Small Shop and Big Ideas
I have a 4-chair salon- I offer Booth rent. So, hate me.
I have never wanted to own a large salon. It was never a Have to have feeling. Working in our industry for over 25 years before finally opening my own plays a more significant role than I think. Now 34 years into the industry – I have seen what 30 women in a room can be like, and I was uninterested in that stress. So, let’s look at some indicators that will show what kind of a boss or shop you would want to start without going through my years of experience.
The Question: How many stylists/estheticians/barbers/ massage people do you want?
So – how do you figure out How many people you’ll want?
My advice- Go to a local Zoo.
If you want a salon with over 15 people
Meander on over to the Meerkat display.
Welcome to a visual display of what your business will look like.
The staff disappears quickly when you call their names or something loud drops on the floor. They are constantly looking out for the boss like they are picking a lock at a local Bank. Lookouts are always there to flag your approach, and when separated, they seem to panic and look for help.
Your salon will be controllable because they are scared and always looking for direction. Plan on taking a bit more time teaching them new techniques because they have the attention span of a flea.
If you want a more extensive shop, around 30 and up
Your next stop will be the Jekyll and hyena display.
These salons’ motto is to get out my way, or you’ll suffer. First, ensure you have a large office to hide in; make it comfortable. You’ll need extra counter space for simple kitchen necessities like a mini fridge – coffee- and microwave. You’ll need these items as mingling with the staff at feeding hours is not wise. Have a tinted-out window to observe the floor – watch your flock of deer (new team) because the older staff like to destroy them. It’s a fun game for them – scary when seen in action.
Good news for this boss – no one ever complains of any bullying — — this place is run with prison rules- snitches get stitches.
You can only run this shop if you are Not an active hairdresser- and may God help your soul, IF you aren’t a Licensed hairdresser- we will not respect you as you have not earned your stripes- we don’t care if you are a big wig at Loreal – you are not one of us. You don’t know what it’s like to survive in the trenches.
You want a salon of 4 to 10 people.
Our next stop is the capybara.
The salons with 4 to 10 staff members get along very well. The staff keeps themselves happy and busy with clientele. When salon meetings are called, they are brief and to the point, as they all just want to get on with their life in the sun. When new staff members are introduced, they gather in welcome and do not like when anyone picks on them. If you make the mistake of correcting them in public, all staff members will look at you in shame and console the chastised ones in the break room.
If you find your comfortable spot here, understand your staff will make more than you because you actually F*ing care.
So, in closing
The more significant answer to your question is.
Do you want to Boss Out like
*Warden
*Enthusiastic Cheerleader
*Fairy Godmother
You choose- It’s all hard- the ideas – the money – the travel- the fake smiles- the clients – the wicked staff- the sweet tooth staff- it’s a BUSINESS – that is all – just make sure you understand whether you have 5 or 60 it needs tending to – it needs your FULL attention-
Salon Owner at Hair Loft on Linden Heather Ryan
Hairdresser of over 34 years
Owner of WWW.BookPressed.com
#WelcomeToTheJungle #SalonOwners #SalonIdeas #SalonArticle #StopBeingSoSerious #JustWrite #BookPressed #HairLoftOnLinden #LearnFromTheOldDogs
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