MENU
SEARCHIn this inspirational blog, Akari's Alan Labos show you how you can bring your vision to life in a manner like the legendary Vidal Sassoon.
“Do not go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." -Ralph Waldo Emerson
No matter where we travel, we usually discover one outstanding salon that stands apart from the rest. Look behind the scenes and you’ll likely find a common denominator: Leaders of these thriving enterprises have created unique identities, or brands, by staying true to their vision.
One of our industry’s greatest visionaries was the great Vidal Sassoon. In the late 1960s he envisioned a way to simplify the art of hairdressing with more modern haircuts that were easier to maintain, wash and wear. Sassoon took his vision one step further by creating a strong training program and powerful team that could carry his brand across many continents, start schools and open new salons. As his brand developed, Sassoon continued his vision by developing professional product lines and styling tools.
Many great visionaries, like Sassoon, have developed teams and brands not for riches or social status, but to make a difference--their visions improved customers’ quality of life, raised the bar or offered clients new experiences.
A vision can be as simple as what defines you, what sets you apart in the execution of your craft, performance, presentation and delivery of a service. Having that clear vision is only the first step toward success. The real journey begins as you bring your vision to life and try to maintain your focus.
Vidal Sassoon
How do you start?
Have a strong understanding of your craft, marketplace and environment.
Stay true to your passion, which will help you endure the most challenging of times.
Remember that when adversity strikes – most often when you least expect it – you can use it as a lesson. Dust yourself off and continue your mission with new vigor.
Learn to differentiate between skeptics and those who want to help but haven’t grasped your vision. Consider who you’ll need to make your vision a reality and how you’ll communicate your business plan.
Consider how much you’re willing to compromise personally and financially to make your vision come to life.
Take small, solid steps, build strong foundations, have a backup plan and invest wisely.
If you’re not willing to give it your all, then rethink your vision.
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
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 salon's can grow with this movement.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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™
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™
Every month you put off fixing the problem, it gets bigger, more expensive, and harder to solve.
Sponsored by Strata Salon Systems™
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.
Expand your color service menu with the Pinstripe technique. Brooks and Brooks' Marlon Hawkins walks you through the technique.
The strongest salons, spas, and med spas know which numbers tell the real story of their business. In this practical guide, Phorest breaks down the five essential KPIs every business should track to improve retention, boost revenue, and make smarter decisions with confidence.
Sponsored by Phorest
At Bella Style Salon in Slidell, Louisiana, Director of Operations Angela Meyer tackles inventory, team management, and guest relations. Read all about her in our latest Meet the Manager.
Starting at Impressions front desk in 2006 when he was 19 years old, General Manager Paul Petrowsky is a seasoned professional who owner Sarah Taylor says is responsible for much of her own success.
Planning is in full swing for the most anticipated events and promotions for the 2026 holidays. As owners share their favorite ways to celebrate, they prove that a carefully planned event can also build culture, increase client loyalty, boost sales, and set a business up for a successful 2027.
When things run amok at Mane Attraction Salon, Owners Chris and Jenny Knudsen say General Manager Sami Hernandez is their go-to resource and ultimate sounding board. Meet Sami in this installment of Meet the Manager.
