Have you ever had an idea and wondered if it would work? Yeah, well, I have a lot of those– often. But, I do act on an idea from time to time, and this time – I gave it a name.
Hairdresser Horizons
Hairdresser Horizons is a name for salons to link up – state to state – visit – exchange ideas, and form bonding relationships. No more, no less.
The idea came to me when I was on a website. During Covid, this site was grounding for me both mentally and business-wise. Connecting with other salon owners, I was less stressed and more confident because I stayed informed and communicative with others in our industry.
I would come into work and talk with my staff about the inspirational banter on the site. I would explain how other shops were doing and tell them about salon owners in other states and how they work with their staff.
As the topic of Covid quickly faded, they were left with questions about other hair salons. They were simply in awe of the lavish possibilities large shops offered, the high-paying clients’ expensive tools.
Our shop is small and rugged as I like to call it, simple, effective, and professional. I couldn’t blame them for having so many questions-I too had been drawn to the bright lights of NewYork but – we live in a small town- and I’m the only shop they have ever worked.
I graduated from a hairdressing school 33 years ago in Ohio and immediately moved to New York and worked there for seven years, to my final landing spot in NC. I have worked in ALL types of salons in three different states, with every Boss imaginable. I have a history in salons- they do not.
A justified sense of curiosity might have bothered another salon owner, but for myself, I thought – why can’t they see these shops?
Although the web has given hairdressers the chance to communicate, it has not given us the human connection our industry has been longing for. SO! Why not reach out? Why not visit another salon in another state?
I asked the owners on the salon owners site, ‘Who would be willing to open their doors and meet a small shop of 3 girls?’
My response came from a gentleman who knows many salon owners, and he offered up a name I should try- I emailed the owner he suggested, and on May 13th, 2021, our little shop of 3 flew from North Carolina to Arizona to meet with Salon owner Andre Aronica, and his staff at DRE’s Hair Salon and Spa located in Phoenix Arizona.
You must know- the owner was a tad confused with my request, and with good reason. After all, it isn’t common to fly to another state to visit without a class happening. So, it was up to us to make this journey a learning experience for all. AND boy was it ever.
The excitement that followed in the days of our return told me it was not just a great idea. It was an idea worth passing on to other shops for all states.
Understand a lot more was happening underneath the visit that made it a complete success. We had similar views on various subjects- staff – business. Honestly, the girls from the salon were incredibly professional and welcoming that I would recommend reaching out to all salons if possible. As I said, we were fortunate with our compatibility.
Having thought about what made it a success and what could have made it a failure gave me the essential list you should consider when reaching out to do a state-to-state visit. So here is the breakdown of considerations.
1.) Political banter leaks into all aspects of life anymore. Your day will be much more informative if you have similar views. As I said, I got lucky.
2.) Have and exchange Bios for each guy/girl before your visit.
Bio’s are helpful learning tools your staff can use to get to know one another.
Ex: My girls had questions about his staff’s background- ‘what got them interested in training in Europe? How do you become a Master Colorist?’ You can see how pivotal these types of questions can be when they share that information face-to-face.
The Bio’s helped our staff -it gave them each a chance to get to know these people. If you don’t have bios on each stylist in your salon, I suggest getting it done. Have them write a small blurb in 3rd person about their strengths. BIOS ARE so important, and I loved that Andre had this offer on his site.
3.) Make sure your staff is on their best behavior.
If you have a snarky team that knows everything- don’t bother getting involved with this type of outreach. I’m lucky; I have a respectful staff. However, I can see how it could all go to crap if I had a rude staff. Andre’s team was excellent and respectful; they shared their time and shared their stories with the girls.
4.) Be Clear as to What is possible
Andre is a second-generation owner of a shop with up to 30 staff members- he is constantly working on or in the shop. He has over 6,000 square feet of active salon activities, and we were lucky to have him take the time out of his busy schedule to be with us. In other words, he has a lot going on, and I didn’t want him to feel like he had to take a day off for us.
Visiting the shop while the staff is working is an excellent way to get a feel of the energy of a salon. We did not stay long, and my girls were thrilled to see his team actively working with the public and not models. It was like going to a hair show with ten different stylists working on ten other things – very excellent.
Andre made it possible to visit for a short bit without disturbing his staff.
5.) Choose a shop that is unlike yours.
It’s incredible to see how much is put into these massive businesses, as I’m sure the curiosity was for his staff on how our little shop works.
6.) Make sure you thank your host with a lunch or dinner.
I goofed up here – but you don’t have to *** Side Note Thank You, Andre! ***
6.) Send A thank you note.
7.) Pass on the excitement.
What have we gained?
We gained friendships – mentors- a much-needed downtime with the staff- learned new techniques- learned an appreciation for owners of these massive salons. I think his team had more fun with the girl’s southern accents than anything else!
We had a wonderful visit with Dre’s Salon– Andre is a hard worker in our field, and he is genuinely appreciated and loved by his staff. He maintained professional decorum and never spoke ill of any other shops or staff members. The team is lucky to have him as a boss and vice versa for the staff.
My staff came back to work with a broader sense of the differences of a larger salon and were deeply moved by the welcoming feeling given to all of us by Andre’s staff. I learned that even though we are a small shop, we can do bigger things – taking professional photos- working on Bio’s, and neatening up our website are just a few things. I am continually growing, and getting advice from someone like Andre was an excellent opportunity for all of us.
It has also inspired us to help you smaller salons reach out, visit other salons and HAVE FUN!
I currently have our staff reaching out to other salons to get on board with this idea.
Having run the race, I can now see how important events like these can be for future shops.
So, IF you are interested in offering your shop up for a visit from another shop, get on board – answer the questionnaire and figure out where you’d like to go with your staff.
Questionnaire
1.) Politics – is it essential to have the same views?
If it does not matter – leave this blank. —————————————-
2.) Why would you like to be a sponsor/visitor of a shop?
——————————————————————————————-
3.) What do you hope to learn?
——————————————————————————————
4.) How did you hear about us?
5.) Are you and your staff partiers? Do you drink?
6.) I understand we all pay our own bills.
7.) The events of the day are up to the owners
8.) Bio’s are not only essential but should be a requirement – this allows your team to get more personal.
9.) I understand that everyone runs their salon differently. I will visit or host because I am interested in getting the best out of my journey.
10.) Recognize- Hairdresser Horizon is about teaching a new way of connecting with other professionals.
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