Many Aveda Artists find themselves in a typical hairstylist’s dilemma: they’re working harder than ever, but their income has hit a plateau.
Does that mean they’ve maxed out their potential? Is this the most revenue they can hope to bring in? The answer to both is: most definitely NOT!
Even the busiest, most seasoned stylists occasionally hit a plateau when growing their business. If that happens, they can fall back on tried-and-true Aveda methods to rev up their revenues. We asked Tiffanie Landa, an Aveda Institute Covington grad, stylist, team leader and cutting educator at Bella Style Salon in Slidell, LA, for her tips for Aveda Artists to generate more profit when their income is stagnating.
1. Recruiting and Pre-booking
Landa says one of the biggest challenges she faced as a new stylist was guest recruitment.
“Hoping the phone would ring isn’t a strategy,” she says. “I didn’t get new guests until I started networking and dropping cards and service menus off to people and businesses.”
She also used social media as a platform to show her work and entice new guests to book an appointment. Once they’re in her chair, Landa makes sure they come back to it by prebooking their next visit—every guest, every time.
“We also offer new guests a follow-up, complimentary blowout,” she says. “It’s how we make sure we’re keeping in touch with them and ensuring they love their hair.”
2. Be a Team Player
Landa recommends that new Aveda Artists do their homework when it comes to choosing the salon where they’ll establish their career. “You have more career success when the salon is the right fit,” she says. “Some salons aren’t for everyone, so you need to find the best fit for you. Try shadowing for a day before you join a team.”
Once you’ve landed in the right spot, the sky’s the limit. You and your fellow team members should empower each other while getting support from the salon’s leadership that includes coaching and mentorship.
“Working in a thriving environment, with a team that supports and pushes you, will help you grow,” Landa says.
3. Elevate the Guest Experience
Guests at Bella Style enjoy an exceptional level of service that is a trademark of Aveda. “We roll out the red carpet for every guest, every time,” says Landa. “Every guest experience is consistent, but still personalized.”
Stylists at Bella Style perform Aveda stress-relieving rituals, scalp and neck massage for haircuts, hand and head massage for color, and use hot towels at the shampoo bowls.
“We also take notes on each guest about the service they had, so on their next visit, we are prepared, and they know we care,” she adds.
4. Educate Your Guest
Encouraging your guest to purchase the right at-home care products can be a challenge. When you switch your mindset to educating—not “selling”—that makes the difference. This is why knowledge of every Aveda product’s many benefits is so important.
“You never want to feel like you’re ‘pushing,’” Landa says. “I’ve learned it’s not pushing when you’re educating on a product that could really benefit their hair. So I discuss home care in the consultation, as well as the maintenance needed to keep their hair healthy before the next visit.”
Landa starts by asking questions like “What kind of products do you use at home?” or “How do you style your hair?” and “How does your hair feel to you?” Based on the guest’s answer, she gives recommendations.
“During the service, I thoroughly go over each product as I’m using it, showing them how much I’m applying. Then I just recap at the end of the service before they check out.”
This same philosophy can be applied to add-on services. After assessing your guest’s hair, educate them on the Aveda specialized treatments your salon offers and outline all the benefits to their hair.
When they agree to one of Aveda’s add-on services (such as Botanical Repair for damaged hair, or a Shine Treatment to infuse it with glossy health) they will see an immediate difference in their hair quality, and you’ll see an immediate difference in your paycheck.
5. Never Stop Learning
It’s the Aveda way! Advanced education is the key to long-term career success as an Aveda Artist. You can ensure that your career (and income) will thrive if you continue to build and expand upon your skills.
“One of our core values at Bella Style is choosing courage over comfort,” Landa says—because sometimes, learning new skills can be a little uncomfortable. “Take every opportunity to further your education as much as you can,” she says. “You need to be your best to go the extra mile for your guest.”