Creating Community in a Commissioned-Based Salon

Rachelle Yarnell is the proud owner of 4 salons, The Studio – a Paul Mitchell Focus Salon, Facet Salon and Day Spa, The Studio Salon Downtown and Studio 3 Salon & Spa, the latter which was opened during the pandemic.  With most of her staff being commissioned-based, she focuses on three things to create a positive team environment in all of the locations.

1. Community – Regular meetings are held where staff share ideas, brainstorm challenges and successes, and strategize education and how to give back.  When members on a team feel comfortable enough to contribute and get to know one another on another level, they respect each other more and work together better.
2. Goals – Each team member meets individually with Yarnell to set short and long-term goals.  By knowing each person’s needs and devising strategies for growth, the value of the entire team is enriched and creates a positive work environment.
3. Uniformity – Styling stations are standardized, with staff working at multiple locations, it’s important to have consistency.  The Freestylist Support System at each station creates uniformity and an added benefit for the stylists. With some being younger and not able to afford professional tools, the Freestylist builds confidence and puts everyone on the same playing field.

Yarnell says there is an initial investment with the system and a transition period for learning how to use it, but within a week stylists really notice how much easier and faster is makes finishing hair.  “When you pull it down it automatically turns on and turns off when you let it go.  It’s not the actual dryer, they can be switched out, it’s the body positioning that makes it so efficient – there’s less movement so you’re working smarter, not harder,” adds Yarnell who claims the life expectancy of her dryers are doubled with the system due to less dropping and abuse.

“Our guest experience is the focal point of all we do, we strive every day to provide unparalleled service and I find that when you create a sense of openness and inclusion with your team, especially when they are commissioned stylists, it’s reflected in your work,” she adds.

About Freestyle Systems: Freestyle Systems is a leading technology provider of patented health-conscious solutions for salons and spas.  Their products elevate décor, aesthetics and function, as well as provide solutions to problems that can threaten stylists’ careers.  The Freestylist Support System is the world's first and only weightless blow drying system.  Thousands of stylists rely on it to reduce repetitive stress injuries, eliminate cord tangles and optimize blow drying efficiency for longer healthier careers.  See it in action!  Learn more on freestylesystems.com,