I have been busy planning new courses for the New Year and am pleased to announce the arrival of Bamboo Massage.  This lovely massage provides new techniques that work smoothly on the deep muscles in the body. It is also an excellent therapy for therapists as there is no pressure on the hands and wrists. The Bamboo sticks do the work for you.  The course will be running on Thursday 8th March and some eager therapists have already enrolled so if you wish to add this new skill to your therapy menu, call soon.

I do enjoy this time of year although admit to finding it difficult to plan for yet another year. I try to be quite strict with my time, balancing between work and family but as I have just become a first time Grandma, my heart is ruling my head so I am falling rapidly behind on work tasks. How is it that so much time can be spent watching a new born baby do nothing much at all?!

I would like to congratulate the therapists that have trained with me for semi-permanent lash extensions. There have been some excellent case studies and I have been extremely impressed with the skill, patience and commitment to ensuring they can offer a great service. I thoroughly enjoy doing this treatment as I “zone out” and relax. Plus it gives an instant “WOW” factor, so rewarding.   I am hoping to offer a new “eye treatment” next year, watch this space.

I am out travelling in January to several lovely salons to do some in-house training which is always a pleasure. I enjoy seeing how others run their businesses. If this is something that interests you do let me know.

I have decided not to have a moan in this Blog as I am feeling really cheerful!  I will end by wishing you all a prosperous and very Happy New Year.

Kim   

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

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

Already I am planning the Autumn and Winter  offers and Christmas gifts. I have booked in our festive Open day and find this a good time to look back at your retail sales for the year to note the best-sellers. I find using popular items in special promotions works really well at increasing overall revenue.  I am just finding it a little difficult to look at Snowmen etc when I have not had my summer holiday yet. On a serious note it is worthwhile having an advertising and promotional campaign regardless of the size of your business. A few hours spent on a quiet day (if you have any?) can reap you lots of time later.

May I say a huge Thank you to everyone who voted for me as I was officially named 2011 “Lecturer of the Year” by the Guild. I am sincerely grateful that you took the time to vote.

Good practice       Remembering what each client spoke to you about on their last visit.  

Bad practice          Double dipping spatulas when you are waxing – Yuk!

Speak soon

Kim

I have also just launched a new marketing workshop for anyone who would like lots of information, tips and hints relating to “growing your business”. I do  hope this is something that you will benefit from? Check out my timetable on www.traininginbeauty.co.uk for more details. 

Another bank holiday approaches, hurrah, a good reason to take some time off. The work/life balance is improving by the month. After 7 years I have finally learnt that it can not be all work. I know I am a slow learner!

Many interesting conversations are heard within my four walls and also many funny comments. The general opinion on the last Swedish massage course was that as therapists we all preferred to have some “flesh” to massage. That seems to me a good enough reason not to diet this week!

I am looking forward to training in the new semi-permanent mascara that is now advertised. I have worked for some time with “Flirties” and very much like their lash extension products. I hope soon to be able to offer this new “mascara” technique at my training centre. I can think of many clients that would be enthusiastic to have this done.

The hard work that Wendy and I have put into marketing our Prescents salon is now fully fledged. We are regularly full and have established a great customer database. It can seem a bit disheartening when it takes time to create the growth you would like but persistance does pay off along with some “smart” marketing schemes.  Remember to monitor the links that people use to find you and don`t be afraid to try new things.

I have now re-organised my “Cottage training” facebook page and would love you to join as friends if you haven`t already? You can keep up with the latest information and any offers that I will be doing.  Just type in Cottage training on facebook and I am easy to find.

One thing that I have experienced recently is a problem with some of the bottles I use for my Prescents products. I love the simple clean blue bottles but occassionally they leak. Has anyone else had this problem and how did you solve it? I have spoken to my supplier and they do not seem to think it should be an issue. I would appreciate any feedback.

Bad practice – Remember that careless talk can lose you clients. If you discuss clients to others you are breaching database regulations. Don`t use their names and be careful who may overhear.

Good practice – Offering something to your loyal customers, they really will appreciate it.

Kim

I recently added a new skill to my repertoire – Bamboo massage.  My that is a deep massage! Very stress free for a therapist to give and quite easy to learn. Very useful to work on those clients that insist on the “No pain, no gain” type of massage. I think they may get more than they bargained for!  Lovely to learn something new though.

Due to popular demand I have now set a date for my marketing workshop . I have invited my web designer Pete to come along as he can give you more understanding of how these work, costs, pitfalls and benefits. He has a wealth of information that I have certainly found so useful for increasing my client base including the use of databases. I will be discussing different ideas for keeping and gaining clients, promotions, open evening etc so if you feel your business has room to grow do come along.

Still as usual banging on about the lack of client consultations that are occurring in the industry, I fail to see how the correct, safest and most satisfactory treatment can be given to a client without spending a few minutes chatting to them prior to treatment.  Perhaps I will set up a register for therapists to join who do consultations so the public can check out these reputable people!

Sending out a questions as well today.  I have tried many hot waxes and do have several personal favourites but I would love to hear from you as to your experience and choices. Drop me an email if you can. I will report back in my next blog.  admin@traininginbeauty.co.uk

Just a good tip if you have a website, it is really beneficial to put on an instruction page for people booking in for spray tans. This means that they are well prepared and it is so much easier for you.

Thought for the day – Sunshine makes me smile

Speak soon

Kim

Visitors from overseas

The Cottage training centre has never been busier and I will soon, once again, welcome visitors from France. I have been so impressed with the organisation, planning and achievements that these lovely ladies have gained during their short stopovers. It is no easy task as the laws in France differ quite substantially and to follow a beauty career while gaining approval from the “Mayor” is quite admirable.

Other international visitors have been from Bermuda, Spain and Venezuela. How interesting to hear about the beauty industry in their own countries? After meeting the lovely lady from Venezuela I know I am operating in the wrong country! Beauty is compulsory for women and expense is not considered! Do share your stories with me.

I am now offering a one day course in marketing as many very good therapists have told me this is their weakest area. We do find it difficult to sell ourselves!  I hope it will be well received and I have managed to secure the input from my own web designer who will explain the benefits of having a well-designed site. I truly believe that you need to have this facility if you are taking your business seriously.  That maybe a little controversial for some but if you are starting out now this is the way of communication. Although some initial outlay is required it can quickly bring you in lots of new customers. We get many requests for bookings on our website from new clients. Once through the door, it is up to us to keep them.  My daughter who works in digital marketing has patiently educated me on the benefits of “Facebook, Twitter and Google”. None of which I knew much about 4 years ago! I have had to learn fast and I can vouch for the benefits.    It was even useful to announce that I could not get to work when we had the “snowfall”.

An interesting comment was made to my co-lecturer this week from a therapist studying with me. She is already trained in beauty therapy which she studied over one year. During this time the need to maintain a COSHH register was never mentioned? I think that the initials are quoted at us during training but the explanation as to why we should hold one  is often misssing. A good example would be if a client had an allergic reaction to a product during a treatment. As the therapist you should have clear product knowledge and be able to advise your client what the ingredients of the product are so at least she can avoid in the future. It is surprising how many companies do not seem to offer this information or what to do in case of inhalation, swallowing or skin contact. I am sure there are not too many people who would want to drink for instance acetone, but would you know what to advise if they did? 

A COSHH register is easy to set up and maintain and even if you are self-employed, working from home, mobile or in a small salon you should try and keep this up together.

I understand that some aspects of health and safety can be slightly “boring” but there is a good ethos behind them and many codes of practice relate to you upholding these rules and regulations.    

On a more cheery note, April and May bring holidays and occassions to celebrate. I have my union jack bunting ready along with paper plates and cups and look forward to an extra day off! Any excuse.

I hope you are all finding this a busy time? I have always thought spring one of the most frantic for both training and in the salon. Not much time for blogging but I made a promise to make this more regular and do try and keep my promises.

Speak soon

Kim

Over the last few weeks we have been asking students in the beauty, nails and holistic industry to nominate their favourite lecturer. Education is vitally important, so we wanted to honour those who are most instrumental in this. The votes have been counted, and the Guild’s Lecturer Of The Year 2011 is Kim Sexton of The Cottage Training Centre . Kim received lots of votes from some very satisfied customers.

Thank you so much for taking the time to vote for me. I am delighted to win the Guild “Lecturer of the year award”. I could not have done this without you. We all like a “pat on the back” from time to time and you have made this happen for me.  My commitment to offering the very best I can when teaching you has never waivered and I am passionate about maintaining high professional standards in this industry. I appreciate and enjoy your successes and know that you also strive to give your clients a truly professional and enjoyable treatment. The Cottage Training Centre  will continue to support you and offer up to date training in our beauty, massage and holistic industry.

Once again, many, many thanks. I can assure you of my continued support and commitment.

Kim

I was teaching body massage today and when asking a simple question to the students ” Have you had a massage “, “Yes” came the reply.  “Did they go through a consultation with you prior to the treatment?”  ……..you can guess the answer!  I know I have bleated on about this before but I still am unable to get my head around the amount of therapists that do not bother to even ask what the client would like from a treatment. Oh, if only they would appreciate that they may well get a much more loyal client and above all a happy one.  Still, if there are therapists out there that are happy to take the risk and potentially treat someone who has a “contra-indication” and cause them some harm, so be it. It will not be my lawsuit.   Having just read this back it does sound as if I have stepped back on my soap box but it just keeps on popping up.

My other concern is peer pressure from employers. Some, although definitely not all, seem to book treatments in for thereapists who are not qualified to perform these.  It is so difficult to refuse to do a treatment when you fear that you may lose your job. Just bear in mind that if things go wrong the buck will definitley stop with the therapist so it may be worth asking that they fund training for you to ensure the salon maintains its excellent reputation!

Thank you to FHT for a visit to my centre this week. It is lovely to put names to faces and both Steve and Chris were informative, entertaining and supportive.

My visit to Excel for this years professional beauty exhibition was a lot more worthwhile than last years!  Each time I go there seems to be a domination from one area and this year it was a close run thing between lash extensions and nails. Having just completed the “Shellac” training I am excited that this fabulous new polish has come about. What a lovely finish, even my short, stubby nails look good!

On a personal note I must thank everyone for voting for me in the Guild nomination for “Lecturer of the year”.  I am sincerely touched by the messages of goodwill that I have received from so many of you. Maybe a party if I get in the running!  If you haven`t voted but would like to just click on my website. http://www.traininginbeauty.co.uk/

Wishing you a happy Mothers day, Easter, Royal wedding celebration and bank holiday! I do hope you are capitilising on these events with some great offers in your salons?

Best wishes

Kim

Next we have Shellac and Minx, the two new launches from CND. Shellac is a fabulous nail polish that stays put for two weeks. Shiny and elegant, perfect for busy people. Minx is the latest fashion accessory. Lots of funky and pretty designs to choose from that are stuck onto nails adding that little bit of glamour. We are all busy taking in this new information and enjoying the effects we can create.

February, March and April are always really busy months, not only do  my entire family  have their birthdays there are also many other special occassions; Mothers day, Easter, bank holidays and this year a Royal wedding! Planning is so important and I could easily spend a day looking through my diary and wondering just how to fit it all in. I have to confess that it is usually done at 11.00pm at night! Not good time mangement I know.  

One constant enjoyment is the contact from previous students who let me know how they are doing in the industry. It is hard after investing in your training to then secure a jobuild yuor business. The extra skills in marketing, advertising and book-keeping do not come naturally to everyone. Many really good beauty therapists give up because they cannot get enough clients. What a shame? I think perhaps its time to put on a training day for marketing and advertising. (I just thought of more work didn’t I?).

Thank you to Aileen from Jane Iredale who is here today teaching make-up.  A little reprieve for me. Although I am going to be the model for a demonstration which means taking my make-up off. I hope she has the perfect concealer for under eye dark circles?

Have to dash,   and hope to speak soon.

Kim