I own serendipity slush company and I’m a semi-retired nail technician of 22 years. My specialty is people, I love them. I love interacting with all of my customers, getting to know them, listening and learning. I firmly believe everyone has a story to share and those stories shape us into the people we are, they change us, we learn from them and we grow because of them. Serendipity is what I am most known for, I create all of our slush recipes from scratch, I try to use as many natural ingredients as possible, this is also what sets me(us) apart from other places. I’m also known for listening whether its a customer at serendipity or one of my nail clients, they know i will listen and not judge and be honest with advice or feedback. I am most proud of my sons, I know every parent can say this, but my sons are kind, respectful, super mature and responsible. I’m not the person that wears a shirt the says “be kind” and then doesn’t practice it. I teach my sons everyday that everyone has a story and you truly never know what someone is going through. I lost my husband to mental illness and suicide so we have experienced this first hand. My attention to detail, my caring nature and my passion for creating recipes sets me apart from other places.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I tend to gravitate to older people or people with entrepreneurial spirits. I love for groups or organizations especially in my community to serve the community or our active in causes that are personal to me. I find that some people probably think I’m quiet, but I’ve found that sitting back and observing interactions or people that i like and dislike has worked well for me. I learn very quick by observing others actions what i want to copy and what i want to make sure I don’t do. I’ve learned to never be afraid to ask questions, you don’t know what you know and you have to ask!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.serendipityslushco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serendipityslushco?igsh=bGlqOTVnNWdpMDZr&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551435596473
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/serendipity-slush-washington?uid=z-rUBgGPB1PJ09HNflI9RQ&utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)
