If you’re like me, your birthday IS a holiday! I always want to feel special, and I always appreciate the special ways in which I am recognized on my big day. One of the first places I look when planning birthday festivities is in my inbox! Every...

Shearious Question: Are “Quick” or “Express” Services Worth My Time? Some of my salon friends have suggested I create a quick or express menu with shortened versions of my most popular services (I.e. a blowout.) I’m concerned...

Coaching on platforms and in salons across America, one of the things I hear barbers stress about most is time management, but more specifically, service time management. The worry comes with good reason too: how can one manage to host the same service...

Shearious Question: Should I answer my phone on my days off? I’m a booth renter and list my cell phone number on my business cards for clients to make appointments. Lately, I’ve been getting a ton of phone calls on my day off. Do I answer...

Whether you work in a salon or a spa, great consultations are the biggest key to success; after all, the consultation is what creates our client action plan. Consultations are a window into our clients' thoughts. Our guests can see what they want...

Have you ever had a client who seemingly out of the blue (or after a big life event: divorce, engagement, pregnancy, new job) wanted an extreme makeover that seemed out of character for them? Here's how to tackle these delicate situations. ...

It's often said that it costs more money to gain a new client then it does to retain a current one. Let’s face: most of us dread the work that it takes to gain a client. Tell a newbie hairdresser or esthy to go meet 5 new people and give them...

SITUATION: I've been in the salon industry for about 3 years now. I've worked in a few salons and learned a lot. Started off assisting, handing foils, end wraps, shampooing, blow drying etc. Now 2 years after my one year of assisting, I'm...

SITUATION: I have a client that only makes last minute “stress” appointments. She’ll call a few minutes before she wants to come and asks me to squeeze her in for an appointment. SITUATION REVIEW : Customers wanting to book a last...

A question I get often when teaching is how to do more creatively fulfilling work. Spend just a few seconds on my Instagram and you might be under the impression that every single client in my chair gets micro bangs and short bobs. But that couldn't...

Most of my life I've been pretty introverted. My default is still set to being quite reserved; I’m more of a people watcher than a social butterfly. But I knew that if I wanted to make an impact in my career I needed to learn the soft skills...

SITUATION: What’s the best way to handle clients after you have called in sick and have to cancel their appointments? SITUATION REVIEW: No one likes to get sick, but your clients really don't like it. Often clients have their appointments...

SITUATION: I’m fairly new in my career as a stylist, I have been told it’s a good idea to send Thank You notes to my new customers. Is this something I should consider? SITUATION REVIEW: Whether you are new to the industry or a seasoned...

When you do something every day, habits inevitably are going to be formed. Some will be good and some are going to be hard to break. 1. Skipping the consultation: We know that we talk about the consultation ...A LOT, but that's because it's...

How does one determine their greatest competition? Some would say it’s the salon or barbershop next door while others would tell you with the level of service they offer, they don’t have competitors. Although it’s a good idea to see...

SITUATION: I received my first client complaint call and I’m hurt and ticked off. First, the client complained about her color and she also threw in that she doesn’t come to a salon to listen to everyone’s drama. I’m hurt because...

A few days ago one of my favorite clients came in to see me. You know when you look at your schedule for the day, you see that one person and cannot wait for them to arrive? That's this person. The visit started like most. My client, we'll call...