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A decade as an independent business & 10 key ingredients to success in the salon and in life
Words Deb Dominic
As our industry & the nation edges closer towards lockdown lifting & life returning to some sort of normality, we are not only celebrating being able to do so many parts of everyday life that we have missed so much, but also as a salon we celebrate our 10th Hairsmiths Birthday!
We established Hairsmiths in 2011, having already 12 years salon experience, with the mission of creating a beautiful space for both client & stylist to come together & make hair dreams a reality. A decade on & we have grown from two stylists in a one room salon, to a four floor grade 2 listed building, with an award winning salon team, countless media & fashion accomplishments, expansion into beauty & aesthetics, strong brand partnerships & a grand following of loyal clients.
The past decade has taught us so much on both a professional & a personal level, which whilst appearing to be two separate entities, professional & personal are key elements both very much hand in hand. What works for salon/stylist success can also be applied to all other areas of our being. Here we have decided to share 10 of our favourite mantras that work for both life in the salon & as daily affirmations too.
LEARN & GRAFT FOR YOUR CRAFT
Graft for your craft is one of our favourites. You need to learn all you can to understand, then put the hard work in to learn those life lessons to build experience. Nothing comes easy, no one wakes up knowing how to cut a graduated bob or how to get a client from darkest brown to lightest blonde. Just like everything else in life, you have to LEARN. In a get rich quick, want everything yesterday era, you have to start NOW if you want to join the race. Starting at the bottom & working your way up is the BEST journey as you learn every element of the job & will flourish with understanding & empathy as you grow. Graft is exhausting but so rewarding.
YOUR IDENTITY IS A SUPERPOWER
On the shop floor & in life: be you. No one is you & that is your superpower. Decide how you want to be perceived, how you are going to present yourself, learn what your strengths are/where you shine & use THAT uniqueness to surge on. People might think you’re unconventional in the beginning, but all of the greatest achievers have raised eyebrows at some point in their careers. Of course use others as inspiration, but don’t try to imitate. If you constantly try to imitate another person’s creativity, you’re own won’t necessarily be able to grow. Find what sets you on fire & use that as fuel.
WE DEAL IN SOLUTIONS NOT PROBLEMS
Good hair is within everyone’s grasp, you’ve just got to figure out how to make it happen. For every situation there is a solution. “I love that look but my hair is too fine for that” we add volume. “I’d love a stronger statement colour but don’t know if I could pull it off”, we find the perfect colour for you. “I wish I had hair like her”. Whoever “her” is has probably had some help with that, so let us help you! Like with anything when a situation arises: sit down, take a breath, figure out the how or another route & don’t give up until you’ve cracked it!
INCLUSIVITY OVER EXCLUSIVITY
Everyone on this planet deserves to feel amazing, just like every person deserves to be listened to & heard.
We apply a “you CAN sit with us” attitude both inside & outside of the salon walls. How you make people feel is priceless. Treating others how you wish to be treated is the key to building strong bonds & it will always stand you in good stead for the future.
FIND THE RIGHT FIT
Whether we are talking jeans/friends/accessories or the perfect shape fringe to suit your face & lifestyle; your perfect fit is out there. No need to compromise on poor fitting any of the above and no need to lose sight of your integrity.
WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER
Your network & the team you build will empower your success. Whether it’s a salon team that you are part of, a network of co-inspirers , your colleagues or simply those you bounce ideas off: a strong community (no matter what the size) builds a strong foundation to grow. Utilise the help of those around you, ask questions, outsource to other skill sets, but always remember to thank those that help you, share the help back & pass on the knowledge. We rise by lifting one another.
BE BRAVE
If you’ve done your homework & plotted & planned, then go for it. If you’ve always wanted something, go get it. New hair/lash extensions/singing lessons/a promotion/bungee jump. If you believe you can do it, then it’s up to you to go get it.
EMBRACE THE CHALLENGE
If there’s something you shy away from, something you know is your weakness, go learn more about that. Learn/grow/build until you no longer shy away from but add to your list of powers. (Also note though if you’ve tried it & still dislike it immensely, perhaps it’s not for you & you can do without it in your life). Just give it a try though!
IF YOU BELIEVE IN YOURSELF OTHERS WILL TOO
Recognise the amazing work you do, reflect on how far you’ve come, celebrate your achievements & show the world all that you are. If you believe in what you do, your confidence will breed confidence in others. You’ve totally got this & if you can’t do something, learn or just be honest & source someone who can work with you to achieve what’s needed. Your confidence & honesty will be remembered.
ENJOY WHAT YOU’RE DOING
Find the little pleasures in what you’re doing, celebrate the little wins, change it up daily to keep things fresh, stay inspired & always have FUN.