Salon Geek - Blogs

Masters are marked

Hands_Only — Wed, 08 May 2013 09:51:58 GMT

I am totally in LOVE with CND.

I have just completed my Shellac course and I am booking onto the Master Painter, Custom Colour & Master Architect this year and planning on the Brisa conversion, custom colour & master sculptor next year.

This company is amazing. Their staff are outstanding whether you are talking to them on the phone at Sweet Squared or face-to-face at the Centres.

I can't believe I changed systems thinking I was doing the right thing when all along CND were niggling at the back of my head saying 'don't do it, you'll regret it' lol.

I'm glad I tried it though in a way as now I know where I belong.

Thank you CND for fab products, service and staff.

OMG, OMG, OMG amazing news!

florence2004 — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 20:28:22 GMT

Finally after all my months of moaning about CND education we have a CND EA coming to town! I am soooooo excited! June 8,9 & 10 I will be doing my Master Painter, Master Sculptor and nail art & play day on the 10th. Maybe we will get to use the new CND polish! Yay can't wait, already secured my spot on all 3!

So frustrated

florence2004 — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 14:04:07 GMT

So many of you may know that I have been frustrated lately by the lack of CND training and product availability here in Calgary. Well I decided to take a nail technician course at my local beauty college as I haven't done any training in 6 years and my confidence wasn't very high and I thought this might help. It meant getting an OPI kit as opposed to CND but I figured that OPI were a reputable company and maybe trying another brand may help me with some of of technique difficulties as every system is different. Well I hate to be a moaner as I am working on being more positive but the course is terrible and seemingly OPI is in the same boat as CND here. Yesterday my friend and I went to all the beauty suppliers that stock OPI and found the same thing that they don't stock a full range. The one that we went to that is supposed to be the flagship for OPI here didn't even stock any of the liquid and powder systems and when I spoke to the manager about it she just said, "gel is much better for the nails anyway"!
The lady who is teaching the course at the college is a hairdresser who does nail and teaches partime. She is a lovely lady who has given me a boost in confidence for the last week but she sucks as an educator! There is no course outline to follow. We are supposed to be covering l&P, Gel and nail art over the next 5 weeks and we started with manicures which is a separate course. No nail/hand anatomy covered or sanitation. We didn't go through the products in the kit, it's ok for me as I am not new to the industry but the girls in the class have taken to texting me to ask what the different products are and what goes together so that they can practice at home! On Wednesday this week we did tip application and started on our L&P application. At this stage we have not done any learning around chemistry or over exposure. The instructor didn't even explain the structure of the brush and how to look after and maintain in. The whole class took the plastic sheath off their brush and then tried to get the packing glue out with their FINGERS!!! Now they did explain to me that most of our theory would be as reading for homework so we could get as much application time in class as possible but when you are instructing the class to apply the smile line and they don't know what the smile line is, I think that is an issue. So at the moment I feel like I just flushed $1300 down the toilet. The only good thing about the course is that I have met some wonderful people who I will most definitely stay in touch with!

Glad to be back

louiseprunty — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 14:15:47 GMT

I haven't been on salon geek for quite some time.

But, I am back. Looking forward to so speaking to my old friends x :)

Mature gymnast

opal — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 21:35:57 GMT

After a rather unfortunate incident last year I have just realised I will never realise my bucket list dream of becoming a gymnast at the grand age of 36 I will never ever do a drunken headstand against a door either
Gosh #shattereddreams
:lol:

I actually hope no one reads this ha ha

Confused

opal — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 21:20:39 GMT

So trying to break into the beauty industry starting with nails keep finding the "perfect" course only to find that either they have already started, not anywhere near me or the qualification wouldn't allow me to work in a salon
If I wasn't such a stubborn Madame I'd have given up :eek:
Instead I'm on my blog rambling like a fool cos ranting at the dog doesn't have any effect she now removes herself from her bed the minute I start talking :!:
I think I'm slowly going mad ....

How to Name Your Salon or Spa

BizGirl — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 07:32:29 GMT

When it comes to naming a newborn baby there are countless books written on the subject and entire websites devoted to the topic. New parents write endless lists of options and sometimes the debate continues right up to the end of the nine-month arrival.

But what about naming your business?

It can be almost as agonising a decision, and considering that the name you settle on has powerful consequences for the future success of your spa or salon it calls for a comparable level of effort and forethought.

If you�re a parent, you�ll know the joy and excitement of becoming a proud mum or dad and with that, the thrill of what you will name your child.

It�s an important decision. Your child will carry that name with them for life. It will be part of who they are wherever they go.

Naming your salon or spa carries the same importance in a sense; it�s your baby too.

The name you chose is a defining point. It tells people what you do, what you stand for and what they can expect when they do business with you.

The importance of your business name goes far beyond what�s printed on your business card. It�s a strategic business decision that will become a central part of your marketing strategy.

Get it right and it will be the most powerful way to differentiate yourself from your competitors. But get it wrong, and you�ll always have trouble standing out in the crowd.

If you�re tackling the task of naming � or re-naming � your spa or salon, avoid tearing your hair out by following these simple steps.

STEP ONE: Define your brand identity

Before labeling your brand with a name, you must first understand exactly what it stands for. You�ll be tempted to choose a name that broadcasts what you do � instead, think about what you are.

In other words, focus not on the services your business provides, but on how you want to make your clients feel and the image you want to portray.

For example, picture your favourite caf� in your mind.

Its main service is to provide coffee � hopefully good coffee. However, chances are you keep coming back for more than just the coffee.

Perhaps it�s the friendly service, the prime people-watching location, or the fashionable d�cor that completes the package.

The caf� is attractive not just because of its bare product, but because of how the complete experience makes you feel.

Translate that example to your spa or salon and that�s your brand identity.

The name of your business should capture the essence of that identity and express it to your clients in a way that adds to their experience of your brand.

For example, �Jessica�s Nails� says little about the experience this brand offers. �Gossip Nail Salon� on the other hand, conjures the image of a cool downtown salon.

STEP TWO: Consider your target market

To communicate your brand effectively with your clients, you must first understand who they are.

Choose your target market by considering the demographics of your surrounding area.
Is your neighbourhood full of young mums looking for a fun social outlet; retirees wanting a sympathetic ear; or busy professional women needing some rest and relaxation?

Just as each demographic has different expectations, they�ll also respond differently to different brands and brand messages.

The business name you choose should appeal directly to your target clientele and reinforce the experience that they want to have with your brand.

When targeting a professional, city crowd, opt for something edgy or even a little mysterious like �XI Spa�; however a suburban, family-focused demographic may respond to something more friendly and approachable like �Yummy Mummy Day Spa�.

STEP THREE: Get creative

Okay, so you�ve defined your brand identity and know your target market � now it�s time to get creative.

Brainstorming sessions with your friends, family and staff can be a powerful creative tool and may help you come up with ideas that you might not have thought of yourself.

Searching the web for other spas and salons beyond your territory � or for similar brands with the same target market in different industries � can also provide inspiration and help you list the kinds of words that best express your brand.

Try to use words that will stand out � and offer a point of difference from your competitors � but avoid intentional misspellings that will make it more difficult for your potential customers to find you in an internet search.

And don�t limit yourself to just one name. Once you�ve settled on a shortlist, check to see that none of the names have already been trademarked and make sure that a domain name is available for your final selection.

You may even want to run your shortlist past a test group of your prospective clients. The names they respond to might help you make your decision. After all, your business name is about attracting attention among your target demographic.

Post a comment below and tell me about the name of your salon.

Using Eye Cream

fozzyo — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 20:08:31 GMT

It's amazing, I have recently had loads of interest from my guys about the benefits of eye creams and getting rid of dark circles.

Of course for most of them they're not sure best way of using them. So I've done a little video to aid them and thought you guys may also find it useful.

You Tube

Welcome back me :-)

opal — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 19:19:12 GMT

Hello everyone
I haven't been here for so long thought I'd just say hi :-)
Had a serious accident last year and have had to change my life I am now the proud owner of a shattered right arm held together with lots of plates and screws :-( can't bend it much or straighten it much but I miss the little things can't splash water on my face , can't put m hair in a plait but I'm alive lol
Hairdressing how now gone out of the window but I can do nails so I've decided to train as a nail tech wanted to do beauty anyway so it's not all so bad :-)
Has anyone else had a similar type of injury and if so how have things changed for you. ??
Look forward to hearing from the geeks
::biggrin:

Looking for some Doggy Advice

Klassy Klaws — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 20:14:14 GMT

Hey geeks long time no blog!

I'm looking for all the doggy geeks out there to help me if they can :)

We are hoping to breed out gorgeous chocolate lab Cookie and i have completely forgotten as its been 16 years since we last breed a dog, when is she at her most fertile?
If I remember right it's around day 11 from when she starts her bleed?

I have a beautiful chocolate dog called Max all ready to come and stay for a week but I just want to make sure we get the correct week :D

trying to get into battle mode!

florence2004 — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 18:04:12 GMT

just been listening to a CD that talks about getting into battle mode. Putting pressure on yourself to be the best that you can be, developing character and posture! The strategy is to take away any easy exits so that you are forced to go in one direction and bring out your fight or flight thinking.

I am just trying to figure out how this works in running my salon. I am far from being the best I can be in this industry. I have set up the business, bought products and equipment and yesterday finished off some advertising materials that I am now waiting to have delivered. I have a kids pamper party booked on Friday and I am due to attend a local trade show on 22nd March to advertise my services. But other than that and my BFF I have no clients and with no other job, I have no income coming in. I have every reason to get off my butt and get moving on this but something is holding me back and I can't figure out what it is. Confidence is definitely an issue as my applications need a lot of work and I worry about how long I take too. I seem to convince myself that if I could take more training or add more services in that it would help, but this involves spending more money and until I earn some this really is not an option.

I am back

Zo Zo — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 15:13:26 GMT

Hello geeky females. Not been around much in the last 2 or so years as I have been busy having babies, and working ridiculous hours in 3 jobs. (Happily this has recently reduced to 2 jobs!)

Suddenly I am laid up poorly sick and have nothing to do but geek! Every cloud has a silver lining...

some stability would be nice

florence2004 — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 14:43:10 GMT

so yesterday was an up and down day. I did my BFF's nails, still took me 3 hours to remove shellac, fill and redo shellac. it's so dishartening when it takes me so long and her nails look awful at the end of it! I don't think it helps that she still has remenants of L&P left from the NSS she went to and that her cuticles and skin are in terrible shape. Her hands and fingers are super dry and her cuticles grow really fast and are thick. I got a bunch off yesterday using cuticle remover but I could have dedicated a whole day to removing the dry skin from around her cuticle area! I told her that I think her best bet is take the whole lot off, manicure her nails for a couple weeks and then put a new full set on. Although she has nice length on her natural nail now so I am thinking even the brisa lite would work on her.
So at this point in the day I am going through my usual thinking that has prevented me from really doing nails in the past. Self doubt creeps in and I figure I can never do this as it takes too long and they look like crap! Anyway I took my daughter to the hairdresser in the afternoon and I am sitting in the waiting room when a lady leans over and asks me where I get my nails done as they look fantastic.....that's the reaction I have been looking for, for weeks. And then the hairdresser that is doing my daughter comes over and says "oh you have the same kind of nails as your daughter they are great, I have never seen that nail polish before, where do you get them done?" my daughter and I are both sporting Shellac with foils, seems it's not very common in these parts and caused quite the stir in the hairdressers yesterday!

First full set

florence2004 — Sun, 27 Jan 2013 16:50:14 GMT

Did my first full set of L&P yesterday. It took me 4 hours!! Not impressed with my time but I had a lot to deal with. She had a full set on from an NSS that had only been on for a week and they were horrible - cracked, chipped not straight, so I had no choice but to remove them and put new ones on. The soak off took forever, probably due to the product used,I couldn't get it off for love nor money. I am not trained in E-filling so I have to manual file and more poor ittle files just could not get through the product. My filling arm is very sore this morning thanks to rigourous filling yesterday. My application of the new set took only around 2 hours which I didn't think was too bad, but I still have to get faster! I have another set to do today so we'll see how that one goes!

How to walk the critical path

BizGirl — Sun, 27 Jan 2013 02:45:21 GMT

Ensuring your best laid marketing plans make it off the page and into reality comes down to your ability to walk the critical path.

Your critical path � or marketing map � is essentially a step-by-step action plan that lists the sequence of activities you must complete to bring your marketing campaign in on time and on budget.

It provides an effective way to track your progress towards a deadline, but most importantly it gives you a visual roadmap of exactly how you�ll arrive at your goal.

Think of it like a trip to IKEA. To assemble your new flat-pack coffee table, you need to complete a set of tasks in a specific sequence. But skip a step in the process and chances are your new coffee table won�t have a leg to stand on.

In a marketing sense, your critical path operates on the same principles. Each task relies on the successful completion of the one before it, and if there�s a link missing in the chain, your end product will fall flat.

So we see that following a critical path is, well, critical to getting your marketing campaign up and running. But how do you design your own action plan that will send you marching down the critical path, and not the garden path?

Like any journey, it begins with a single step.

First, you must break down your marketing campaign into a series of achievable tasks. Ask yourself what needs to be completed in order to launch the campaign and list all the tasks on paper.

Then, assign the tasks to your staff or call in outside help.

For example, you may need a graphic designer to layout a flyer, a photographer to shoot your salon in its best light, and a printing company to produce the flyers.

Next, you must schedule the tasks in a logical order. For example, a designer can�t layout your flyer without images, so your photographer must do their part first. Likewise, a printing company needs a finished design to work with so they come last in the chain.

Now, with a list of appropriately delegated tasks sorted into a logical sequence you can set an achievable timeline for your project. For each task assign a realistic time frame for completion � the sum of which will give you an overall project timeline.

Working backwards from the launch date of your campaign, it now becomes crystal clear when you need to start the first task in order to hit your deadline. And closely monitoring your critical path and timeline throughout the project will illuminate any mole hills before they become mountains.

Best of all, your critical path need not only be applied to a single campaign but can -- and should -- be used to schedule your annual marketing activities. Done right, you�ll never again find yourself launching a Christmas promotion when Santa is already in his sleigh, or completely missing Valentine�s Day like one of Cupid�s errant arrows.

Please post a comment (or ask me a question) below and let me know what you think.