Are you contemplating becoming a hair stylist, cosmetologist, makeup artist or esthetician? These are creative, exciting and rewarding careers. However, they are also careers that require “people skills.”  These skills can affect how many clients you get and retain, your referrals and your income, so it’s important to understand what being in a “People Business” means.

Your Customer Experience Is Your Brand

Whether your customer sits in your chair for the first time of the 50th, it’s important that they feel welcome and appreciated. It starts with how you greet them. A warm, personal greeting, a smile, a compliment—these are all things that make a customer feel like they’re in the right place. If it’s a repeat client, it’s important to remember details about their life. How was their trip to see their grandson? Did they enjoy their vacation in Maui? Is their aging mother feeling better? As you get to know a client, make notes so you remember the details. Refer to your files at the beginning of every day, so you’re prepared to make your clients feel special. Success is all about building a relationship.

Nurture Your Personal Relationship

Here are some things to remember as you begin your career in the beauty industry:

• Respect your clients as people
• Make your clients feel valued
• Genuinely care about them
• Be authentic

The Aveda Institute Way

As you choose a school to study cosmetology, it’s important to find out if they focus on the importance of customer service, as well as the classes required for state licensing. When you study at the Aveda Institute in Portland OR or the Aveda Institute in Vancouver, WA, you’ll benefit from Aveda’s belief in providing exceptional customer experiences. For example, Aveda provides the signature ritual of a neck and shoulder massage for clients. As a student, you’ll learn the art of connecting with customers in a meaningful way. Be sure to schedule a tour at one of our campuses so you can learn more about the Aveda Institute Way.