'Hair School'

Providing Services From Your Home

2023-06-19T16:16:00.000-05:00

Sometimes it's just best to stay home in more ways than one. Your work life can be one reason to stay home. Sometimes it's just easier to work from home.

Working from home can be just as or more rewarding than leaving home and working in another establishment for many reasons.

For me, I simply did not want to deal with no one else's foolishness. NOBODY'S.

Moving my business into my home was the easy part, attracting the right client base was not so easy. Using the experience I have in operating out of my home and building a wonderful client base, I put together a small ebook/guide on attracting clients to your in home business.

How To Attract Clients To Your In Home Business

It's available for only $5 and I hope it gives you 'something' to use in attracting clients.

Leave A Deposit/Pay A Fee Policy(?)

2022-02-20T17:43:00.000-06:00

Hey Y'all!

Happy 2022 and let's get right into the subject of this post.

What about all these LEAVE A DEPOSIT policies a lot of pro's are using.

Oh, I get it...

The deposit for a no-show is to secure funds in place of a missing client.

The late fee 'deposit' is for detering those who show up late.

Yes, I get it but to a degree, I don't agree.

In a previous post I talked about how the early-bird-catches-the-worm. It's still true to this day. Book your well established or 'ideal' clients FIRST, and book your clients who have history of running late next, then those with history of no-shows LAST, if at all.

That way, you're already paid by your well established and you now have options for the rest of your work day.

By options I mean you can choose to service, or not service any remaining clients. The method I use for those who run late is after 15 minutes late, you MUST reschedule. For those with history of no-shows, I simply will not schedule them, BUT IF I DO I will require 50% deposit of the service UPFRONT at booking time.

In my opinion, deposit policies can become a turnoff to clients. Put yourself into a clients shoes, especially a client that has had to wait on YOU to arrive on time or be finished with the prior client on time. Do you think it's fair to throw a deposit or fee policy in their face?

What about your well established client who for the first time is running a few minutes late? Don't you think that they deserve a 'pass'?

What if a well established client is running DRAMATICALLY late or is a no-show? In my experience, when this happens there must be something serious going on. The last thing you should hit them with on their next appointment is a deposit or late fee policy. As a matter of fact, I think it's of poor taste to do so.

Another thing, the way you advise your clients of these policies and fees mean a lot. Please be courteous and pleasant because clients will read you as if they mean NOTHING but a dollar bill to them and right then, you've lost them.

I know we as professionals have to have standards in place so that clients won't run all over us, but please be as welcoming as you possibly can. Keep in mind that there are new professionals arriving on the scene everyday and a 'tired of ALL of your policies' client will try them just to get a welcomed feel from the professional.

Thanks for reading and I'll be posting Sunday and Tuesday every week... it's been a long time.

Run Your Entire Business POS

Being OVER Clients In 2021

2021-04-18T16:11:00.002-05:00

I dont know about you all, but at this point im tired. I still work in the salon but have now found myself OVER the foolery. Lets discuss foolery.. Take for instance, clients who have history 'playing around' with appointments, or those who only come once a year, etc. I've been in this way too long to wait and hope someone shows up for their appointment or even on time. Watch my video on how i really feel about clients like this Dont forget to follow me

Ramp-Up Your Service Tickets

2019-05-30T08:05:00.001-05:00

If you are still growing your client base and feel you are not making enough money, this may be a solution.

It's a simple solution that I teach students to be equipped for their first day as a new stylist.

WAX.

Yes, you read that correctly. Wax.

Just sit a wax pot at your station and offer brow, lip, chin waxing and watch your sales grow.

You don't need to purchase hundreds of dollars of supplies, just a wax pot, wax, strips to get started.

Brow waxing adds an additional $10-$20. Full face waxing can add an additional $35 to each ticket.

So turn your four clients into ten clients everyday. Then repeat.

I hope this is a solution for someone reading this. If you try this, let me know how it works for you.

Sheila

Solutions For Those In Need

2019-05-30T07:44:00.002-05:00

Hi there!
We were talking at the salon about community service. We are pondering over ideas that would enable us to be useful to those in need.
We all agree that just sharing some simple information would be a great start. So we are sharing how everyone could enjoy Amazon Prime.
As we say in the salon, 'Amazon is a trap' which is true for a lot of people, but with so many stores closing, Amazon may be a way of life.
I urge anyone who qualifies for the Amazon Prime link in this post to please try it. This could be a solution for those with mobility issues, etc. Also, be sure to check out their 'dash' buttons. Dash buttons allow you to instant order items when running low (detergent, etc.).
Just wanted to share.
From us to you, have a great day.

If you know of anyone who could benefit from this info, please share. Lets look out for one another.
Sheila

Know When To Make Your Move

2018-05-14T21:56:00.000-05:00

How long have you been waiting for your ship to sail in?
Is it getting close OR did you already miss it?
Sometimes you have to be your own captain and just steer your own boat.
But again, fear is the number one deterrent when it comes to doing your own thing.
Let's say you already do your own thing, ask yourself is it good enough OR is there room for improvement.
Today I came to the conclusion that I would take a BIG STEP and make a bigger move onto something I have been thinking about doing for the longest. I will be very honest and tell you my detterent was what I thought others would think.
I am ready, I am qualified and I AM doing it no matter what.
I have a wealth of information to share with others and there's no time like the present!
Grab the wheel to your ship and cruise that baby in the direction of just do it!
Stop second thoughts in their tracks and conquer your fear.
What are we afraid of, success? That's what I had to ask myself, now it's your turn.
Be blessed,
Ms. Sheila

Position Yourself

2017-07-23T00:01:00.001-05:00

Since I opened my new salon, there has been a lot of walk-ins and calls coming in.
The best thing is that I am always there to take in the walk-ins and to answer calls (yes, I have a landline at the shop!).
Through conversations with these clients I've learned that either their regular stylists are no where to be found on appointment day, they can't get in touch with them to book an appointment, or they can't find a stylist when they look online. What a shame!
There are several stylists and salons in our town but hardly any of them have an online presence other than basic social media.
I tried to put a page together on FB but it just turned into 'just looking' instead of full-on participation. So, that led me to reach out to those who truly want to build their business as I have and still am.
I started out on YT with my home salon video series which led to many questions, comments and emails all wanting advice on how to grow.
I went from my home salon to my own salon in just a few years with no looking back.
I use my own advice and continue to grow to this day.
I will be back next week to give a free training.
Until then,
Sheila

My NEW Salon!!!

2016-05-29T22:00:00.001-05:00

Hello!
I've been away for a while and I'm no longer in my home salon.
I moved into a HUGE storefront salon that I am so grateful for and absolutely in love with.
It's been hard and tough work but we'll worth it.
I followed my own instructions and it paid off big time. I want to help you make it to the next level too.
Stay tuned, I have a lot of info for you.

Technology

2015-04-19T19:40:00.001-05:00

Where does technology fit in the salon?

EVERYWHERE!

As I recently told a client, "I run my whole business with my smartphone."

How could I not??

I look at the two older stylists in the salon with ALL of their somewhat readable handwritten notes, signs and post-its, and phone books all over the place and I shake my head (smh).

My appointment book, cashiering, ordering, formulating, calls, messages, accounting, education, Bill pays and invoicing, etc. is all in one place.

The latest thing I taught was stopping/curbing clients from leaving without paying. Some stylists have heard of clients needing to run out to their cars or to the ATM to get money to pay for their services.

My suggestion was to use PayPal's invoicing to request a deposit/down payment. Make sure it's non-refundable just in case the client does not show up for their appointment, at least you'll reap some monetary amount for the time you set aside for that client.

I hope this post is helpful...comment and let me know if so.😊

Feeling Intimidated At Your Salon Job?

2015-01-13T08:09:00.000-06:00

I use to go to my first salon job feeling very intimidated by other stylists who had a shop full of clients waiting on them. One stylist would even ask me 'aren't you busy today' as to rub it in my face that I only had one client for the day.
As time went on, the pressure eased up as I slowly learned and teach to this day that everyone has their own spot in the salon. While someone may be good at color, another may be good at cuts and so on. The key is to find your 'groove' and get in it.
Nine times out of ten (as in my situation) the intimidator intimidates to keep you powerless because they have a fear of YOU, and or your skill set.
So stop being afraid of the salons big-bad-wolves and do your very best work at all times.
If there's something you feel you're truly not good at and you want to be, educate educate educate!
Have a great day all!

Is Your Salon Business Slow?

2014-10-20T20:51:00.002-05:00

Well there is hope... Retail sales!

The common rule-of-thumb for salon owners and booth renters is to pay your rent/lease/mortgage with retail dollars and not from service dollars.
The tricky part may be finding which retail products sell the best. I do not suggest going out and purchasing several lines of product, just a few. You can even use social media to ask the public and sum up which products to carry and sell.

Whichever products you decide to sell...study them and get to know how they work. Do your research and know your stuff!

Don't Stop!

2014-05-20T16:12:00.001-05:00

I don't even know where to start (again).
I've been working out of my home salon, a salon in the suburbs, and a local salon. Trying to get out there, and it's working.
I'm full to capacity for my home salon and no longer accept new clients.
The salon in the suburbs is a no-go due to the seasoned stylists who work there don't play fair (so NEVER have your clients contact you using the salons #, give them yours!) and feeling 'skillfully-threatened' (educate yourself, stay on top). Plus it was kind of run-down and not for me.
The local salon is not the prettiest salon I've been in but can be cleaned up. The catch is there are two ladies there either in or close to 80 years in age. I don't want to change too much because they're fussy 2.0!
My message is that no matter which salon I'm in, I'm booked. How? I've told you before, ADVERTISE ADVERTISE ADVERTISE!
Flyers, poster, business cards, social media, text messaging. Use it to your advantage.
Today is Tuesday, on Sunday night I sent out a text message to clients offering special pricing this week only. I'm booked solid!
You can't hand out a few business cards and call it quits. You can't post a single post about your business then turn and walk away. You HAVE TO BE persistent. I never stop. I post watermarked photos of my work, I post snippets of hair care techniques, I post offers. I post posters and fliers, and hand out my business cards everywhere I go.
One month of being persistent in advertising will show a big difference in your schedule.

- Created with iPad 2

It's been a while...

2013-11-19T22:59:00.001-06:00

Hey All!
It's been SUCH A LONG TIME since my last post. I've been busy being busy.
First, let me tell you that I got a chair in a salon closer to the Chicago area but all my clients like coming to my home salon.
They like the privacy and the one-on-one experience they get.
I also love it. Like I said before, I call my own shots, no annoying chatter from other stylists and their clients. Priceless.
My new thing in my home salon is using an iTunes app iHeart Radio and Pandora.
On Pandora I set up a relaxing spa channel for when I do lashes, brows, and facials.
On iHeart Radio I tune into my favorite Chicagoland station V103 for the old school R&B music...grown folks.
Create a welcoming surrounding for your clients and watch the referrals roll in!

- Created with iPad 2

Seriously...

2013-04-14T22:04:00.005-05:00

I ran into a young stylist only a year out of school who is now going to school to become a Certified Nurses Assistant. Hmmm....

I went right in and asked her why don't you just work in the salon? These were her responses;
- The salon I'm in is not that busy
- Don't too many people know about me
- It's hard for me to find clients

Really?
I live in the middle of Timbuktu and clients find me before I find them. Oh my goodness!
It's true, people enroll into beauty school thinking they're going to go BIG overnight, NOT!
I'll say it again, it takes up to 4 years to build a steady clientele that won't fall into your lap. So what has she been doing for the last year?

I asked her for a business card and guess what....she doesn't have any.
Furthermore, just because the salon isn't busy doesn't mean that she can't be. GONE is the day of the salon doing everything in its power to land you clients, now days you have to bring clients with you.

I just don't know what this yois thinking.. get off your butt and get busy!

Home Salon Business Cards

2013-03-08T21:45:00.000-06:00

Hello!
I often shop between two sites for my business cards, Vistaprint and Overnite Prints. Both of them are pretty good print shops and helpful in helping you build your brand.
With Vistaprint you have to constantly comb thru your email to see when they send out a sales alert. In 7 years, I've never paid full price for anything from them. I use Overnite Prints when I want the finest. They give you an option of rounded corners for your business cards and they offer mini business cards.
If you scroll thru Vistaprint's salon/beauty templates you'll more than likely see a design or two that you've seen on someones card already. So why be the same? Especially when they offer free uploads.
I take full advantage of free uploads to show-off my work.
Why show-off? Potential clients who are teetering the thought of entering someones home salon have to be 'sold' 100% or else they can go to the actual salon and get the same service.
By uploading pics of your work, you're showing the potential client what they're buying into. Sure, you can put HAIR BY SHEILA 213-xxx-xxxx on a business card but how many clients do you really think that will land you?

Pictured above is the front of my current business card. I used an app 'PicJointer' to combine the three individual photo's into one photo and uploaded it for a card design.

This lets all potential clients aware of my work.

I recently came up with another design with a twist. I uploaded a pic of my own work and on the back I put an offer of discount hair addition services at a set price. I included the instruction for anyone who wants to take advantage of the special price to text a code that's included on the card to my secondary phone number (provided by app Text Plus Calls). When they send the code thru the text, I immediately will start their booking process.

These cards will be dropped off at church's, schools, restaurants, etc. I also purposely left the expiration blank so I can stamp in dates in batches. For example, I'll stamp up to 50 cards June 30th of this year so I want get swamped with 250 clients in a short period of time. I'll be able to accommodate everyone and set out my next batch, and so forth.

Again, when it comes to running an in home salon or spa, you have to be extra creative with your advertising.

Remember to always use pics of your own work. The worst thing you can do next to posting someone else's work is posting pics of celebrities. Even if you're using a product they're promoting, it's still easier to use that product on one of your own clients and posting a pic of the results.

I hope something in this entry will be helpful to someone. Please don't hesitate to comment your thoughts.

Take care!

Hair Color Developers

2013-02-14T19:46:00.000-06:00

This week on my Facebook page I've been teaching all about developers.
Most of you already know what developers do but some of you may need additional help.
Developers come in various strengths, usually 10, 20, 30 and 40 volumes.
Also known as 3%, 6%, 9% and 12%.
With 10 volume and 3% providing maximum deposit with little to no lift, and 40 volume providing maximum lift with little to no deposit.
For the remainder of this post I will talk about how to be cost effective with developers and in my next post I will go into more detail on how each volume works.
DID YOU KNOW:
That 40 volume is the only volume you'll ever need to buy? Why? Because you can break-it-down or 'cut' it to be any volume.
What do you cut it with, 0-volume? I thought we were being cost effective?
What? You thought 0-volume was for even more deposit? NO, 0-volume is specially made to dilute developers. BUT we are being cost effective so we won't purchase anything other than the 40 volume developer.
Did you know that if you combined 40 volume developer with an equal amount of DISTILLED WATER you will make 20 volume? How cost effective is that?

Let's say you need 4ozs of developer to mix with your color formula and all you had was 40 volume in your dispensary, this is what you will need to do to make the volume you need:

1oz 40vol + 3oz distilled water = 4oz 10 volume developer

2oz 40vol + 2oz distilled water = 4oz 20 volume developer

3oz 40vol + 1oz distilled water = 4oz 30 volume developer

If 4 ounces is too much, try measuring in grams. I like to use 20 grams as a standard.

5gr 40vol + 15gr distilled water = 20 gr. 10 volume developer

10gr 40vol + 10gr distilled water = 20 gr. 20 volume developer

15gr 40vol + 5gr distilled water = 20 gr. 30 volume developer

Be the knowledgeable stylist. While others will panic when they realize they don't have their desired developer on hand, you will be able to break down your developers with ease.

Just so you'll know, equal portions of 20 volume and distilled water makes 10 volume. You can even create a 5 volume from 20.

Be creative, and know your stuff!

Doing Your Best Work Possible

2013-02-14T19:07:00.001-06:00

Being an at-home stylists has its perks.
You get to set your own schedule and pretty much work when you want.
One of the toughest things to do is attract clients to you and keep them coming back. Hence the title to this entry, by doing your best work possible.
I absolutely love going into my salon, and so far my clients do too.
I have a formula that keeps them coming back:
First, I present myself as professional as possible. I'll tell you I once went to someone else's in-home salon and I was dumbfounded by how many times she had to stop doing my hair and sell ice-cups and polish sausages to the neighborhood children. That is not what I picture as professional.
I MAKE SURE there aren't any disturbances when my client is in my chair. I might add that I don't have any children at home but if you do, that may be an avenue for you to attract clients with children who can play with your children while they get their hair done.
I don't cut any corners on procedures and I try to do a professional finish each and every time.
I find it's easy to kind of explain to your client what you're doing and why. They love it and they begin to trust you more.

A nice, clean and polished finish is worth its weight.
If you do crappy work, you'll struggle.
Take care!

Benefits Of An In-Home Salon or Spa

2013-01-17T15:17:00.000-06:00

I've been there, looking for the right salon to work in can be a never ending saga.
My solution, why bother? Especially when there's a spare room or space in your home.
I know some of you are mentally bombarded with why this won't work for you, but to your surprise it will.

Let's start with space.
You don't need much. My cousin used an empty hall closet as her salon and we loved it!
One of my youtube followers told me she's creating a salon in her garage. She lives in California and could certainly get away with it. I've seen an in-garage salon before (while in California) and I thought it was the neatest, coolest thing EVER!
I've seen laundry rooms doubled as salons. So when you think it won't work for you..think again.

Negative thought #1.
The almighty shampoo bowl, you don't have one.
Well it's not the end of the world, it just means you will have to be more resourceful.
At Sally's you can purchase a shampoo tray.
You sit it in your sink and your client sits in a chair placed in front of the sink. You can purchase a hose or use your hose to your sink. There you have it, a shampoo station.
Does it work? Heck yes it works!
I used mine for about 3 years with a resin lawn chair. It worked very well, even my clients were shocked.
I will never get rid of it due to my salon being downstairs and having a handful of elderly clients who cannot make the flight of stairs. I simply put the shampoo tray in my sink and I'm off and running!

Negative thought #2.
I need a paycheck... Wow, really?
Listen to this, NO ONE can pay you like YOU. You know how much your mortgage is, you know you want to plan a vacation or pay a little extra towards a bill. WHO is looking out for you in the salon? It's certainly NOT the attitude-filled receptionist and god forbid if she's popular with one stylist and not you. You'd be lucky to get A client at all!
In your own in-home salon you're responsible for all of your advertising and scheduling. You know what your wants and needs are, and there's no one to share any potential clients with.
You can make as much or little as you want and not have to always do the mental-math of splitting commissions. It's all yours!
I remember when I started at a well known chain-salon, sometimes I had checks as little as $225. Absolutely NOT acceptable.
Then I went on to a bigger more professional corporate salon and was making anywhere from $800-$1200 a week. Sounds nice huh? The downside was giving the salon 50%a or half of what I worked so hard for. I can still see the salon manager watching me check-out my clients with a twinkle in her eyes. What was the twinkle about? It was because she got a very nice bonus when I worked my butt off (no fair).
So now when I make $800, I make $800.

Negative thought #3.
I need the security. What security?
Back in the day maybe there was security but now days you either have to work 18 months to prove yourself or the benefits/security isn't worth it.
Secure yourself! There are discount medical and dental programs that I've found were less of a hassle than traditional medical insurance. For dental and vision, I use Careington. It's a discount dental plan, not insurance. With insurance, you can only spend your allotted amount which is usually around $1500 in one year. That's one tooth.
With a discount dental plan the sky is the limit as you pay discount prices upfront for any work needed and I might add the discounts are quite attractive.
For medical I go to our local community clinic. I feel I have worked all these years, I'm a law abiding citizen and I deserve the use of these services. These places are stocked with medical doctors and specialists who only charge a fraction of what a regular clinic charges. I paid $60 for a complete physical, that's a steal!

Negative thought #4.
I would like to retire someday.
Why can't you? If you have or can get a bank account, you can retire!
There's this story of an old African American woman in Mississippi who ironed clothes in her home for a living. She never had a bank account because she didn't trust it.
When she died, her family was instructed to look inside her mattress and there they found well over $300,000 that she had been saving over the years.
How's that for retiring?

Last but not least, negative thought #5.
I have no clients.
Only because you don't want any. If you want them, get out there and hand out business cards, advertise until you get them.

For me, a in-home salon is the way to go. I can set my own hours and take vacations when I want. I regulate what's happening around me and my client and I'm not annoyed by other stylists and their clients.
I was able to work around my daughters school schedule back in the day, and I never needed a sitter.
After the last job I had, I cannot begin to tell you how glad I am to work for myself and not think I need a tranquilizer to make an 8 hour shift.

The Early Bird Catches The Worm

2013-01-08T18:21:00.000-06:00

Have you ever been stood up early or mid-way thru your day by a unknown client or a client who has a 'sketchy' appointment record with you?
Do you hate it when you have to find something to do until your always-on-time appointment shows up due to being stood up by a salon knuckle-head.
I have the perfect solution! Book the clients that you KNOW will show up and on-time early in the day if possible. Therefore, if you book the stragglers later in the day and they don't show up in a timely manner, your day is over.
How exciting, you've done your job by servicing those who will show up, you've made your money now you're out the door babe!

Here's something else I do in the salon especially on busy days...
If I have a client who does not even have the courtesy of calling me to inform me that they are or will be running more than 15 minutes (that's my time frame for late comers), too bad. When they do arrive they will have to re-book. Of course there will be times when a 'regular' client will run late, I make them an exception because either they will call or you know something is wrong or out of their control. If that's the case with a 'regular' client, it's okay. Just take an extra break or something, but for those knuckle-heads you will need to make it known and clear to them that this IS NOT acceptable.
Why do I do this? BECAUSE if I don't, the client will never be courteous and will always think it's okay to arrive whenever she arrives. Your day in the salon will seem never-ending, your appointments will start to pile up and you will become a 'concern' for those who show up on time and have to wait.

Think of a Saturday and your favorite store is having a killer-sale at the mall. Would you prefer to stand around in the salon all day waiting here and there in your schedule for late-comers and no-shows and miss the sale? I think NOT!
Get in, get paid, get out and on to the sale or other activities in a very timely manner.
My Saturday schedule is so much more different than any other day. It's the one day of the week that I start early and leave the earliest. I'm out before or at 1pm. NO two-ways about it.

In-Home Hair Salon Series

2013-01-01T18:05:00.000-06:00

Hello!!
I'm happy to inform you all about my new youtube series on in-home hair salons.
Since I have been busy on my own, I thought it would be helpful to others who have a salon in their home to share some of my tips.
The first video is an introduction showing my own salon and how inexpensive it was to get it set up.
The second video is on how IMPORTANT it is to use professional products. It's bad enough when the world thinks going to school to become a stylist is not an american dream, then to use products found at CVS and Target adds more less than favorable thoughts to our profession.
The last video I did is on advertising for your home salon where you won't have the corporate big shots creating ads for your salon or the services you offer.
I'll go into detail by saying that MOST of your clients have access to the world-wide-web. If you are not present on the web, you ARE missing out!
Who thumbs thru the yellow pages anymore? So why waste money on advertising in phone books, it's so 10 years ago!
Your 'ideal' client has access to the internet 24 hours a day, whether it's by smartphone, tablet or a desktop, they can find you IF you are where you should be!
The first thing a home stylist, barber, nail tech, makeup artist or esthetician should do is create a business profile on this site I found, Style Seat. This site allows you to set up a professional website for your business for FREE. You can upload pictures of your work, set your business hours, set up the services you offer and the prices, etc. There is so much you can do with a free account, you can also keep track of your clients information, formulas, birthdays, etc.
Style Seat will also provide you with a link to use on other sites and forums that will direct clients to your site. I use mine on craigslist (yes, scary 'ol craigslist), Facebook and a few other places on the web. I have had great success!

Speaking of Craigslist, I have had no problems whatsoever due to the fact that you can pretty much 'feel' out a person when they want absolutely nothing. With that being said, I do not post my home address in any of my ads on Craigslist or on Style Seat. I always type in the address field 'upon booking appt' therefore, once the appointment is confirmed, the client will either get a text, email or call with my home address a day before their appointment.

To post on Craigslist, click on:

Post=Services=beauty

I can not stress how important it is to include photos of YOUR OWN work in your ads. Potential clients have to see what they're buying into PLUS clients are more likely to book with you if they see your work first.

Also, watermark ALL photos you upload anywhere on the web. There are free watermark sites and apps all over, take advantage.

Another great service I use is an app Textplus free calls. This app will give you a secondary phone number that you can make and receive calls from and too and also texts. This is the number I use for all advertising for my home salon. With Textplus free calls your texts are free, however there may be a .99 charge for so many minutes of talk time. I usually will purchase $1.99 in calls each month and still NEVER run out due to me advertising my phone number as 'Call or TEXT' me at xxx-xxx-xxxx. Works like a charm due to most clients working during the day and they can't make calls BUT they sure will text!
Because Textplus gives me a secondary number (I use this app on my iPhone and iPad) I NEVER MISS A CALL OR TEXT, therefore I can respond immediately no matter where I am.

Lets move on to the all mighty social network kingpin Facebook.
Facebook has proven to me, it's the place to be! I created a 'fan' page for my business. In order to create a fan page, you must have a personal page. One word of warning, keep it PROFESSIONAL. If you don't have anything good or nice to say, don't say anything at all. Most clients are turned off by rude and nasty posts.
Each day I post a new photo of my work just to keep my fans interested in me. I also post a hair/beauty related question so my fans will interact with me. Last, I post a hair or beauty fact each day so my fans will have something to look forward to coming from me. It's like keeping them on the edge of their seats and it's also FUN!

Now what about when I meet someone face-to-face and I want to leave a lasting impression on them...
I always carry business cards on me. I create and order my business cards from Vistaprint.
At Vistaprint you can upload photos for free so I use photos of my own work to create business and post cards, that way if I give a card to someone, they can see my work right then and there.

If you have a home salon or are considering a home salon or spa, this series is for you and I surely hope my tips will help someone!

Ebook is DONE!

2012-12-19T17:24:00.002-06:00

Yes, I finally did it!
I wrote my first ebook on hair cutting and it's CHOCK-FULL of tips and information.
I get so many messages on my Facebook page Ms. Sheila - Beauty Educator from students and stylists who just don't get it when it comes to cutting hair.
All their concerns stem to the basics. I'm thinking it was the way it was delivered to them during their training. There was something missing..
I train with a systematic approach to understanding hair cuts starting with theory.
I am so pleased with myself, I've already started my next ebook and DVD.
If you would like a copy, email me at pretty64@aol.com. The cost is $3.00, payable thru paypal.

Get It The FIRST TIME

2012-11-27T13:01:00.001-06:00

I love to teach! But I hate it when I train a staff and then when the need comes, I'm asked to tell, not teach, but to tell them all over again how to do a procedure.
I'm very open to training them again, but to drop everything and tell them. I don't think so!
I stay up late researching for a reason, to know what I'm talking about! Now I'm expected to make it easy for you and just tell you all the valuable info I worked so hard to attain?
Teamwork, I get it but a team equally carries the load, not one person.
GET IT TOGETHER!

- Created with iPad 2

Have You Made A Switch

2012-11-06T22:25:00.002-06:00

If you're a cosmetologist primarily, have you ever tried to make esthetics your primary career choice? Or, have you tried to do cosmetology AND esthetics on a 50/50 basis?

That's where I am right now in my career. I'm primarily cosmetology and as of lately I've been doing a lot of esthetics services.

In the state of Illinois a cosmetology license carries hair, skin and nails so I do not need a separate license to do so.

What have I been doing?

Lashes, more in-depth waxing and skin care. SO MUCH FUN!

Who knew I would take an unused room, paint it and place salon furniture inside of it and make a FULL SERVICE salon and its working for me!

Stay tuned for the tour of my home salon this Friday!

Opportunities

2012-10-31T20:16:00.002-05:00

T bring you up to speed, I was laid off from my job as an educator. YAY! Double yay! The place was being over taken by a crazed control freak. The teacher morale was and still is so low, and quite frankly it should be.
If you let ordinary people make you feel less than, or not as smart as anyone else then you should stay in the same place.
As for me....
I've been tossing around the idea of attending a medical esthetics program to enhance my present licenses. Wouldn't you know it, I met with a friend who happens to be a cosmetic surgeon today and he offered me training in Laser hair removal and skin care! How exciting!
Right now at this moment I have the option of saying no or not doing anything at all. I can continue to do the same thing as far as working in the salon.
I want more! So I'm taking him up on his offer.
Wish me luck!

Double Process Blondes - Lighteners

2012-09-19T12:52:00.000-05:00

To help you along, keep this in mind; always work without compromising the integrity of the clients hair.
Meaning, don't push it!
For example, if your clients hair is fine, would you use 40 volume developer and powder lightener?
I wouldn't! I would use a lower volume with an oil lightener. I know to some this may sound unheard of, but there is such a product.
Oil lighteners can be used on-scalp and are much more gentle on the hair, while still having the ability to produce lovely blondes.
On your next trip to the supply house, research how many different brands of oil lighteners are available. Take one home with you and try it on your next client.
If the hair is healthy and your client is happy when they leave the salon, you're on your way to greatness!