
EP 121 Know Better. Do Better.
If you’ve followed us in the past, you’ve probably noticed a big change…yes, we’ve changed our podcast name from "The Little Things" to "Salon Ownership Made Easy"! I’m so excited to go down this path and help my fellow salon owners with all those challenges that are stressing them out…you know, all.the.things… With so many changes happening in our industry these days, it seems like my salon owner friends have been reaching out to me in need a shoulder to cry on, or a hug, or a big dose of reality. I think what they really need is someone who just understands what they’re going through. Because one thing I know for sure, salon owners are a different breed.
Keep the conversation going inside The Salon Ownership Made Easy by clicking here.
Subscribe to Salon Ownership Made Easy on Apple Podcasts
do you want 2023 to be YOUR year?! Then you will want to get signed up on our waiting list for our new course: Know Better. Do Better. Your Entire Roadmap for Salon Success. This course will walk you through, step-by-step, all the things it takes. Just go to thelittlethingspodcast.com/signmeup
Salon Owners: click here to access the FREE How to Conduct a Successful One-on-One.
Follow me on Instagram: @danisekeilitz
Oct 20, 2022
15 min

April Cox is an American Board Certified Hair Colorist. She is also an Educator for Eufora International since 2005 as an Academy Instructor in Core Shapes for precision cutting and a Color Educator since 2016, with now just joining the curl team in 2020. These positions give her the opportunity to travel to salons and share education to inspire and share. She also earned Educator of the year in 2019. Today we are sitting down to discuss the differences between working as an assistant, and the differences of working in a commission salon, a booth rental salon and a salon suite. April's Education Page: https://www.instagram.com/coxcut5 April's Salon Page: https://www.instagram.com/splittinghairssd ___ Subscribe to The Little Things for Stylists on Apple Podcasts As a thank you for being a loyal listener to The Little Things for Stylists podcast and for helping us to reach more stylists working on growing their businesses and creating a life they love, we have created a free resource portal just for you! It’s totally free to join, and for every 25 reviews we get on iTunes, we’ll add a new training video, PDF, tracker or other high-value resource to help you grow your business behind the chair! If you have yet to leave a review, click her to leave on on iTunes, and click here to access the free resources already unlocked! Salon Owners: click here to access the FREE How to Conduct a Successful One-on-One. Follow us on Instagram: @thelittlethingsforstylists ___ A bit more about Danise: Growing up in a small Southeastern Kansas town, I always knew I would become a hairstylist. However, my early experiences with salons and hairstylists left me wanting more. Early on, I had a passion for hair and knew I wanted to use my craft to influence the way people felt about themselves, but I also wanted to be a woman with a successful, professional career. My vision has always been to create beautiful hair and to build a salon environment where the hairstylists would thrive in both their career and their lives. I am proud to share that most of our hairstylists were the primary bread winners for their families. They had career paths, medical insurance, 401K retirement plans, vacation pay and on-going, continuing professional education. There is no debating it: they were successful, professional hairstylists! We were the proud recipient of multiple hair color awards and were honored as a Salon Today 200 Salon four years in a row! And now I want to share all my 30 years of experience with you, the new hair stylist, so you can have a better understanding of what it takes to become successful, in as little time as possible.
Sep 5, 2022
37 min

This guitar-playing mid-west guy is taking our industry by storm...As owner of a 35-stylist commission salon, @sammyleehills has founded @hair.camp in the last few years because of his love of summer camp. He wanted the beauty industry to have this shared experience in a retreat-style format and break the mold of how our industry has "always" done things - by offering new ideas through collaboration.
Sam Hills: @sammyleehills
Hair Camp: @hair.camp
High Five Salon: @highfivesalon
Mel Robbins: @melrobbins
Mel Robbins Book: The High 5 Habit: Take Control of Your Life with One Simple Habit
To keep the conversation going, ask questions, and connect with other like-minded stylists building incredible careers, click here to join the free The Little Things Community
Subscribe to The Little Things for Stylists on Apple Podcasts
As a thank you for being a loyal listener to The Little Things for Stylists podcast and for helping us to reach more stylists working on growing their businesses and creating a life they love, we have created a free resource portal just for you!
It’s totally free to join, and for every 25 reviews we get on iTunes, we’ll add a new training video, PDF, tracker or other high-value resource to help you grow your business behind the chair!
If you have yet to leave a review, click her to leave on on iTunes, and click here to access the free resources already unlocked!
Jul 4, 2022
38 min

EP 117: The Real Customer Experience
This episode is a little different. I’ve invited my twin sister Dana to join us to give us ‘real’ feedback by a real salon client. Dana Bush is a business professional that goes to the salon every four weeks, consistently. She’s not super demanding, however she does expect some basic customer service. She shares all the good and all the bad experiences she has received over the years, by trying to find new salons whenever she moved to a new location.
We talk about prebooking, salon cleanliness, basic customer service, and most importantly, what she would describe as the “perfect” client experience.
Her valuable feedback can help us all learn what to do better behind the chair.
To keep the conversation going, ask questions, and connect with other like-minded stylists building incredible careers, click here to join the free The Little Things Community
Subscribe to The Little Things for Stylists on Apple Podcasts
As a thank you for being a loyal listener to The Little Things for Stylists podcast and for helping us to reach more stylists working on growing their businesses and creating a life they love, we have created a free resource portal just for you!
It’s totally free to join, and for every 25 reviews we get on iTunes, we’ll add a new training video, PDF, tracker or other high-value resource to help you grow your business behind the chair!
If you have yet to leave a review, click her to leave on on iTunes, and click here to access the free resources already unlocked!
Salon Owners: click here to access the FREE How to Conduct a Successful One-on-One.
Follow us on Instagram: @thelittlethingsforstylists
Jun 27, 2022
53 min

EP 118 Finding your Perfect Salon
We’ve been discussing the somewhat nerve-wracking process of finding your first salon job.
There is a quote by Anthony Robbins that says, “It’s in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped.” This is true in selecting the first salon that you’re going to work in as well.
Part of your job search will be finding a salon that is the right fit. You will spend most of your days developing your skills and building your career there, so it’s important that you take the time to evaluate your potential workplace. Identifying a successful salon is not solely based on the clientele. Factors like a well-trained team and being in a high-traffic location also contribute to the salon’s success.
During the interview process, ask the owner or manager questions about the job and keep some of the following in mind:
Does the owner or manager seem easy to talk to and do they communicate well with their team?
What services are performed there and what does the salon charge?
How large is the salon staff and what type of clients does the salon serve?
Who schedules clients? What are your main job responsibilities, and will that change in time?
How much will you be paid and what are the advancement possibilities? What benefits does the salon offer? (Medical insurance, retirement, paid holidays, education advancement)
The size of the salon shouldn’t be a major factor in deciding whether to accept a position. The physical size of a business is not an indication of its potential for growth or your potential to be successful.
Do not be overly influenced by the physical appearance or the busy activity that goes on inside a salon. A salon with expensive furnishings and a busy floor won’t always be the best place for you to grow and learn as a professional. Take time to evaluate each salon to make certain it will be an exciting place to work. Consider booking an appointment there and evaluate the various interactions first hand. Check out the level of service and client care, and the culture and atmosphere. Determine if it is a professionally operated business that will allow you to grow and achieve your goals.
Now let’s take a look at the Different Types of Salons
There are several different types of salons that meet the needs and budgets of specific clientele. As you research the types you might work in, focus on the ones that will be the best fit for you.
Independent salons:
Represent the majority of salons
Usually owned by one or two people and may offer anywhere from 5-40 workstations for stylists
Owner makes all the decisions in terms of décor, prices and services offered, and often works behind the chair while managing the business.
Offer may opportunities for entry-level professionals to learn the business and gain useful experience
Full-Service Salons & Day Spas
Offer a variety of services and retail that can include hair, skin and nails
Tend to be staffed with experienced and well-trained professionals, and there is a strong focus on building relationships with clients
Offer “extras” for their clients, such as neck and shoulder massages or spa manicures
Prices may be higher than the average salon and appointments are usually needed
Found all over, and are favored at luxury hotels, resorts and cruise ships
Clients have high expectations for services and treatments, so these businesses are looking for a service provider who can meet those standards
Chain Salons and Franchises
Multiple salon locations which can even span the world
Decisions for all areas of the business are made at corporate headquarters by management and marketing professionals
Not necessarily owned by individuals who are cosmetologists
Use a set business plan provided by a parent company to ensure all practices and services at each location are consistent
Some of the advantages of working for these types of salons include on the job training, secure pay and benefits
Independent Contractor/Salon suites/Booth rental
Describes the renting of a space, suite or booth by an individual salon professional on a monthly basis
You would be responsible for your work schedule, buying supplies and continually refining your skills
You would need to be familiar with the complex laws and tax rules associated with this type of business ownership.
An Advantage includes this being a quick way to set up your own business because it’s typically suited for a stylist with an established clientele
Disadvantages include that it might not be ideal for recent grads who usually need time to build a clientele.
You will want to look at each type of the salon options to decide which would be best for you.
Let me give you some tips for when you’re just getting out of beauty school.
Don’t go into your first salon expecting it to be the perfect fit.
Apply for an assistant’s job at a salon with a great reputation. Watch, listen and learn. View professional videos and read industry books and magazines
Find a salon that fits your style and personality, then ask for a tour of the salon. Interview them – how may walk-ins do they get? Do they have assistants? Do they have a continuing education program? Is it in a good location for walk-ins?
Look for a salon with a strong focus on education where you can build your skills. Ask to shadow for a day or two when it’s busy to see if you like the culture
Find a salon with an associate program and train under a professional who is also an educator. That will help bridge the gap between school and real-world work.
Like we’ve said…finding your first salon home is a process…Take your time. Interview at a lot of places, so you can get a feel of what fits you and your style. If you have any questions, please let us know.
Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel as well, for more tips and tricks dedicated to you – the new hair stylist!
Take care – and remember, it’s not about the little things, it’s all about the little things.
Jun 20, 2022
8 min

Sometimes you meet someone who inspires you on all levels…today’s guest is one of those people. I met Paula a few years ago. And I felt an instant connection…you know when you just need to know someone on a deeper level? Yes, she’s that type of person…I think you will agree. Paula’s experience behind-the-chair, in distribution, as a public speaker, as an author and now as a member of the Hair Camp team, lets us see that there are different avenues within our industry - and you don’t have to pick just one…Let’s welcome Paula Henson to our show.
References Mentioned in Episode #115: A New Type of Education Connection with Paul Henson & Hair Camp
@paulaisqueen
@hair.camp
Hair Camp Website
Paula’s Book: Let’s Talk About It: Positive Conversation Starters with Kids from A to Z
To keep the conversation going, ask questions, and connect with other like-minded stylists building incredible careers, click here to join the free The Little Things Community
Jun 13, 2022
38 min

Searching for your first salon job can be exciting and rewarding, but it can also be a very anxious time too. During your job search, you’ll be learning a lot about the inner workings of the industry and yourself. Knowing how to get a job, keep a job and move up in your career are valuable. Combine your job search skill with your artistic talents and you’ll pave the way to a rewarding professional life.
Today we’re going to discuss some do’s and don’ts of interviewing and what to expect during the process. Plus, we are going to give you a few tips that you can use that will put you at the top of the list.
Thanks for listening... ➡️ Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review. We'd love to hear your feedback! It also helps our podcast channel...we are also over on YouTube, if you'd like more information.
Jun 7, 2022
11 min

As a salon owner, don't somedays seem like you're on a hamster wheel? 🐹☸️What are the keys to your success? What's the magic formula? Why is it so hard on certain days? How to start working on your business, instead of in your businessOn today podcast - find out the Top 3 Most Important things you can do to help in your salon success...starting with getting out from behind the chair...
Thanks for listening... ➡️ Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review. We'd love to hear your feedback! It also helps our podcast channel...we are also over on YouTube, if you'd like more information.
A bit more about Danise:
Growing up in a small Southeastern Kansas town, I always knew I would become a hairstylist. However, my early experiences with salons and hairstylists left me wanting more. Early on, I had a passion for hair and knew I wanted to use my craft to influence the way people felt about themselves, but I also wanted to be a woman with a successful, professional career.
My vision has always been to create beautiful hair and to build a salon environment where the hairstylists would thrive in both their career and their lives. I am proud to share that most of our hairstylists are the primary bread winners for their families. They have career paths, medical insurance, 401K retirement plans, vacation pay and on-going, continuing professional education. There is no debating it: they are successful, professional hairstylists!
We are the proud recipient of multiple hair color awards and have been honored as a Salon Today 200 Salon four years in a row!
And now I want to share all my 30 years of experience with you, the new hair stylist, so you can have a better understanding of what it takes to become successful, in as little time as possible.
Follow Danise: @dkeilitz
Follow us @thelittlethingsforstylists
Sign up for a FREE Personal Guide to Success Behind the Chair Instant Little Things you can do to be successful today!
Our Award-Winning Salon:
Xanadu Hair Salon
@hairxanadu
www.hairxanadu.com
May 10, 2022
18 min

Have you ever wondered if you should be an assistant straight out of beauty school or go directly behind the chair? What exactly does an assistant do? What are the expectations? We will talk about all the things...
Listen to today's episode to find out more! Thanks for listening... ➡️ Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review. We'd love to hear your feedback! It also helps our podcast channel...we are also over on YouTube, if you'd like more information.
A bit more about Danise:
Growing up in a small Southeastern Kansas town, I always knew I would become a hairstylist. However, my early experiences with salons and hairstylists left me wanting more. Early on, I had a passion for hair and knew I wanted to use my craft to influence the way people felt about themselves, but I also wanted to be a woman with a successful, professional career.
My vision has always been to create beautiful hair and to build a salon environment where the hairstylists would thrive in both their career and their lives. I am proud to share that most of our hairstylists are the primary bread winners for their families. They have career paths, medical insurance, 401K retirement plans, vacation pay and on-going, continuing professional education. There is no debating it: they are successful, professional hairstylists!
We are the proud recipient of multiple hair color awards and have been honored as a Salon Today 200 Salon four years in a row!
And now I want to share all my 30 years of experience with you, the new hair stylist, so you can have a better understanding of what it takes to become successful, in as little time as possible.
Follow Danise: @dkeilitz
Follow us @thelittlethingsforstylists
Sign up for a FREE Personal Guide to Success Behind the Chair Instant Little Things you can do to be successful today!
Our Award-Winning Salon:
Xanadu Hair Salon
@hairxanadu
www.hairxanadu.com
Apr 24, 2022
29 min

Do you know why values are so important to the culture of your salon?While we are not always aware of our own values, knowing what values are can actually help you make better decisions that benefit you and others in the long run.Listen to today's episode to find out more! Thanks for listening... ➡️ Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review. We'd love to hear your feedback! It also helps our podcast channel...we are also over on YouTube, if you'd like more information.
A bit more about Danise:
Growing up in a small Southeastern Kansas town, I always knew I would become a hairstylist. However, my early experiences with salons and hairstylists left me wanting more. Early on, I had a passion for hair and knew I wanted to use my craft to influence the way people felt about themselves, but I also wanted to be a woman with a successful, professional career.
My vision has always been to create beautiful hair and to build a salon environment where the hairstylists would thrive in both their career and their lives. I am proud to share that most of our hairstylists are the primary bread winners for their families. They have career paths, medical insurance, 401K retirement plans, vacation pay and on-going, continuing professional education. There is no debating it: they are successful, professional hairstylists!
We are the proud recipient of multiple hair color awards and have been honored as a Salon Today 200 Salon four years in a row!
And now I want to share all my 30 years of experience with you, the new hair stylist, so you can have a better understanding of what it takes to become successful, in as little time as possible.
Follow Danise: @dkeilitz
Follow us @thelittlethingsforstylists
Sign up for a FREE Personal Guide to Success Behind the Chair Instant Little Things you can do to be successful today!
Our Award-Winning Salon:
Xanadu Hair Salon
@hairxanadu
www.hairxanadu.com
Apr 18, 2022
8 min
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