Become the elite 5%

As a hairstylist with over 23 years of experience under my belt, I've seen the ebbs and flows of this dynamic industry. I've seen what it takes to climb to the top, and how easy it is to fizzle out and quit. If you're new here, let me share a startling statistic with you:

About 90% of stylists never renew their license after the original issuance 😲 

Even more inspiring, or daunting (depending on your view), is that by the time a stylist hits the 5-year mark, they are in the top 5% of their peers.

So, how do you ensure that you're among that elite 5%? Let's dive into some practical, tried-and-tested strategies to not just survive but thrive in your first five years.

1. Take Your Profession Seriously First things first: treat your career as a hairstylist with the seriousness and respect it deserves. You're not just cutting hair; you're crafting experiences, building relationships, and constantly learning. In the most extreme cases, you are changing someone's life with the experience they have in your chair. You need to seek out mentors and invest in continuous education – whether it's mastering new techniques or learning about new interesting technology. We constantly hear about a lack of respect in our industry, but so many of us don't take the job seriously. Doctors, nurses, lawyers and firefighters all have to keep a pulse on the newest and most innovative techniques available to stay at the top of their game. They take their jobs seriously and are treated accordingly. 

2. Understand the Business of Beauty It's not just about being a great stylist; understanding the business side is crucial. Familiarize yourself with basic marketing, client retention strategies, and financial management. Did you know that effective client retention strategies can increase your income by 25-30%? That's a significant boost, especially in the early years. And it has ZERO to do with how talented or creative you are as an artist (which I feel like so many of us focus on). 

3. ‘Butts in Seats’: The Lifeline of Your Business Your business lives and dies by the number of clients you serve. Focus on building a robust clientele. This doesn't mean just attracting new clients, but also ensuring repeat business. Satisfied clients not only come back, but they also become your advocates, referring friends and family – a priceless form of marketing. Each client is like a mini investor in your business and it's up to you to constantly remind them of why they are investing in you. Nothing else matters as a hairstylist if you don't have 'butts in seats.'

4. Embrace Technology and Social Media In today's digital age, a strong online presence is essential. Use social media to showcase your work, connect with clients, and build your brand. Platforms like Instagram can be powerful tools for hairstylists, but don't shy away from TikTok and even good ol' Facebook. Another huge business-getter is Google business. Make sure your online presence is abundant, that you're easy to find, and that you have all the important info available (location, hours, contact, booking...etc.) A survey showed that 72% of clients find their stylists through social media.

5. Network Within the Industry Networking isn't just for corporate professionals. Attend industry events, join online forums, and engage with other stylists outside of your beauty school circle. This not only helps in staying informed about the latest trends but also opens up opportunities for collaborations and growth. You never know who someone might introduce you to, or how you can help them. There's a popular saying I love to quote here which is: "your network is your net-worth". Surround yourself with people who inspire you and encourage you to grow as an artist and an individual. 

6. Prioritize Self-Care Lastly, take care of yourself. Standing behind the chair is physically demanding, and burnout is real. Prioritize your health and well-being to ensure you can give your best to your clients and your business. I have an episode on the podcast about burnout that is incredible and I know you'd resonate with. Click here to check it out.

 If you are one of the elite 5% who make it past five years...welcome friend. Now we get to refine and tailor your business to best suit YOU. 

And if you haven't made it to the 5 year mark yet, but you're still chugging along... you got this!! The fact that you're here means you're already on the right track my friend. 

And for any of you that are looking to level up in your business, I highly recommend downloading my FREE 'Client Experience Toolkit'. This is your opportunity to snag something I normally charge $27 for, and it comes with a coordinating private podcast episode to walk you through the resource. I've had positive feedback from beauty school students all the way up to 20yr pros. So there are little nuggets in there for everyone. Get it while it's still free!

>>>Click HERE to get the FREE 'Client Experience Toolkit' today!<<<

Stay inspired, stay motivated, and remember: you are important and you are changing lives❤️