Continuing Education for Suite Success

“We are living through the most innovative times for our industry, now more than ever! Educators have really made learning so accessible with live webinars and modules available 24/7 from the comfort of your devices.”

Life is the greatest professor of them all, especially this last year. Many salon professionals and students have experienced the toughest challenges just to stay in the beauty business. Now that the torrential current of the pandemic is starting to calm a bit and we are beginning to stand on firmer ground, we can finally begin to look around and evaluate what worked, what didn’t … so, now what? 

“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity” – Seneca

We are living through the most innovative times for our industry, now more than ever! Educators have really made learning so accessible with live webinars and modules available 24/7 from the comfort of your devices. Whether you are looking to learn a new service technique or updating your current marketing, keeping your intellectual tools sharp will prepare you for opportunities you may not know are coming to you.

Are you ready for your next chapter? Here are a few key points of reflection to make sure you and your salon suite are prepared and thriving.

• Business Forethought –There are many powerfully charged characteristics an entrepreneur possesses, one of which is being a risk taker. This is key when taking that leap of faith to becoming a business owner. However, many salon professionals may get confused as to where to go for beauty business planning and strategies.

There are many business resources available through our industry publications, event pages and forums but have you considered going outside of our industry for additional business education? Many suite renters fail to get educated on being a salon entrepreneur and just focus on being the service provider. To be successful as a suite renter, you need to wear both hats. Courses like time management, marketing, and business accounting are some that will help get you focused on your salon business instead of only in your salon business.

 

• Branding Renaissance – Feeling like your brand is not what you wanted it to be? In other words, are you happy with who you are professionally and what your company represents? Many times, we find ourselves reacting with the demands of our clients, our families, the world… but how do you really want the world to see you? There is no better time than now to define you and reinvent your brand. 

 

Here is one of many great writing exercises I like to use for coaching my salon owners in clarifying what they want their brand to be — and how to create with the reflective model. Let’s start by getting a sheet of paper, pen, and asking yourself … 

1. “What was I trying to achieve?”  Some examples may be like being a luxury, lash extensions expert or a celebrity barber.  If you are not clear on what your vision is for your brand, then ask yourself…
2.  “So, what kept me from achieving that?”  Dig deep and list not only what others may have done but also what you did to contribute to not achieving your goal.  Next, ask yourself …
3. “Now, what do I need to do to make it happen?”  Get resourceful here. If you don’t know how to make it happen, find a mentor or a class online to help guide you towards creating your ultimate brand. 

 

• Rally the Clients! –  What are the hottest trends in hair, nails, and skincare? This is what your clients expect you to know as a beauty professional. Our industry thrives on being aligned with current fashion, celebrity influence and product endorsements. Clients of all kinds get excited when you are excited. Now, many brand companies, advanced workshops, and celebrity salon professionals offer tutorials with kits along with live-video mentoring to certify you in almost any specialty for all budgets. 

 

Keep your creativity alive, your salon suite thriving and have your clients wanting more! 

Rosey Ibarra, is a celebrity stylist, American Board Certified Haircolorist, multiple salon owner, CA realtor, and the CEO/Founder of Social Salon Suites in Glendale, CA. As a salon industry veteran and business entrepreneur for over 28 years, Rosey is a strong advocate and passionate spokesperson on behalf of her peers. Inspired by her own profitable experience as a salon suites business leader, Rosey is dedicated to sharing her path to success to help others through education and advocacy. Her newest entrepreneurial endeavor, The Rosey Ibarra Co., is her direct way of guiding and reaching out to salon owners and stylists to ‘level up’ from business status quo to ‘find their own suite spot of salon owner success’. For more suite business and coaching information you can reach her at [email protected]