SalonGirlie

  When I first started thinking about booth renting, I had a lot of questions. I had spent almost six years working in a commission salon, so the idea of being responsible for my own business felt exciting—but also a little intimidating and very scary. There are a lot of opinions about booth renting in the beauty industry. Some people swear by it, while others hear things like, “You have to do everything yourself,” “You’ll never have enough clients,” or “It’s only for experienced stylists.” After making the switch myself, I’ve learned that some of the things people say about booth renting simply aren’t true. So let’s talk about some of the biggest misconceptions I’ve heard—and what I’ve learned from my own experience. Misconception #1: You Have to Have a Huge Clientele Before You Can Booth Rent This is one I hear a lot. People sometimes think you need to already have a completely full book before you can become a booth renter. While having an established clientele can certainly mak...

In my previous blog post, The Importance of Continuing Education in the Beauty Industry, I talked about why learning shouldn't stop after cosmetology school. Continuing your education is one of the best ways to grow your skills, stay current with industry trends, and provide the best possible experience for your clients. Today, I want to take that conversation a step further by talking a little more about the educators, brands, and educational platforms that I mentioned in my previous education blog post. These platforms have made an impact on me and my career. Whether you're interested in hair, nails, makeup, or simply looking for fresh inspiration, these are some of my favorite places to learn. Remember, you do not have to learn everything at once. Finding just one new resource can inspire you to keep growing and developing your skills. Nail Career Education One of my favorite resources for nail education is Nail Career Education. Suzie's videos cover everything from begi...

Client Experiences Whenever a client books an appointment, they are coming for more than just a haircut, hair color, manicure, pedicure, or waxing service. They are trusting us with their time, their appearance, and are often looking for a chance to relax from the busyness of everyday life. Creating a great client experience is not about having the fanciest salon or the most expensive products. It is about making each of your clients feel welcomed, cared for, and appreciated from the moment they walk through your door until they leave. Here are some things I feel make a lasting impression. Start with a Warm Welcome First impressions do matter. Greeting your clients with a big smile and a friendly attitude can help them feel comfortable right away. If you are finishing up with another client whenever your next client arrives, simply letting them know you will be with them shortly can go along way.  A warm and nice welcome can help to set the tone for the entire appointment. Keep You...

Having a salon booth rental means that you are responsible for keeping your space stocked and ready for every appointment. Which is unlike working in a commission salon, where many products are provided for you. Booth renters have to think ahead to make sure they have everything they need for each client that sits in their chair, whether they specialize in hair, nails, skincare, or all of the above. Over my years in the beauty industry, I have learned that staying stocked up on supplies not only helps appointments run more smoothly but can also reduce my stress. The last thing we want as stylists is to realize you are out of an essential product in the middle of a service. (Even though that has happened to me before! I have learned to be more proactive in keeping up with my inventory!) Here are some of the items that I make sure to have on hand for each service I provide: Nail Products Because nails are my favorite service, and my most booked service, I try to pay closer attention to m...

Why Continuing Education Is One of the Best Investments You Can Make One of my favorite things about the beauty industry is that there is always something new to learn. Whether it be a new product, technique, trend, or service. The beauty industry is constantly evolving and coming out with exciting things. Since things within the beauty industry change so often, I believe continuing education is one of the very best investments you can make, not only for yourself but for your career. After becoming a licensed cosmetologist, I quickly realized that cosmetology school gives you a good foundation, but it does not teach you everything you need to know. The real learning begins behind the chair.  Why Continuing Education Matters Taking classes and staying up to date on the latest trends not only benefits you but also benefits your clients. Here is a short list of reasons I believe constant education is important: It Helps to Improve Your Skills The more education under your belt, the mo...

Opening and Closing Checklists for Booth Renters One habit I have tried to incorporate is to have a routine for opening and closing. To help me do this, I have created two checklists: opening and closing. Having a routine helps me in many ways. To stay organized, create a welcoming environment for my clients, and make sure nothing gets overlooked. Whether you are new to renting a booth or have been doing it for years, having a routine and a checklist can create a calming atmosphere and make your workday flow much more smoothly. Why Checklists Matter When running your own beauty business, there are so many responsibilities to keep track of. You have appointments, inventory, cleaning, and client communication, it can be very easy to forget something. Using a checklist helps to: Keep your space clean and professional Makes you prepared for the day Reduce your stress and lower mental clutter Create consistency in your business Save time by following the same routine every day My Opening Ch...