You Don't Own a Salon. You Own A Business.
In his latest blog, Leon Alexander Ph.D., challenges industry conventional thinking to help owners add more to their bottom lines.
Spa wins Small Business of the Year
When Faces DaySpa of Hilton Head, South Carolina, captured the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Small Business of the Year Award for the Southeastern United States, Owner Patricia Owen never dreamed it would lead to a trip to Washington D.C. and an opportunity to meet the President. But in mid-October, Owen found herself sharing her spa success story with attendees of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's launch event for its American Free Enterprise, Dream Big program. And a few weeks later, that opportunity led to a trip to the White House and an introduction to President Barack Obama.
July 10, 2011
3 min to read
When Faces DaySpa of Hilton Head, South Carolina, captured the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Small Business of the Year Award for the Southeastern United States, Owner Patricia Owen never dreamed it would lead to a trip to Washington D.C. and an opportunity to meet the President. But in mid-October, Owen found herself sharing her spa success story with attendees of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's launch event for its American Free Enterprise, Dream Big program. And a few weeks later, that opportunity led to a trip to the White House and an introduction to President Barack Obama.
Patricia Owen shares her spa success story at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Dream Big event.
Like many salon and spa owners, Owen took a leap of faith when she and her husband opened their state-of-the-art spa business in the early 1980s. Addressing an unmet need on Hilton Head Island, the retail-centered business thrived. Soon after, a large shopping mall opened nearby with its own department store cosmetics counter, in direct competition with Owen. She was forced to reevaluate and reinvent her business, which she's continued to do over the decades to meet competitive pressures. Today, Faces employs 23 people, doing its part to keep the local economy strong.
"I represent what small business is all about," Owen told attendees. "The U.S. Chamber thought that my story of how I've survived 26 years by making over my business was a good example of free enterprise. Being able to makeover your business when you have to, that's small business in action."
American Free Enterprise, Dream Big is an unprecedented campaign is designed to raise awareness among all Americans about the essential role that free enterprise plays in the success of our country. The U.S. Chamber says it intends to play and important role in the comprehensive, multiyear campaign. Nationwide, the U.S. Chamber estimates 20 million jobs will be needed in the next decade to keep America competitive.
Toward the end of October, Owen found herself in Washington again--this time as an invited guest to the White House Press Briefing Room where President Barack Obama addressed a group of small business owners about his health care reform package.
Owen gets a front row seat at the White House Press Briefing Room.
Owen waits her turn to meet President Barack Obama.
Before Owen's returned to South Carolina, she took a moment to e-mail SALON TODAY a few of her impressions from the day:
"I just wanted to give you an update on yesterday's excitement. When I arrived at the Chamber, before heading to the White House, J.P. Fielder, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's press contact, pulled me aside to tell me that I would be sitting in the center of the front row and could possibly be contacted by reporters afterward. OMG!
"Together we walked a couple of blocks, passed through security and entered the press briefing room at the White House. There were around 100 people there and a dozen or so cameramen.
"After a 20-minute speech, the President went along the front row shaking hands. When he got to the gentleman right before me and shook his hand, he began to move onto me. But the man kept talking, so President Obama and I were in a handshake hold for close to a minute. It was quite a thrill, but almost awkward. Finally, he turned to me and I said something like, 'Thanks for warming up my hand,' and we both laughed. Then I introduced myself, and when I mentioned Faces DaySpa, he said, 'I could probably use your place right now.'"
"As President Obama began to move on, I went on to tell him that we are the Small Business of the Year winner for the Southeast United States. He actually doubled back around to me and said, 'What did you say? Small Business of the entire Southeast US? Really? That is so great, congratulations!"
"Can you believe it? It was such a kick!" said Owen.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
More Salon Management
Are Your Stylists Doing Free Hair on Your Time? Introducing the 'Win-Win' Staff Services Playbook
In her latest blog, Amy Pal helps you develop your own clear guidelines around complimentary free employee services.
Caring for Your Caregivers at the Front Desk
From managing air traffic on busy days to handling frustrated guests' complaints, your front desk team often serves as the salon's emotional shock absorber. From a customer service lesson from the DMV to a list of strategies for caring for your front line, our experts offer ideas for alleviating stress, celebrating wins, and setting goals.
by Stacey Soble
What's Really Happening with Salon Retail and How to Reclaim Your Revenue
According to the KIM Report, top-line salon revenue appears steady or slightly up, but that growth is driven primarily by service price increases. Beneath the surface, retail performance and client visit frequency (appointment drift) are under real pressure. In his latest blog, Alain Audet offers strategies for keeping your salon's retail sales strong.
Trimming Your Tax Bill by Putting Family on the Payroll
Putting your family to work in the salon offers some real tax benefits, but you have you have to play by the rules of the tax code to claim them. Azarvand Tax Law's Leticia Skrabut, Esq., shows you how.
The Art of the WOW Experience
Discover how to create a true “WOW experience” for every client by first building a culture where your team feels engaged, empowered, and inspired. Drawing on Calvin Stovall’s Iconic Framework, this blog explores how salon, spa, and clinic leaders can strengthen culture, elevate customer experience, and build a business that stands out for the long term.
Sponsored by Phorest Salon Software
Why Wellness Belongs on Your Salon's Growth Plan
The wellness industry is growing fast, and salons and barbershops already are an important part of it. In her first blog, Tracy Rado shares where the wellness dollars are heading, and how salons can grow with this movement.
Why Your Revenue Looks Good But Your Business Feels Stressed and What to Do About It
While salon sales are increasing, owners often feel they're working harder for the same or less profit. Leverage Q2 data from The KIM Report, Alain Audet reveals some of the structural changes that are dampening your growth and why your region and your salon size matters.
Why Your Holiday Season is Won in September
Weaknesses in your business are amplified during the Holiday Season. Spark Pro Global's Lucy Randall shows you five things to do now to have the strongest holiday season yet.
Appearance Standards are the New Dress Code
In Kati Whitledge's latest blog, she shares how salons have moved away from dress codes and embraced appearance standards. But by removing strict dress codes, some businesses may have unintentionally lowered their appearance standards. Whitledge helps you explain to your team why an appearance standard is important and how to smoothly implement a new appearance policy.
Working Through the Gray Areas of the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit
The Small Business Health Care Tax Credit is a non-refundable tax credit for for-profit businesses that provides a financial incentive for eligible employers who offer health insurance coverage to their employees. Leticia Skrabut, Esq., walks you through how to claim that credit.
5 Things Every New Stylist Should Learn Early
Developing strong work habits early in one's career supports long-term success in the salon industry. Jesse Linares offers new stylists his top five tips.
The Four Numbers Every Salon Owner Should Know
Most salon owners have no idea what these numbers are. You can hit record sales and still have a profit problem. The difference comes down to four numbers almost nobody was taught to track.
Sponsored by Strata Salon Systems™
Your Salon Can't Survive Without You. That's the Problem.
A five-area audit every owner-dependent salon needs to run. You built something that looks successful. Now find out if it can survive without you.
Sponsored by Strata Salon Systems™
Waiting for the Right Time Is a Decision. Here's What It's Costing You.
Every month you put off fixing the problem, it gets bigger, more expensive, and harder to solve.
Sponsored by Strata Salon Systems™
A Partner in Business and in Life
At Janet St. Paul Studio for Hair and Beauty, Director of Operations Natasha McMillen helps bring her wife Janet St. Paul's vision to life, elevating every system from education to operations.
by Stacey Soble
Back to Business with the Pinstripe Trend
Expand your color service menu with the Pinstripe technique. Brooks and Brooks' Marlon Hawkins walks you through the technique.
by Stacey Soble