My instructors recommended me to be an assistant to a local stylist. The only things that they told me about the stylist is his name, that he attended school there in the past, he had a successful salon, and that they had sent him two students prior to me for the position. The students who went before me never called and never showed up. I was excited at this grand opportunity to land a job in the field in which I want to began a long lasting career. Many greats have become super successful just by assisting and watching some of the best in their field. And here is my opportunity!! To prepare myself for the BIG interview I googled the salon and the owner. But nothing other than a personal facebook page came up for my search. How odd is it that a business, mainly a salon does not have web presence. I brushed it off and thought of generic questions to ask and discuss with him.
When pulling up to the salon I was not greeted by a sign or anything. Just the number on the building which was built to be a residential dwelling. A very nice two story home with a old school southern porch. Humm I thought to myself I guess this is the right place. It turned out to be the right place. As he opened the door to a simply yet very chic salon my mind tried to comprehend what I my eyes absorbed. No sign, No website, chic and simple. I sat down and the first question he asked me in his heavy yet intriguing Latin accent "what have you heard about me and this salon." I told him what my instructors told me and that I had tried to google him and the salon but came up with nothing. His response. " I know I don't have a website but I can't take any more business. My books are completely full". Light bulb went off...that's why there is no sign, nor a website. He cannot service walk-ins or anyone that is not referred to him by word of mouth. As we continued to talk I found out that he has worked hard to get to where he is. He does everything himself from calling to confirm appointments to sweeping hair from the floor. He was very honest and forth coming. Please be aware that this is not just a corner fly by night salon. His hair cuts START at $50 for this area that is a big deal. I am not in L.A or NYC We continued to talk and he asked me questions about everything to how my weight can effect my career, the beauty industry is brutal, to the career benefits to wearing my hair natural. This interview taught me five important life lessons.
1. Do not be afraid to ask the hard questions. Just find the proper words to use.
2. Do not judge a salon by it's sign.
3. The best marketing tool in the hair industry (and for yourself) is word of mouth.
4. Being yourself does not requires far LESS effort than trying to be someone else.
5. Know your target market
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I had a great time. On and INTERVIEW!!! I know crazy right?? I know that this is where I should be to learn tons about the every day life of a stylist and successful business owner. I got a great vibe from this gentlemen and his establishment. Hands on learning is what I can anticipate and look forward to in this exclusive salon. I am excited!!! I go in tomorrow at 11 am!!! SWEET!!!
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