Tabatha Coffey has "taken over" 18 salons in the past two seasons of her Bravo "Tabatha's Salon Takeover" show. She has learned many things about the professionalism (and sometimes the UNprofessionalism) in the salon world. Here she answers five questions that I asked earlier today that could help both the owner and salon employee.


Photo Credit: Bravo

WHAT SHOULD A HAIRDRESSER LOOK FOR WHEN LOOKING TO WORK IN A SALON?
The right fit - the salon has to offer and have what the stylist is looking for so that the stylist is happy and proud to be part of the team.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON PROBLEMS YOU HAVE SEEN IN ALL OR MOST OF THE SALONS YOU'VE VISITED?
I think one of the main problems is a lack of leadership and accountability on both sides-- owners and stylists. Owners need to be clear about what the salon stands for and stylists need to be committed to doing the best work possible and making customers want to come back again and again.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR BEST TIPS FOR SALON OWNERS ON HOW TO MAKE THEIR BUSINESSES TO FLOW SMOOTHLY?
Have policies and procedures firmly in place so stylists know what is expected from them and they can be held accountable. Be firm but fair. And always lead by example.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ARE THE TOP FIVE KEYS TO SUCCESS IN THE PROFESSIONAL SALON WORLD?
Passion
Professionalism
Education
Cleanliness
Always having attention to every last detail of the customers' experience.

SINCE JOINING THE TAKE-OVER "PARTY" HOW HAVE YOUR VIEWS ON HAIRDRESSING OR SALON OWNERSHIP CHANGED?
I have been shocked by the lack of passion and laziness many salon owners have. This is something I still cannot get over. They need to set the example for their staff and that example is a very poor one. A business in this economy cannot survive and thrive without everyone trying to be their very best. I bring that lesson home to my business every day.

Related links:
A Chat with Tabatha Coffey (Modern Salon archive)
The Tabatha Coffey Tour (Modern Salon archive)
Tabatha Coffey Offers Tips to the Modern Salon World (blog by Maggie Mulhern)

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