MENU
SEARCHEveryone needs a credo—a philosophy, words to live by. What are yours? Salon Owner and Blogger Karie Bennett shares hers.
Karie Bennett, stylist, writer and owner of Atelier SalonSpa and Atelier Studio in San Jose, California
Everyone needs a credo. Otherwise known as a belief or a philosophy. The phrase that pays. Words to live by. The tape that plays in our heads when we need to make a decision. The little angel (or devil) on our shoulder.
I'll share my credo with you. Especially if you're a business owner, because you'll need one, and this one hasn't failed me yet. I suggest you print it out and tape it up on your bathroom mirror, where you will see it every day. Here it is:
"SOMETHING IS GOING TO GO WRONG TODAY."
Simple, right? I know, but that's the beauty of it. If it does, you'll be proven right. And, if it doesn't, it's a lucky day, and you might want to go buy a lottery ticket. Seems funny, but if you think about how many people you come into contact with on a daily basis, how many decisions you have to make—both easy and tough—and how many people are affected by what you do, this credo makes sense.
As a business owner, your decisions matter to many people, not just yourself. And, if you're prepared for the less-successful outcome, if you're ready for things to zig when you're planning to zag, or if you ask yourself, "What would the Magic 8-ball say?" you'll have a better chance of being prepared for whatever curveball gets pitched at you
Stay on your toes. Peek around the corner. Plan for A but keep the Plan B loaded, just in case. Never let them see you sweat, or catch you with your pants down. Yep, something's not going to go the way you think it will, but it you had one great idea, you'll probably have another, so act fast, be ready and above all, be flexible.
It's one of the most important qualities a business owner can possess.
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.
