Thriving Stylist Podcast: Episode #360 - Quick Question Mashup: You Ask, I Answer

Host: Britt Seva
Release Date: November 4, 2024

In Episode #360 of the Thriving Stylist Podcast, host Britt Seva adopts a fresh format—a rapid-fire Q&A session where she addresses a variety of listener-submitted questions. This "Quick Question Mashup" aims to provide concise, actionable insights on pressing topics within the beauty industry, particularly focusing on salon management, stylist compensation, and career growth. Below is a detailed summary capturing the essence of the discussions, notable quotes, and key takeaways from the episode.

1. Introduction to the Quick Question Mashup

Britt Seva opens the episode by explaining the new format, encouraging listeners to submit their questions via iTunes reviews. She emphasizes the intent to tackle multiple inquiries efficiently, offering brief yet impactful answers.

Notable Quote:

"We're going to do a quick question mashup. So if you have ever had a question about something I talk about in the podcast, just leave me a rating or review on iTunes and send me your question in the comments."
[00:04]

2. Deskless Salons: Yay or Nay?

Submitted by Yoko Nono on September 16, 2024

Discussion Highlights: Britt delves into the concept of deskless salons, weighing their necessity and practicality in modern salon operations. She explains that the traditional front desk's role has diminished with advancements in technology, allowing for more flexible client interactions. However, she underscores the importance of maintaining a clear and predictable client experience, comparing the absence of a front desk to a confused hotel guest without a reception area.

Key Insights:

• Flexibility vs. Structure: While technology facilitates deskless operations, the physical presence of a front desk can provide a sense of structure and reassurance for new clients.
• Empowered Staff: Britt advocates for leveraging receptionists and salon managers beyond mere administrative roles, suggesting they should contribute to sales, marketing, and overall salon growth.

Notable Quotes:

"The front desk, I think historically was almost like a subliminal message of like, start here, like, you know what I mean?"
[04:20]

"If you have a front desk, is anybody working there? What's the purpose?"
[04:35]

3. One Day a Week Stylists and Earnings Stagnation

Submitted by Ella Chad on September 9, 2024

Discussion Highlights: Ella Chad poses two interrelated questions: the viability of employing stylists who work only one day a week and concerns about financial stagnation despite achieving over $100k in gross income.

Key Insights:

• Productivity Over Hours: Britt emphasizes that the value of a stylist is measured by their productivity, not merely the number of days they work. A high-performing stylist working one day can be more beneficial than a less productive one working multiple days.
• Income Growth vs. Cost of Living: Addressing the stagnation concern, Britt highlights the importance of aligning income growth with the rising cost of living. She advises aiming for more than a 10% increase to enhance one's lifestyle.

Notable Quotes:

"I would much rather have a stylist in my salon who makes $25,000 a year working one day a week than a stylist in my salon who makes $45,000 a year working three days a week."
[15:30]

"Increasing your income by 10% is how to survive. If you increase your income by less than 10%, your lifestyle will decrease."
[17:45]

4. Quiet Quitting: Redefining the Term in Salon Culture

Submitted by M. Diggy on September 5, 2024

Discussion Highlights: M. Diggy contemplates whether stylists arriving late for appointments equates to "quiet quitting." Britt clarifies that quiet quitting involves a broader disengagement from the job, such as reduced communication, lack of enthusiasm, and declining performance—not merely arriving minutes after the scheduled start time.

Key Insights:

• Behavior vs. Mindset: Arriving late is seen as a professional shortcoming but doesn't necessarily indicate a lack of commitment or a desire to withdraw from the role.
• Setting Expectations: Britt advises salon owners to clearly define and communicate punctuality expectations during hiring and enforce them consistently.

Notable Quotes:

"Quiet quitting is not the same as stylists not wanting to show up 10 minutes early for their shift."
[21:10]

"Do I think it's professional? No. Do I think it's appropriate? No. Do I think it's unique? Not at all."
[22:55]

5. Overwhelmed Salon Suite Owner: Balancing Bookings and Personal Life

Submitted by Alexandria Jewel on August 30, 2024

Discussion Highlights: Alexandria Jewel seeks advice on managing an overwhelming booking schedule that extends from August through December, expressing concerns over work-life balance and fair pricing.

Key Insights:

• Profitability vs. Booked Schedules: Britt points out that being booked solid for an extended period often indicates inefficiencies or underpricing, leading to missed financial opportunities.
• Dynamic Pricing: She encourages salon owners to evaluate their pricing structures meticulously, ensuring they align with market demands and business sustainability without resorting to arbitrary price hikes.

Notable Quotes:

"If you are booked out solid for four months, you are losing money, guaranteed."
[25:35]

"The reason why I don't just flippantly say, go ahead and raise your prices when somebody's booked out for four months is you may have a structural issue."
[26:15]

6. Commission-Based Compensation and Service Fees

Submitted by Ellie M. on August 29, 2024

Discussion Highlights: Ellie M. shares her frustrations with commission-based salons, specifically regarding additional service fees that diminish her earnings. She contemplates moving to a booth rental model to escape feeling exploited.

Key Insights:

• Transparency in Compensation: Britt criticizes service fees as a lack of transparency and advocates for appropriate commission structures that reflect the true value of stylists' work.
• Economic Considerations: Moving to an independent model doesn’t inherently guarantee higher earnings and may introduce new financial challenges. A thorough financial analysis is essential before making such a transition.

Notable Quotes:

"Service fees and air quotes on top of my commission. They are thinking about leaving a salon specifically because they feel like the service fees are taking advantage of them."
[30:50]

"If you are in thriver society and you've asked about pricing, there's a real good chance you've seen me in the group."
[28:10]

7. Salon Ownership: Building from the Ground Up

Submitted by Nervous but Ready to Grow on August 21, 2024

Discussion Highlights: A seasoned stylist considering salon ownership seeks guidance on where to invest financially and the essential services required for launching a new salon.

Key Insights:

• Leadership and Mentorship: Britt stresses the importance of genuine leadership and mentorship in salon ownership to prevent burnout and foster a supportive environment.
• Strategic Investments: She recommends investing in critical areas such as legal counsel, financial management (CPA and bookkeeper), and human resources support. Additionally, forming a network of honest salon owners for advice and support is crucial.
• Realistic Expectations: Understanding that profitability may not occur within the first few years and being prepared for potential delays in salon opening are vital for financial planning.

Notable Quotes:

"When you think you want to be a salon owner, just make 100% certain it’s because you want to lead and mentor people."
[35:25]

"Don't expect the salon to be Profitable for the first two to three years. If you break profit before that, amazing."
[36:40]

8. Conclusion and Call for Feedback

Britt wraps up the episode by inviting listeners to provide feedback on the new Q&A format. She encourages engagement through Instagram, iTunes reviews, and continued question submissions, reinforcing the community-driven nature of the Thriving Stylist Podcast.

Notable Quote:

"I'd love, love, love to know your feedback. So you can take a screenshot of this episode, tag me on Instagram, and let me know how you feel about it."
[39:50]

Key Takeaways:

1. Adaptability in Salon Management: Embracing or discarding traditional structures like front desks should be a strategic decision aligned with modern technology and client expectations.

2. Value Over Presence: Prioritize stylist productivity and client retention over the number of days worked to ensure sustainable salon growth.

3. Understanding Employee Engagement: Distinguish between superficial behaviors (like late arrivals) and genuine disengagement to address underlying issues effectively.

4. Strategic Pricing and Efficiency: Regularly assess pricing models and operational efficiency to prevent financial losses, even during periods of high bookings.

5. Transparent Compensation Models: Ensure compensation structures are fair and transparent to retain talented stylists and foster a positive work environment.

6. Comprehensive Planning for Ownership: Thorough preparation, including financial planning, mentorship, and leadership development, is essential for successful salon ownership.

Britt Seva's episode offers a wealth of practical advice tailored to the unique challenges faced by hairstylists and salon owners. By addressing real-world questions with clarity and expertise, she empowers her listeners to make informed decisions and thrive in the evolving beauty industry.