Pivot & Pause - A Podcast for Beauty Industry Leaders.

I’m going to start this podcast off with a quote. 

“Fear of asking for what you want results in not getting what you want. - Author unknown.

And I want you to think about this quote as you listen to this episode. 

In this biz, we talk a lot about creating your ideal client and knowing who you want to serve. We talk about knowing your target audience. And all that super good stuff. 

But as a leader, I think we need to go even further.  

I go after the team members I want… 

Yes, Just like creating a vision of my ideal client, I create visions of my ideal team members. 

The people we have join our teams are just as important, if not more important, than our ideal client. 

I was so excited to be asked by my beautiful cousin to be her first guest on her podcast, Your Rad Reality.  We had so much fun recording, and I'm so happy I get to share with you all the interview.  Happy Listening! You can find Ali on IG @your.rad.reality

I worked 12 years as a commissioned stylist, and only now, after being the co-owner of Salon Jade for 8 years, I've finally identified what I felt was missing. I lacked leadership. Plain and simple. 

For 11 of those years as a commissioned stylist, I had hands-on, from afar, team leader and communication was inconsistent and delivered differently based on the person being spoken to. In the second salon, I worked for a short few months; my boss was laid back, relaxed, and showed no leadership signs. I enjoyed my time with each leader for very different reasons and, at the time, had no idea what I was lacking. 

It was years and years, and I couldn't pinpoint what I was missing and craving as a stylist because I truly didn’t know. When my dreams finally came true, and I became a leader myself, I realized what that key piece was that was missing.

Leadership.  

So if you’re a salon or spa owner and need assistance learning, knowing or growing as a leader or have a strong desire to be a better leader or the leader you think they need, then I am here for you!!! 

I am thrilled to have this guest on Pivot & Pause; I am a huge believer in knowing your numbers because if you don't know them, you can’t grow them.   So…. guys, listen up, grab your pen and notebook because you will want to make some notes as you listen along. 

Welcome Lucia, I’m so excited that you’re here today. 

Think about the time you experienced exceptional customer service or the time you left somewhere thinking, “WOW, that was amazing.” That particular experience would be quite prominent in your mind. Because certain senses might bring you back to that extraordinary moment, a specific smell might trigger emotions and bring you back to that time you experienced excellence. 

When this happens, it leaves a lasting impression; and that is our goal when creating an experience for our guests.  

Not sure how to change your business model from giving a service; to offering an experience?  Perfect; let’s chat about it!

AHAHAH, OK, so I find social media to be such a “hot topic’; maybe it’s because there are so many people selling programs and or Instagram classes on how to be the best or gain more followers, or whatever the case may be. 

Here’s the thing, I own a hair salon that only houses six styling chairs, we have seven employees, and we all agree that a work/life balance is of utmost importance.  

So we have almost 2600 followers on our IG, and we can only accommodate approximately 1200 guests on our rooster. So that number on my IG salon page doesn’t matter to me.  I’m certainly not going to go and BUY 10,000 followers so that I can say we have over 10,000 followers. 

Our 2600 followers are a part of our unique community, some come in and have their services with us, some only purchase retail from us, and some are simply internet friends. AND I LOVE THAT.  

So recently, on the podcast, I had Anna on who has taken a passion to learn about what’s in the bottle of shampoo. I had her compare a Davines shampoo to a Monat shampoo, and although she keeps a very biased opinion, I can’t help but feel strongly about my opinion.  And that is that I’m not a fan of Monat.  It has nothing to do with the product because I’ve never used it.  It’s simply because I don’t think an MLM company has any right to be in the professional world of hair and beauty. 

But let’s make this clear before we start that Aimee and I have a relationship outside of this podcast. I value her and her opinion and, most importantly, her success in the hair world as a passionate stylist and business owner.  She has chosen to take her Monat business to a whole new level and exclusively sell Monat in her salon.  So guys, without further ado, I’m so excited to be having this open conversation with you. Welcome, Aimee!!!

OK, so let’s talk about being a commissioned stylist and running your day like you own the business. 

OOOOH yes, let's totally go there. 

What exactly does this mean? Well, if you’re on commission, essentially, you have control over how much money you make.  You set goals, and if you achieve those goals, you bring home the money you want to bring home.  

When I first started in the industry, I met this man, one who had the best business advice in this industry, hands down.

And I'm going to tell you all about what I learnt from him. 

In 2020 I was re-introduced to someone I had crossed paths with years ago when I first started the industry.  At the salon that I worked at, we used Joico, and hers did too, so we had a few trainings together, and I just knew her from her living in the same town as me and her going to school with some of my friends.  

So I started noticing her because her kids were swimming at the same time as my kids, and then I started seeing her at the gym that I had just recently joined. 

So I was like, OK, this girl is coming into my life for a reason, so I start following her on social media. @findherfire

One day she made this post about change and how it can be scary, but it’s essential to growth.  So I reached out to her, and I said, “Hey, you’re talking about change; what are the chances that you’re up for changing where you’re working and are open to a conversation.” And she was.  

Here we are now, in 2021, and she’s been a part of our team for 18 months. 

So welcome, Bailey; I’m thrilled to have you here for more than one reason, and I can't wait to get into it with you. 

We all know our industry has forever changed.  Thank you, COVID! But only we, the leaders, the artists, the people behind the chair, are the only ones who feel all the feels. 

I don’t know about you, but I remember a few people saying things like… “No one is going to be rushing to get their hair done when things open back up.” or “I don’t think people are going to be pouring money into their hair and pedicures as they used to.” or  “Are people even going to feel safe to go into the salon?”

I heard all of these comments, and I reassured the “people” who said these things that that wouldn’t be the case. 

I’ve lived life as a stylist through the 2008 economy crash, and I can tell you that it was not the case; in fact, it was my highest year as a commissioned stylist at that time.   

So, thinking back to June when we got the green light to open, I never worried that people wouldn’t want to come in or that our guests wouldn’t feel comfortable.