MENU
SEARCHIf you're experiencing issues with team dynamics or noticing a high turnover rate, the problem might not lie with the capabilities of your team but rather the style of leadership they are under.
Dawna Jarvis is a seasoned business and media strategist, specializing in elevating beauty professionals into industry leaders.
In the fast-paced world of salons, where precision and customer service intersect, the unity and dedication of your team are crucial. If you're experiencing issues with team dynamics or noticing a high turnover rate, the problem might not lie with the capabilities of your team but with the style of leadership they are under. Understanding the difference between acting as a mere boss versus being a true leader can significantly impact fostering a committed, loyal team.
In numerous salons, there's often a figure who embodies the traditional idea of a boss--someone who issues orders rather than engages in dialogue, demands obedience over understanding and prioritizes immediate results over the personal and professional development of their team. This boss-centric approach can lead to an environment where doing just enough to get by becomes the standard, personal growth is overlooked and innovation is quashed.
In stark contrast, a leader in the salon environment is someone who uplifts their team, drives them toward excellence and supports them through challenges. A true leader recognizes the unique potential within each team member and cultivates an atmosphere that encourages growth, learning and innovation. They focus on forging strong relationships, promoting open communication and leading by example, showing that success comes from a united effort and mutual respect.
The style of leadership can profoundly affect the atmosphere of a salon. A boss-focused approach may breed a culture of anxiety, where the fear of making mistakes kills creativity and discourages team members from sharing ideas or concerns. This not only damages morale but can also hinder the salon's ability to evolve and stay relevant. Conversely, a leader creates a positive, supportive space that encourages teamwork, creativity and a collective mission.
Transforming from a boss to a leader is a a process that requires self-reflection, commitment and a readiness to change. Begin by engaging more and instructing less, concentrating on the development of your team. Establish clear, attainable objectives, provide the necessary support to achieve them and celebrate your team's victories together. By embracing a leadership style that emphasizes growth, teamwork and respect, you can foster a salon culture that not only attracts but retains top talent.
At the heart of a successful, innovative salon team is the type of leadership guiding it. To build a team that is skilled, loyal and motivated, it's critical to rise as a leader, not just act as a boss. By nurturing an environment where your team feels respected, supported and inspired, you'll unlock their greatest potential and steer your salon toward a future marked by success and innovation. Remember, the journey from boss to leader starts with you. Embrace the change and watch as your salon becomes a symbol of excellence, collaboration and outstanding service.
About the Author:Dawna Jarvis, a seasoned business and media strategist, specializes in elevating beauty professionals into industry leaders. Her expertise in brand enhancement and strategic positioning helps clients stand out and thrive in the competitive beauty market, even without a vast social media presence. To learn more, visit her at www.dawnajarvis.com.
Pagoda, a new AI-native operating system for scheduling, payments, patient records, marketing, and client communications, launches at Skinovatio Medical Spa in Arlington Heights, Illinois.
At a panel discussion hosted by L’Oréal Professionnel in Paris in early July, French Philosopher Sophie Galabru explored the cultural shift where women are increasingly choosing natural, personalized color results over traditional grey coverage. In an exclusive interview with SALON TODAY, Galabru and L’Oréal Professionnel Colorist Pierrick Beringer discuss this shift and how salons and colorists respond.
At Salon Blonde, Director of Operations treats the staff as the salon's most important guests, while her wonderful 'nerdy' side, loves data, systems, and numbers. Find out how she makes Salon Blonde tick.
In an exclusive interview with SALON TODAY, Salon Owner Salvatore Minardi reflects on his past 18 months as Intercoiffure America Canada's World Talent Exchange Ambassador and how his experiences will help encourage cultural and artistic exchange and support greater engagement between ICA and the global organization Intercoiffure Mondial.
Everything you need to know about client retention as a salon owner.
Owner Shelby Bills says her general manager, Sydney Osborne, reminds her of the power of leading with heart. Find out how Osborne became a great leader in our lastest installment of Meet the Manager.
In her latest blog, Kati Whitledge identifies the five stages salon owners go through when a team member leaves the salon unethically, offering advice for each stage.
The beauty and wellness businesses pulling ahead aren’t just working harder—they’re using AI to capture demand, personalize pricing, and convert more of every guest interaction into revenue. Here’s what the benchmark data reveals about the growing gap between AI adopters and everyone else.
Sponsored by Zenoti
Stop chasing recruitment ghosts on generic job boards and start curating an elite team. Discover the framework that top-tier salons use to bypass phone tag, automate visual portfolio vetting, and attract high-earning, culture-first beauty professionals directly through real-time messaging. Turn your recruitment process into an exclusive brand invitation that keeps your highest-ticket chairs permanently filled.
Sponsored by Beautista
Your calendar looks full, but is all of that demand actually converting to revenue? From phantom rebookings to underpriced peak hours, the 2026 Benchmark Report exposes five revenue leaks that most beauty and wellness businesses don’t even know they have.
Sponsored by Zenoti
After moving to Colorado and teaching at a cosmetology school, Allison Stock joined Zandi K as a stylist, eventually becoming part of the Leadership Team, Education Team and Master Bridal Team. Today, as Director of Operation, Stock is Owner Nicki Wenz's right hand, managing human resources and operations, education and career development, and coaching and culture.
In a world dominated by e-commerce, salon owners push back with proven strategies to increase retail sales while motivating team members to educate their clientele and delighting clients with retail-themed events and clever merchandising displays.
The company's Concealed Bead Method is raising the bar for what professional extension education can deliver.
Scott maximized her micro-salon by transitioning from stylist to strategic owner, focusing on recruiting and station-sharing. By prioritizing her ownership role over behind-the-chair work, she grew her team to six stylists within the two-chair, 150-square-foot space before eventually moving to a larger facility.
The former CFO of Perdue Farms and owner of Hardy Seafood, Terry Owens delivers a wealth of wisdom and strategies for entrepreneurs in his new book, "Business is Simple."
After scaling her single-location salon business, SALON TODAY 200 Honoree Amy Pal recently sold her six-location Whip Salon for seven figures. Using the six Ps for maximizing a business's value, she's ready to help her peers do the same.
Buried inside the One Big Beautiful Bill Act are federal solar tax credit changes that deserve your attention now. Two of the credits that matter most to commercial property owners, the Investment Tax Credit and the Production Tax Credit, are still available, but only if you move fast. A third, the Commercial Building Energy Efficiency Deduction, has a hard termination date that is closer than most people realize.
