Eye in the Sky

I have been a salon owner for 16 years now. I make a good living for myself and for my family, but it hasn’t been easy to say the least.

I have a great team. All the way from management, artists to junior artists. I couldn’t do it without them. Although the people change along the journey, the culture will always exists and continue to grow.

When you’re a business owner, there is no 9 to 5. It’s like having a child that needs nurturing and care. It’s a passion and a full time responsibility.

There are so many lessons that I’ve learned from being a stylist and a business man – the two are not the same, but the responsibility for both is equal in effort and time.

Here’s some advice – it’s better to do it in pieces. Short and sweet.

Eye in the sky.

Awareness. You have to be aware of everything that’s going on around you. I have my station at the front of the shop and I’m constantly observing and listening to what is going on around me. It may not the best way to do it. But it’s in me. I care so much about the quality of the guest experience.

You need to make sure that everything runs smoothly, your guests are happy and your brand is constantly growing. I like to lead by example. Show my team how to do it with my own guests to ensure that the culture is repeated and will progress.

Stay on top of the trends.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. The hair industry is fashion – and fashion is always evolving. Pay attention to what is going on in the streets, on the runways, social media and the celebs – stay on top of your game. Remember – you’re selling an image.

Your team has to reflect that image too.

Diversity is one of the things that makes us so interesting. As hairstylists, we need to live and lead in that part, but it has to be authentic and reflective of our brand.

Love what you do.

Every client that comes to your shop is literally a walking billboard. It’s your job to make them look like a model – give them the ultimate experience. If they are happy and feel amazing they will let everyone know.

This industry isn’t easy – you’re on your feet all day, don’t get to eat when you are hungry and you have to be on all the time – it can be exhausting. The energy you give off, is the energy you receive. So, in order to have a long, successful and happy career you need to love what you do.