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
The Salon Industry Business Artist (Book Review)
Eric Mokotoff has created an explosion of ideas and provided the tools to challenge our salon industry to grow beyond mediocracy. By focusing on the client, owners and stylists become one team, striving for the excellence of the experience and finished outcome. He challenges us to drive forward with our passion and use education to grow.
by Staff
July 10, 20112 min to read
The Salon Industry Business Artist
By Eric Charles Mokotoff
Reviewed by Arlene Morian, owner of Being Salon, Shelby Township, Michigan
What is this book about?
Eric Mokotoff has created an explosion of ideas and provided the tools to challenge our salon industry to grow beyond mediocracy. By focusing on the client, owners and stylists become one team, striving for the excellence of the experience and finished outcome. He challenges us to drive forward with our passion and use education to grow.
What did you like about the book?
The book examines every detail of our business in clear direct language providing us our own personal GPS to address the key essentials of success. I was surprised to see the section regarding business plans, as well as finding the right salon for you. As an artist, he reminds me of the need to channel passion into everything I do. So often we are overwhelmed, side tracked in our vision that we stop growing thus the client loses—meaning we start to fail ourselves.
What is one idea from the book that you have implemented in your personal or professional life?
It was nice to see that I was doing many of the things as an owner and stylist. However, the book also reminded me of many areas which need to be addressed, such as building teamwork and fostering the passion in the staff. In our staff meetings, I strive to elicit more input, from our receptionist to our stylists, to maximize the client’s experience. I have tried to create an atmosphere in which we complement each others talents while the client is in the chair, as well as learn from each other to help us all grow.
What was your main takeaway message?
Passion drives me and our business. It is the core element to build around to achieve greatness in everything I do. To quote the author: “This is a great industry which is an art form and culture. This culture demands new standards for both the salon and the salon professional.
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