Magazine for the professional nail industry.
Issue link: http://nailsmag.epubxp.com/i/97567
Veteran Tech: Ami McClure & Traci Dungan Salon Name: ProFiles, Cape Coral, Fla. Years in Business: 16 Number of nail techs/employees at salon: 18 Interviewed by: Karyn Q: What is the secret to keeping your salon open so long? A: It's all about the staff! Keep your staff happy and they will keep the clients coming back. Q: Can you give at least three secrets to success for a long-term salon? A: 1. Keep your staff happy. 2. Create a healthy and encouraging work environment. 3. Be a present salon owner. Q: Do you have any advice for new techs beginning their career? A: If you are opening a salon, you can't do it all! It's been hard to learn to delegate, but your chances of a happier, longer career in this industry will be greater with a good business partner. For nail techs: Keep up on trends, go to shows, attend classes, and find a way to make yourself different and then market your differences. There are nail shops in every plaza in every city. What are you going to do to stand out? Veteran Tech: LaShaun Brown-Glenn Salon Name: Nails Naturally Hand and Foot Spa, Chicago Years in Business: 24 Number of nail techs/employees at the salon: 4 Interviewed by: Karyn Q: What is the secret to keeping your salon open so long? A: I nurture my business and I am never satisfied. I always want to make it better. I have always wanted my staff to truly feel like a part of the business; we are all responsible for the success of it. I include my staff in most decisions, including the new-hire interview process. It is my goal to provide a great guest experience, a meticulous service, educate the guest on service and products, and build relationships. Twenty-four years later, we still ask our guests, "Are you pleased with your service today?" We never forget to thank them for another chance to service them. After all, they pass a million salons to get to us and they should know that we appreciate them. Q: Can you give at least three secrets to success for a long-term salon? 162 | NAILS MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013 A: 1. Be a good leader. You must lead by example and be willing to do more than everyone else. Also, push your staff to be in the top of their field and support them as they grow and maybe open their own business one day. It should make you proud, as it is a reflection of you. 2. Communication is key. Have an open door policy and build trust with your staff. Do not have a "my way or the highway" mentality. Share your vision for your business with your staff and get a commitment from them to live the vision. 3. Affirm and reward. Always tell your staff what they are doing well. Keep them excited, motivated, and looking forward to coming to your (their) place of business each day. 4. Schedule an appointment at other salons in your area that are your true competition and compare the experience. Be honest about your visit. Talk about what was good and what needed improvement as well as areas that you are willing to improve on. 5. Share with your staff your growing pains and always come from a place of honesty. Don't reinvent the wheel; people are already running their businesses successfully. Find a model you like and make it your own. Q: Do you have any advice for new techs beginning their career? A: Do not open your business without a plan. There is a quote that states, "People don't plan to fail, they just fail to plan." If you are going to be successful in your business you have to set goals and have a plan of action. Have a vision for your business and see the outcome in your mind. Write down what you want your business to look like and the type of guests that you want to service. Know that you are in business for yourself even if you work in someone else's salon. You are responsible for the success of that eight square feet that you work in. Always look for opportunities to cross-market with other businesses within a mile radius of your location.