Salon Owner Insights: Brenda Amaral of Gwen Mireille Salon & Spa + True Hair Education
In this episode, Nina welcomes back Brenda Amaral, owner of Gwen Mireille Salon & Spa in Raynham, Massachusetts, and founder of True Hair Education. Brenda shares her journey transitioning from booth renter to an employment-based salon owner, emphasizing the importance of overcoming fears and regrets. She speaks about her early challenges in leadership and the significance of having mentors. Our conversation dives into True Hair Education’s mission of providing unbranded, fundamental hair color education to empower stylists to make more informed, confident decisions. Brenda also discusses the importance of self-care, healthy boundaries, and continuous learning in her professional journey. You can find Brenda and True Hair Education on the web here and on the socials here. Thank you Brenda for being our guest, we LOVE you!
Episode Highlights
Brenda’s Journey to Salon Ownership
Early Lessons in Leadership
Building a Clientele
True Hair Education
Learning from Mistakes
Overcoming Fear in the Industry
Empowerment Through Knowledge
Combating Misinformation
The Importance of Fundamentals
True Hair Education Programs
Navigating Leadership and Self-Care
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Your experience matters. We would be so grateful if you shared your experience with our podcast by leaving a review wherever you enjoy your podcasts so others can discover it. It matters to us, and so do you. Thank you- Nina
Let’s Catch Up: Creative Slumps, Content Creation, Seeking Context
In this episode, Nina shares some thoughts about creative slumps in content creation including a process to work through your slump. We talk about the importance of genuine connections and the struggle with passive content consumption, the difference between creating content for marketing your business and influencers who create content as a business, and the need for a periodic reset to find inspiration, value, and back into your rhythm. We also touch on the importance of seeking context in the online space. You can find Passion Squared on the socials here and the web here. Thank you for listening!
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Your experience matters. We would be so grateful if you shared your experience with our podcast by leaving a review wherever you enjoy your podcasts so others can discover it. It matters to us, and so do you. Thank you- Nina
Salon Owner Insights: Sean Paisant of Entrust Hair
In this episode, Nina welcomes Sean Paisant, Owner of Entrust Hair in Portland, Oregon, and seasoned haircutting educator. Sean shares his journey of building, leading, and growing Entrust Hair over the past 14 years, the origins of Entrust, the shift from an employment-based to a lease-based salon model, the importance of focusing on community and connection between clients and other hairdressers in the salon, and valuable insights into building a loyal clientele through offline word-of-mouth and elevated salon experiences. Sean also shares his view of some of the challenges and changes in the salon industry, the significance of having a routine, and finding his rhythm. You can find Sean on the socials here and Entrust Hair here. Thank you Sean for being our guest, and my awesome neighbor, we love you!
Episode Highlights
The Journey of The Entrust Hair Brand
Challenges and Changes in the Salon Industry
Building a Loyal Salon Clientele Through Offline Word of Mouth
Navigating The Rhythms of Family and Work
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Spotify
YouTube Podcasts
Your experience matters. We would be so grateful if you shared your experience with our podcast by leaving a review wherever you enjoy your podcasts so others can discover it. It matters to us, and so do you. Thank you- Nina
Little Things Make a Big Difference in The Salon Experience
The salon experience you create and deliver is your brand
Let’s talk about something close to my heart: creating unforgettable experiences in your salon. It’s not just about hair; it’s about every little touch and detail that makes your clients feel valued, cared for, and truly special. It’s about building trust with your clients and creating memorable salon experiences that keep them coming back to you and sharing their salon experience with their friends, online and off.
Imagine this: Subaru of Portland has a dog wash area connected to the service waiting room. Cute, right? It’s such a simple yet thoughtful and memorable touch that transforms a mundane waiting room into a space where customers feel acknowledged and appreciated. And this is perfectly aligned with the Subaru brand, as one of their brand promises is ‘Subaru Loves Pets” and one way they show that is through their longtime partnership with the ASPCA and Bark. Now, let’s translate that into your salon.
Experience Is Your Brand
Your salon brand isn’t your logo (logos are part of your salon brand identity) or your Instagram feed; it’s the experience you create. It’s how you make your clients feel when they walk through your doors. Experience is a big part of your salon brand promise. It’s what sets you apart from the salon down the street. What’s important to remember is different clients value different things, thus, having clarity around your salon brand story is so important, as it helps you create the most relevant “little things” that your salon clients value.
Here are a few examples of some little, yet significant, things you can do to elevate your client experience as long as they are aligned with your salon brand story:
- A hook in the bathroom for coats and bags: It’s the small conveniences that show you’ve thought of everything.
- An easily accessible phone or tablet charger: Keep your clients connected and stress-free.
- A lap desk for clients who need to work: Show that you value their comfort and time.
- A cup holder at your station: Eliminating friction, such as where to put your cup, shows clients you really care.
- A footrest or an extra pillow: Comfort is king and queen and all the things.
- Specialty beverage and snack service: Elevate the experience with a touch of luxury.
- Affirmation cards to take home: Leave them with something joyful to remember you by.
- Silent appointments: Respect their need for quiet and personal space.
- An elevated shampoo experience: Make it more than just getting their hair clean.
- Hot and cool towels: A touch of spa-like comfort that’s simple and valued.
- Cozy blankets and pillows for lash clients: Comfort during those longer appointments is worth it.
- Noise-canceling headphones for lash and nail clients: Help them escape the noise.
- Simple confirmation process: Make scheduling simple and convenient.
- Product samples: Who doesn’t love a free gift?
- Thank you notes: Never underestimate the power of gratitude.
- Respond to awesome reviews: Show your appreciation for their support and time.
- Neck, shoulder, or hand massages: Who doesn’t love a little extra pampering?
- Foot waxing with pedicures: Add value and convenience to their experience.
- Neck massager and back support options: Comfort is key for mani/pedi clients.
- New client welcome gift bags: Make them feel special from day one.
- Blanket warmers for facials: Little touches of cozy luxury.
- Hand or foot massage with facials: Elevate their relaxation and create more value.
- Disposable eyeglass handle covers for color clients: Thoughtful and practical. We love!
- Facial steamer for shaves: Add a touch of spa vibes to your barber services.
Building Trust, Showing You Care, Adding Value
Each of these small touches builds trust, shows your salon clients you care, and adds immense value to your salon clients’ experiences. It’s about making every visit to your salon more memorable, so they can’t help but come back—and bring their friends.
Remember, it’s the little things that make a big difference. Stay focused on creating those magical moments that set your salon apart.
The tools and strategies inside Creating Your Awesome Brand, a complete course for beauty professionals help you have clarity around your salon brand, which helps you decide which “little things” you want to build into your salon experience, build a strong foundation to make more aligned decisions, save a ton of time, money, and energy, and feel more confidence, courage, and joy. Click here to learn more.
Much love, in service to you-
Nina