How to Be a Better Blogger
A GOOD BLOG not only educates and persuades, it connects readers to your personality and culture. That’s what recent cosmetology graduates and salon ambassadors who are participating in Matrix’s Spread the Love campaign learned at Imagination 2011. Representing every state, 51 salons, which were selected because they embody the Matrix culture and identity, will host the winning recent grads who will travel across the country, blogging and Facebooking about their experiences. To get them started, Alison Shipley, MODERN’s First Chair and Social Media Editor, coached both grads and salon representatives on blogging basics. She did such a great job, we thought we’d spread the know-how ourselves by sharing her top tips with readers:
Architects of Design: A Tale of Two Rivers
TWO RIVERS SPA IN EAGLE, Idaho, opened in 2000 in a 2,000-square-foot space. Two years later, owner Stephanie Baker realized she had quickly outgrown the space and moved to 5,000 square feet and added a salon—becoming Two Rivers Salon and Spa. Fast-forward eight successful years, and add a $750,000 remodel and add another 2,500 square feet, and you have the expansive salon that boasts 15 styling chairs, 10 spa treatment rooms and 16 nail stations, overlooking the surrounding Boise River. Here, Baker points out the important elements of the design.
Perspectives: Signs We Are Emerging From The Recession
We’re all looking for signs that economic times are improving, and service industries are a good bellwether of how confident consumers feel about the state of the economy. This month we asked leaders from the salon industry if they see a light at the end of the tunnel: “What signs do you see that we are emerging from the recession?”
The Ultimate Gift
This past November, SOS took their relationship to a whole new level, when one member, Lisa Cochran, owner of The Studio in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, donated a kidney to Domenic Cicala, owner of O’Hair Salon+Spa with locations in Gaithersburg and Frederick, Maryland.
by Stacey Soble
Grassroots Initiatives: Grow Simple Ideas
Grassroots initiatives grow simple ideas into big impact by inspiring action among your staff, clients and community.
Trend Alert: Feathered Frenzy
From rhinestones to bling strands to fine feathers, the Spring beauty shows were rocking with specialty hair extensions. SALON TODAY wondered if clients are equally excited about the trend, so we asked salons what's hot in their own markets, how they are marketing specialty extensions and how clients are responding. While it seems the pending prom season is driving some interest in a little Spring bling, the majority of the momentum belongs to feathers:
by Stacey Soble
Designed for Emotional Buying Behavior
Companies like CVS and Duane Reade have recognized the potential impact beauty products have on their bottom line and are adjusting their strategic plans accordingly by designing their new locations to gain an even greater market share of the hair and skincare market. In essence, they are coming after your salon business–the beauty industry business.
2010 Market Shipment Results
The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) released the results of its semi-annual Market Shipment Study of the professional hair product category. See the results.
Marketing Lessons from the Grateful Dead (Book Review)
What is the book about? It’s about the marketing genius of The Grateful Dead, and how ahead of the time the band’s concepts and strategies were. The book is based on establishing a fan base and how to utilize it to the fullest. Giving things away for free and letting the fans spread the word. The Dead let people tape their shows for free—they would actually hand out cassette tapes to encourage it, because then the tapes would be passed from person to person, spreading awareness. That is something I really believe in as a small-business owner in NYC and always have. If you have them at hello, you have lifers. Love that!
Dress Code Policies
Implementing a dress code at your salon helps staff radiate professionalism. An immaculate appearance leaves a good first impression, and it promotes confidence in both the client and the stylist.
Service Spotlight: Mama Mio Skincare's Mama's Touch
Carrying a baby is stressful—both mentally and physically. Those nine months may have moms-to- be wanting to check out of reality and into a spa. Mama Mio makes pampering and relaxation possible with their exclusive skin salvation program: Mama Mio Skincare’s Mama’s Touch. Offered at over 300 spas worldwide, the Mama’s Touch includes four different treatments: The Yummy Tummy, Lighten Up, Mellow Mama and 4th Trimester Healing Hour. Out of the four, SALON TODAY investigated the Yummy Tummy service, which helps replenish the hydration, elasticity and omegas that the baby borrows when developing. Where it’s at: Visit mamamio.com to find a spa near you.
Persuade and Influence at ISBN
IF YOU DREAM OF GROWING your salon business in the months and years ahead, then the annual conference of the International SalonSpa Business Network is a can’t miss event. Held at Ritz-Carlton in Amelia Island, FL, May 15-17, the event offers stimulating keynote speakers and panel sessions, invigorating breakout sessions and some of the most powerful networking in the professional beauty industry.
The Light at the Tunnel’s End
FINALLY, THERE’S SOME SOLID EVIDENCE that the economy is recovering for the professional beauty industry. Professional Consultants & Resources, the leading strategic consultant and industry data source in the beauty industry, recently released its 2010 Professional Salon Industry Study, which reports overall salon industry growth at 4.5% and salon hair care growth at 4% in 2010.
by Stacey Soble
PBA Releases FAQs on Keratin Hair Smoothing Products
The wide use of professional-use hair smoothing products containing keratin has sparked varying concerns regarding ingredients and questions around potential safety issues. In response to this industry-wide issue and to help educate and inform the industry.
by Stacey Soble
Following the Yellow Brig Road
It’s not often you see this particularly glowing shade of canary yellow hair on a woman’s head. But women like Brig Van Osten don’t come along very often and become creative role models to a whole industry. Of course, in the beauty industry, you can be anyone you want to be. Brig, as I found out, just wants to inspire others, bake better cupcakes than Betty Crocker and have tons of fun.
Perspectives: Playgrounds for Creativity
In an innovative panel session at America’s Beauty Show March 13, four forward-thinking salon owners will be partnered with consumer beauty editors from Allure, T.C.W. (Today’s Chicago Woman), Marie Claire and Self to define and explore a different client segmentation, during “Smart Thinking, Straight Talk: A Salon and Spa Owner Dialogue,” hosted by ABS and P&G Salon Professional and powered by media partner SALON TODAY. To get the owner participants warmed up for the panel, we invited them to participate in a special version of “Perspectives.” This month, we asked each owner: “As a leader, how do you help your team members stretch their creative muscles, and how do you translate the power of that creativity into new sales for your business?”
The Next Best Thing to Being at ABS
Nothing beats an innovative business class to fuel your future salon growth. Nothing beats an inspirational tradeshow to jumpstart your creative engine. But sometimes attending live just isn't an option.
by Stacey Soble