SALON TODAY's Meet the Manager series celebrates the managers, team leads, and directors in the industry who work to maintain the vision and goals of salons, spas, and barbershops. In today's profile, we meet Sabrina Porter, a manager so strong she’s the reason Owner Christy Vowers purchased Rowdy Hair in Phoenix, Arizona. 

The Manager: Sabrina Porter, Salon Manager

Nominated by: Christy Vowers, owner of Rowdy Hair in Phoenix, Arizona

Date of Hire: September 2009

SALON TODAY: What is Sabrina Porter’s specific background that made you believe she’d be a good fit for your business?

Vowers: “I actually chose to purchase an existing salon because of Sabrina. In 2019, I was approached to purchase the salon that I was renting from. I had already sold a salon and knew how much work was involved as owner and manager. As I assessed this salon, what was different was that the owners had a manager and weren't trying to do both as I had in the past. I had been working with Sabrina for 3 years at this point, and I always admired how she handled situations, managed inventory, prepared payroll and more. This was truly the selling point for me to go ahead and purchase Rowdy Hair. I said if she stays and does what she does, I am in!”

Read about more outstanding managers in our Meet the Manager series. 

ST: What personality traits does Porter exhibit that make her a good manager?

Vowers: “Sabrina is a very personable and approachable person. She does not have a problem with the hard conversations, yet she does it in a way that gets to the point and allows for open discussion. Sabrina is very detailed!!! There is not much that will get past her (i.e. a missing/wrong product order, a ticket closed out wrong, payroll details, etc.) She might take a minute longer to make sure it is done correctly and thoroughly, versus finishing it quickly!!”

ST: How is Porter compensated? 

Vowers: Sabrina is paid a salary, as well as a bonus. Her goals are based on service and retail goals. Our goal for 2025 was 12% over last year. Each month, if the salon hits both goals, she receives a $400 bonus. If just the service goal is reached, she receives $100. If just the retail goal is hit, she receives a $200 bonus. She can help achieve these by watching stylists’ times and charging, closing gaps in-between appointments, offering product sales, as well as helping train the front desk team. This also allows her to coach stylists and associates.”

ST: What are the three most important tasks that Porter takes on at the salon? 

Vowers: Day-to-day operations, including sudden or unexpected events or conversations; inventory, including ordering, entering, delegating, cleaning, and creating displays; payroll; and tracking goals and numbers.”

ST: How often do you meet with Porter, and what do you review together? 

Vowers: “Sabrina and I touch base every day in order to communicate effectively and consistently. This allows me to understand what she is handling and allows her to get new and updated plans from me. Once a week, we have a scheduled meeting for up to two hours. We cover upcoming classes, events, plans, and budgets.”

ST: What types of continuing education do you offer Porter? 

Vowers: “Sabrina and I typically take a trip once a year for three-four days, and we attend some sort of class that is directly geared toward salon owners and managers. We also take classes through Zoom that Davines or our software company offers. The salon hosts a guest artist once a quarter for education, and sometimes that educator applies to management, as well as the front desk team.”

ST: How has this manager helped you grow the business? 

Vowers: “I could not be who I am or do what I do without Sabrina!! She has my back at all times and is always looking for ways to make my life easier and save money. I am so blessed to enjoy working with her professionally and personally. She is truly one of a kind! Never a sick day, and always present. She is beyond dependable, and she works hard day in and day out!”