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Carlos Valenzuela, initially trained in London and Chicago with Pivot Point International, has a master's degree in international management and forty-six-plus year's experience as a hairdresser, ex-salon/school owner and worldwide spokesperson for professional beauty brands. He is the author of numerous success and personal development programs and published the novella Letters to Young Carlos, about a gay boy growing up along the US/Mexico border in the 1960s. Visit him at carlosvalenzuela.online
"Nobody was rude to me; everyone was nice, yet silently, I was denied opportunities awarded to anyone younger. Ageism is sneaky and includes biases like younger stylists give the salon a better image, clients prefer younger stylists, and they only do old- fashioned styling."
New perceptions of gender--more specifically, the greater acceptance of gender fluidity and things like choosing your personal pronoun — have opened the door to men’s acceptance of more traditionally feminine products and services. However, the marketing of cosmetics for men still retains a heavily masculine sensibility, but this is changing.
Before you click a camera, know this: why are you creating the images? The success of a photoshoot hinges on your answer. Even if it’s just for fun, set a goal or purpose and stay focused to attain good results, otherwise, it’s like shooting fish in a barrel—you might get a nice photo, you might not.
In planning our photo shoot, we asked the question: men with makeup, what is it? They have to be men who wear cosmetics for a more significant reason than to cover up a pimple. They want to look better and maintain an air of naturalness. It has to complement their lifestyle, I said to the team.
Employee turnover is expensive. In a business where competition is stiff and profit hinges on excellent customer service, salon owners should consider this checklist for ways to create happier employees.
"I heard myself say I might not be back next year because my knees refuse to hold me up for two hours—and they cried. Then, they stood and applauded for what seemed an eternity—and I cried."
After an unprecedented and crazy time, how do you want to move forward? What do you want a workday to look like? What needs to adjust, stay in your life or go? Here’s an opportunity to rethink how to lead a more fulfilling life and reprioritize your needs, wellness, and health.
How do you motivate yourself to stay present? And do your best? I mean, it’s too easy to wander off, isn’t it? Here’s how I’ve learned to be up for whatever the salon day throws at me.
We fudge the truth if it hurts. The truth is often an insult. Reality often will do nothing for a client’s confidence.
The number one reason a client moves to another salon goes like this: “I always walked out looking the same.” How did this happen? You stopped doing a consultation for returning clients because familiarity fooled you into thinking you knew the client so well it wasn’t necessary. Wrong.
It’s easy to forget that the real reason a client is in your chair is to get their hair, nails, or skin done. There are three items I would never share with someone I see every six weeks for a paid service—no matter how cool they are.
A salon, like a boyfriend, is never one hundred percent what you want. If you want to save a salon job (or a relationship), here are some suggestions and things to consider.
Washington's too crazy for me—that's what I always thought, until Covid hit me. And that's when I started paying more attention. Read on for some of the proposed budget plans that could offer some relief to salon pros.
Check out the list of proven salon happiness enhancers to add to your motivational arsenal.
Personally, I’ve moved on to learning to live with the virus, its guidelines, restrictions and precautions instead of waiting around or ignoring the pandemic. I just try to sensibly take care of myself.
The real value of mentoring is sharing you’ve been there, you know how it feels, and you made it, —so, go for it.
Money may not bring happiness, but a salon shutdown proved that no money is a bummer and totally stresses you out. We salon professionals excel at our skills, creativity, and ability to make money, but often lack the discipline to keep it. Yes, this is officially a tough love blog. Take a seat.
