Salon Management
Growth on Demand
IN ONE MONTH, salon owner Gwenn Lemoine, of Parlor Salon in New York, New York generated approximately $7,000 in revenue from a software and marketing program called Demandforce. “Demandforce gives me hours back in my day—its like I got a whole new marketing team on staff overnight,” she says. “Set up was easy, and the reviews and new customers just keep pouring in.”
How To Let Go of a Client
As part of her ongoing blog series, Owner's Forum, Karie Bennett, owner of Atelier Salon Spa in San Jose, tackles a reader's question about difficult clients.
Marketing: Chreky Promos
THE E-NEWSLETTERS SENT OUT EACH WEEK by Andre Chreky: The Salon Spa in Washington, DC, feature a number of topics—they write about promotions, product launches, trend reports, salon and spa tips...but what really sets them apart from other salons is that they feature “Chreky fans.”
April Musts
If your staff meetings are a little ho-hum, consider shaking them up with a little lively interaction that’s both fun and educational. Consider implementing one of these ideas at your next get-together:
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
Life is Good's Bert Jacobs with Stacey Soble
Bert Jacobs is the co-founder and the chief executive optimist with the Life is Good company. After giving the keynote at Matrix's Imagination 2011 event, Jacobs shared his experiences about growing a company from the ground up and the importance of spreading a message of positivity with SALON TODAY.
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.
Trisha Kemp with Stacey Soble
Trisha Kemp, director of business development, talks about the impact different elements in the water have on your clients' hair, and how a simple salon treatment can help prepare the hair for your salon’s best work, even allowing you to guarantee your work.
by Stacey Soble
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.