Cottage Beauty Blog

September is proving to be really busy which is great news other than my colleague has been on holiday so I have completed many hours in the salon meeting lots of new people and saying “Hello” to my lovely loyal clients. I have been pleased with the success of our birthday gift vouchers and am thankful for the power of Excel. If any clients reading this have not received a special “Prescent” for their birthday month, please let me know. You really are important.

The success of Shellac and Minx has filled the salon diary with bookings especially over the holiday season and I am looking forward to the new designs that are sure to appear for the Christmas season. There are, of course, alternative nail foils to be purchased and they are certainly worth looking into. I have a training course coming up to help with application. You will quickly recoup your money  so a worthwhile investment.

It has been challenging over the last several weeks so I am looking forward to taking a little time out myself shortly. Always a struggle to get the perfect work/life balance! 

Moan of the week

While teaching last week students recounted their own experiences in salons and there were more complaints than compliments. One in particular involved a pedicure booking where the therapist performing the treatment decided it was an appropriate time to have an argument with her partner over the phone!! My feet would have been walking not soaking! 

I continually review customer service and hope that I can evaluate and improve constantly. Mistakes do happen but with good preparation and consideration as to your response I would hope that any issues can be sorted out amicably and in a professional manner? 

On a reminder note, remember that if you play music in your salon it is highly likely that you will need a PRS license which costs about £80.00 for the year. They do check on premises so take care, a fine is much more.

My new timetable for training courses right up to next May is now on line and I hope there is something that interests you?

The salon will be holding its annual open day with lots of special offers and “Prescents” so keep Saturday November 12th free adn pay us a visit.

Short and sweet blog today as busy packing!

Kim

Cottage Beauty Blog

September already and the last few days of rain and wind plus babysitting my daughters puppy have kept me fairly housebound. Putting the time to good use, I have planned my early 2012 timetable for courses that will run at the Cottage Training Centre, sorted out a few folders and files and prepapred my tax return. Oh how good that makes me feel! The sorts of jobs that I would really rather pend have been taken care of. I was tempted to tidy some kitchen cupboards but that was pushing it a bit!

As usual August proved a busy month for training courses. I recall how this surprised me the first time it occurred. I expected it to be quiet as  FE colleges and schools are closed and many holidays are taken, but this has never happened and it has always been one of the busiest months of the year. Not that I mind as I prefer not to holiday in August now my children have all fled the nest.

CPD is always important and I really enjoyed my recent refresher course in Advanced Cosmetic Procedures recently. It is very satisfying to remove skin tags, treat broken capillaries, warts and verrucas!  It was a nerve-wracking course to undertake originally as I was fearful of damaging the skin and leaving scars but actually the technique is amazing and such good results can be gained. For anyone who has been qualified in electrolysis for some time I would recommend advancing to this course.

I have also completed the training for the semi-permanent mascara which is growing rapidly in popularity. It takes a little practice to perfect and I have been on a mission to find better applicators (trade secret), but the result is really good and it offers yet another eyelash treatment for clients. I have read with interest some of the comments on the “Salon Geek” forum and in particular found it disconcerting that there are some people who are very critical and personal about competitors. Without competition there would be nothing to strive for and no benchmarks to set standards.

 I am planning another marketing workshop for early next year and would love to hear from anyone who would like to attend. I have a waiting list so please contact me f you would like your name to be added.  I have a co-tutor who will attend and he specialises in web design, maintenance and other computer issues.  It has been well received previously and I hope that everyone goes away with some great ideas for promoting a business.

Good practice – knowing the ingredients to your product range so you can recommend the most suitable for every client that visits.

Bad practice – Being late!

Speak soon

Kim