Every salon has a specific clientele and every client has a favourite salon, so what makes that connection?  In this episode we're covering market position.  This key factor in your business' success is sometimes overlooked by those with less experience.  Be ahead of the game and work out who you are, who you want to be and who your clients will be. Every client has favoured places they go to for products and services and if your local area doesn't have the clients you want to attract you may need to look at how you position yourself for success. Whether you are in line with the more discount end of market with Aldi, Joe Average with the likes of Tesco or providing services akin to Harrods, you need to understand what makes your business and your clients tick so that you can increase the profit margins to grow your business. Join me on my facebook group here where you can be part of the ISP community.

Every salon has a specific clientele and every client has a favourite salon, so what makes that connection?  In this episode we're covering market position.  This key factor in your business' success is sometimes overlooked by those with less experience.  Be ahead of the game and work out who you are, who you want to be and who your clients will be. Every client has favoured places they go to for products and services and if your local area doesn't have the clients you want to attract you may need to look at how you position yourself for success. Whether you are in line with the more discount end of market with Aldi, Joe Average with the likes of Tesco or providing services akin to Harrods, you need to understand what makes your business and your clients tick so that you can increase the profit margins to grow your business. Join me on my facebook group <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/208025277731899" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> where you can be part of the ISP community.

EP25 YOUR SALON BUSINESS & MARKET POSITIONING

In this episode I am giving you a starter of what you need to consider when looking to start a mobile salon business, a home salon business and a salon premises business.  For all discerning salon professionals that have an entrepreneurial mindset owning your own business is often the dream.  In today's world this can be on a smaller scale or on a large scale of spa domination, salon franchise models or more.  But, the one thing in common is that they all start from the same place... Preparation &amp; Opportunity! To start a business of any size the same key things remain - location, ideal client, branding &amp; marketing with business literacy and the support services that surround it all being in place. Starting the journey can be daunting, but with the right knowledge and education you will be able to make the first steps into Salon Owner Success!! In this podcast I mention the the downloadable FREE pdf on '8 Top Tips to Starting Your Salon Industry Business' which is available here. Do you join me over on my Inspiring Salon Professionals Facebook Group Here's the link for your HMRC registration  https://www.gov.uk/set-up-business

In this episode I am giving you a starter of what you need to consider when looking to start a mobile salon business, a home salon business and a salon premises business.  For all discerning salon professionals that have an entrepreneurial mindset owning your own business is often the dream.  In today's world this can be on a smaller scale or on a large scale of spa domination, salon franchise models or more.  But, the one thing in common is that they all start from the same place... Preparation &amp; Opportunity! To start a business of any size the same key things remain - location, ideal client, branding &amp; marketing with business literacy and the support services that surround it all being in place. Starting the journey can be daunting, but with the right knowledge and education you will be able to make the first steps into Salon Owner Success!! In this podcast I mention the the downloadable FREE pdf on '8 Top Tips to Starting Your Salon Industry Business' which is available <a href="https://suedavies.org/free-guides/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. Do you join me over on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/inspiringsalonprofessionals" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Inspiring Salon Professionals Facebook Group</a> Here's the link for your HMRC registration  <a href="https://www.gov.uk/set-up-business" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/set-up-business</a>

EP24 - 8 TOP TIPS TO STARTING YOUR OWN SALON INDUSTRY BUSINESS

As an industry professional of many years one of the most common questions I see on forums is "what product should I buy" or "I'm having problems with X product how do you find Y product?" Product choice is an individual thing but there are key things you need to consider when making any initial choice or when moving or changing brands.   In this episode I cover my Top 10 on Choosing Products.  Covering areas of branding, quality, safety, regulation, compliance, support, customer service and choice of colour etc this guide will give you a great place to start when looking to select your brands in your business. It is mainly aimed at the nail industry as this sector has the biggest abundance of non standard and low quality products being sold to professionals and consumers alike.   In no other part of the wider personal care sector is there such a free for all in imported white label goods that in many instances fail to meet safety and compliance guidelines.  It is a buyer beware market in our industry for both professionals and consumers and this guide will hopefully give you some answers to your questions on the "how to" of product choice.

As an industry professional of many years one of the most common questions I see on forums is "what product should I buy" or "I'm having problems with X product how do you find Y product?" Product choice is an individual thing but there are key things you need to consider when making any initial choice or when moving or changing brands.   In this episode I cover my Top 10 on Choosing Products.  Covering areas of branding, quality, safety, regulation, compliance, support, customer service and choice of colour etc this guide will give you a great place to start when looking to select your brands in your business. It is mainly aimed at the nail industry as this sector has the biggest abundance of non standard and low quality products being sold to professionals and consumers alike.  In no other part of the wider personal care sector is there such a free for all in imported white label goods that in many instances fail to meet safety and compliance guidelines. It is a buyer beware market in our industry for both professionals and consumers and this guide will hopefully give you some answers to your questions on the "how to" of product choice.

EP23 GUIDE TO CHOOSING SALON PRODUCTS

Happy New Year to all ISP listeners ! A little reflection on recent times and moving forward into 2022.  Let this next year be the start of a transition to better times.

Happy New Year to all ISP listeners ! A little reflection on recent times and moving forward into 2022.  Let this next year be the start of a transition to better times.

EP22 NEW YEAR REFLECTIONS 2022

Marta Zaczkowska

Join myself and Marta Zaczkowska, The Waxing Specialist, talking all things WAX!  Marta took the decision to niche down into being a single service business over 10 years ago when she opened her successful, award winning London salon.  Since then she has pivoted her business to include a waxing academy and has now niched down further to become an intimate &amp; pregnancy waxing speclalist.  Marta shares her experiences and waxing wisdom with us and we discuss her new book, The Art of Pregnancy Waxing, which has recently launched is already a #1 on the Amazon charts.     Marta is a determined and highly skilled therapist who has created a great business model that has been proven to be workable and successful.  You can join Marta on her social media platforms and website, where you can take her Waxing Survey to assess your skills and where you could boost your experience and knowledge. Marta's Facebook Group Marta's Instagram Marta's Website

Join myself and Marta Zaczkowska, The Waxing Specialist, talking all things WAX!  Marta took the decision to niche down into being a single service business over 10 years ago when she opened her successful, award winning London salon.  Since then she has pivoted her business to include a waxing academy and has now niched down further to become an intimate &amp; pregnancy waxing speclalist.  Marta shares her experiences and waxing wisdom with us and we discuss her new book, The Art of Pregnancy Waxing, which has recently launched is already a #1 on the Amazon charts.   Marta is a determined and highly skilled therapist who has created a great business model that has been proven to be workable and successful.  You can join Marta on her social media platforms and website, where you can take her Waxing Survey to assess your skills and where you could boost your experience and knowledge. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/482681405963772" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Marta's Facebook Group</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/martazaczkowska_/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Marta's Instagram</a> <a href="https://www.martazaczkowska.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Marta's Website</a>

EP 21 WAXING SPECIALIST with MARTA ZACZKOWSKA

Sam Blake

Join me as I catch up with Safer Salon Geek, Sam Blake. Grab a cuppa it's a long one! We both like a chat and so you may need two sittings lol. In this episode we are talking about the client journey and how to incorporate Health &amp; Safety to ensure that your client experience is top notch for your business whether you are a high street salon or a solopreneur. Sam has worked her way through many career types in the salon industry and has settled in her post practical years as the go to Health &amp; Safety salon expert or as she has been titled The Safer Salon Geek. Sam geeks out on things like genital warts and how to spot them to ensure you, your team and clients can reduce the risks associated with cross infection. She also covers ventilation and air bouncing. I loved the fact that she goes as far as literally licking her finger and checking the wind direction. As a consultant offering Safer Salon Management Systems or as a training provider in health &amp; safety for your salon team, Sam will bring you a knowledge that is specific to our workplaces. We started with the intention of talking about self care but as you will see we barely skimmed it in places, so Sam will be back in 2022 to discuss this area which is close to both our hearts. Hope you enjoy the episode and don't forget the video is available on YouTube when I have guest interviews.

Join me as I catch up with Safer Salon Geek, Sam Blake. Grab a cuppa it's a long one! We both like a chat and so you may need two sittings lol. In this episode we are talking about the client journey and how to incorporate Health &amp; Safety to ensure that your client experience is top notch for your business whether you are a high street salon or a solopreneur. Sam has worked her way through many career types in the salon industry and has settled in her post practical years as the go to Health &amp; Safety salon expert or as she has been titled The Safer Salon Geek. Sam geeks out on things like genital warts and how to spot them to ensure you, your team and clients can reduce the risks associated with cross infection. She also covers ventilation and air bouncing. I loved the fact that she goes as far as literally licking her finger and checking the wind direction. As a consultant offering Safer Salon Management Systems or as a training provider in health &amp; safety for your salon team, Sam will bring you a knowledge that is specific to our workplaces. We started with the intention of talking about self care but as you will see we barely skimmed it in places, so Sam will be back in 2022 to discuss this area which is close to both our hearts. Hope you enjoy the episode and don't forget the video is available on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ7din-c3akjGhDBZTo6D_g" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube</a> when I have guest interviews.

EP20 HEALTH & SAFETY WITH SAM BLAKE THE SAFER SALON GEEK

Top 10 Salon Christmas Check List Join me on the Inspiring Salon Professionals podcast this week as we head into the 2 busiest weeks in the salon year.  A few hints &amp; tips to keep you safe and growing your business for Christmas 2021! 1. Client Christmas Cards/Email - spreading seasons greetings and keeping on their radar. 2. Client Christmas Gifts - sharing the love and incentives for 2022 3, Christmas Event nights - making them count  4. Book Your New Year New You Training In - what new skills are you looking to gain in 2022 5. Work REST &amp; Play - Make sure you look after your mind and body this busy season 6. Booking Fees - Keeping those no shows at bay 7. Scams - Be Aware!  Fraud is on the up and make sure you spot where they can happen 8. Keep Up to Date with COVID Safe Protocols - We all know the drill in the personal care sector, but new variants may bring a revisit to earlier protocols.  9. REBOOK!  You stand to see 100's of clients of clients in the next 2 weeks - make it count - REBOOK and RETAIN! 10. ENJOY Your Downtime!  A glass of your favourite tipple, unwrapping your favourite quality street and putting your feet up - you deserve it!

Top 10 Salon Christmas Check List Join me on the Inspiring Salon Professionals podcast this week as we head into the 2 busiest weeks in the salon year.  A few hints &amp; tips to keep you safe and growing your business for Christmas 2021! 1. Client Christmas Cards/Email - spreading seasons greetings and keeping on their radar. 2. Client Christmas Gifts - sharing the love and incentives for 2022 3, Christmas Event nights - making them count  4. Book Your New Year New You Training In - what new skills are you looking to gain in 2022 5. Work REST &amp; Play - Make sure you look after your mind and body this busy season 6. Booking Fees - Keeping those no shows at bay 7. Scams - Be Aware!  Fraud is on the up and make sure you spot where they can happen 8. Keep Up to Date with COVID Safe Protocols - We all know the drill in the personal care sector, but new variants may bring a revisit to earlier protocols.  9. REBOOK!  You stand to see 100's of clients of clients in the next 2 weeks - make it count - REBOOK and RETAIN! 10. ENJOY Your Downtime!  A glass of your favourite tipple, unwrapping your favourite quality street and putting your feet up - you deserve it!

EP 19 TOP 10 SALON CHRISTMAS CHECK LIST

With, hopefully, an uninterrupted Christmas season kicking in as this episode goes to air there is an opportunity in every salon business to gain new clients to carry through to 2022.  We have had a tough time as businesses and individuals over the last 2 years and as we book new clients in this Christmas we need to address the elephant in the room - Rebooking!! A skill not used by every salon and many then ask in January and February, "Why am I so quiet?"  Often it's because there was no rebooking.  In this episode I give a tried and tested incentive I'veused in my salon over the last 10 years that helped get new and existing clients booking in January &amp; February. As an industry we need to pull up our big person pants and make sure we ask the biggest and most important questions post consultation - "Would you like to rebook?"  To some a terrifying prospect to others the way they fill their diaries.  If you aren't sure about rebooking then listen to this episode and get an insight into what you're missing. Join me on the Inspiring Salon Professionals Facebook group 

With, hopefully, an uninterrupted Christmas season kicking in as this episode goes to air there is an opportunity in every salon business to gain new clients to carry through to 2022.  We have had a tough time as businesses and individuals over the last 2 years and as we book new clients in this Christmas we need to address the elephant in the room - Rebooking!! A skill not used by every salon and many then ask in January and February, "Why am I so quiet?"  Often it's because there was no rebooking.  In this episode I give a tried and tested incentive I'veused in my salon over the last 10 years that helped get new and existing clients booking in January &amp; February. As an industry we need to pull up our big person pants and make sure we ask the biggest and most important questions post consultation - "Would you like to rebook?"  To some a terrifying prospect to others the way they fill their diaries.  If you aren't sure about rebooking then listen to this episode and get an insight into what you're missing. Join me on the Inspiring Salon Professionals Facebook group

EP18 REBOOKING & RETAINING CLIENTS 

As I close the series on Career Pathways, in this episode we look back a little over previous episodes and look forward into where your career can take you and why our industry needs to increase awareness of our value. Join me on the Inspiring Salon Professionals Facebook group or on download my free guides on my website. Please remember to subscribe and share the podcast with your friends and colleagues.

As I close the series on Career Pathways, in this episode we look back a little over previous episodes and look forward into where your career can take you and why our industry needs to increase awareness of our value. Join me on the Inspiring Salon Professionals Facebook group or on download my free guides on <a href="https://suedavies.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">my website</a>. Please remember to subscribe and share the podcast with your friends and colleagues.

EP17 VALUING YOUR CAREER 

Cruise

This is the final episode in this mini series of Career Pathways and what a career to finish on.  One of the most rewarding opportunities you can get as a salon professional as you will not only get to enhance your skills in an alternative environment, you get to enrich your travel, social, spiritual and professional experiences as well as earning tax free cash on the way!  A great opportunity for those that don't have life commitments and want to save for their future. I'm joined by the lovely Samantha Bance who has been a cruising salon professional for the last 7 years and is now a spa manager on board an exclusive luxury cruise liner serving around 400 people.  When we recorded the interview Samantha was in port in Cadiz, Spain before making the Atlantic crossing to begin the Caribbean stint of her contract, and so the wifi signal isn't the best and we overtalk here and there as there was a bit of a delay, but the important info is there and I really hope you get the best out of the episode as if you've ever considered stepping up the gang plank into a cruise career then this may help you over the line. Sam explains the ups and downs of this lifestyle choice and what to expect on board.  From the recruitment process to daily life to making the most of your shore time I think we covered all you need to know.  I'm off to imagine waking up in the southern hemisphere to penguins in Antartica as part of my day to day life as I back to Buenos Aires! Catch up on my Instagram Instagram or join my Facebook group.  You can listen to the podcast on my website www.suedavies.org and download free guides on Starting Your Own Business and Choosing the Right Course.

This is the final episode in this mini series of Career Pathways and what a career to finish on.  One of the most rewarding opportunities you can get as a salon professional as you will not only get to enhance your skills in an alternative environment, you get to enrich your travel, social, spiritual and professional experiences as well as earning tax free cash on the way!  A great opportunity for those that don't have life commitments and want to save for their future. I'm joined by the lovely Samantha Bance who has been a cruising salon professional for the last 7 years and is now a spa manager on board an exclusive luxury cruise liner serving around 400 people.  When we recorded the interview Samantha was in port in Cadiz, Spain before making the Atlantic crossing to begin the Caribbean stint of her contract, and so the wifi signal isn't the best and we overtalk here and there as there was a bit of a delay, but the important info is there and I really hope you get the best out of the episode as if you've ever considered stepping up the gang plank into a cruise career then this may help you over the line. Sam explains the ups and downs of this lifestyle choice and what to expect on board.  From the recruitment process to daily life to making the most of your shore time I think we covered all you need to know.  I'm off to imagine waking up in the southern hemisphere to penguins in Antartica as part of my day to day life as I back to Buenos Aires! Catch up on my Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/_sue_davies/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> or join my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/208025277731899" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook group</a>.  You can listen to the podcast on my website <a href="https://suedavies.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.suedavies.org</a> and download free guides on Starting Your Own Business and Choosing the Right Course.

EP16 CAREER PATHWAYS - CRUISE CAREERS

Welcome to Inspiring Salon Professionals, the Podcast that allows every therapist, nail tech and stylist to level up, build their career and reach for their dreams.  The show is a mix of host, Sue Davies, covering different topical subjects within the salon industry and interviews with salon owners, industry leaders and other professionals that can share their knowledge and experience on practical skills, business skills and creating a client welcoming space.  Some of the areas the podcast will cover are:* Career Development* Mindset* Recruitment and Job Hunting* Inspirational Stories from Experienced Salon Professionals &amp; Owners* Sales &amp; Marketing* Client Experience* Building a Brand* Salon Development* Designing your Workspace* How to Start a Mobile Business* How to Start a Home Salon* How to Start a Commercial SalonWe'll be covering subjects from the beginning of your career to becoming an award winning business owner and everything in between. Sue Davies is an award winning salon owner and industry professional who has been in the salon industry for 19 plus years and has qualifications in nails, beauty and holistic therapies as well as being an educator and assessor.  She has gone from a home/mobile worker to self employed salon based, back home to a dedicated wood cabin and onto salon and academy ownership.  Since 2005 Sue has held a few other roles along the way in trade association management, national nail competition management, judging internationally and nationally for practical nail competitions and business categories within the Scratch Stars awards system.  Sue has spoken at Professional Beauty events on career development and the journey from mobile/home salon to salon owner and how to make the leap.She is currently Deputy Chair of The Federation of Nail Professionals and has recently sold her successful and award winning salon, Gorgeous Nail &amp; Beauty Emporium in Bexley, Kent so she can take new directions within the industry.From time to time there may be the odd explicit word used although generally this should not occur.  A warning will be given at the beginning of any episode where this happens.

In this episode I chat all things Session Work with award winning session nail tech, Nickie Rhodes-Hill.  Nickie has been in the salon industry for coming up 20 years and ventured into the world of fashion and media about 7-8 years ago.  She's about to launch her Session Work Academy and here we talk about how to get into this amazing career pathway which gives you your name in lights and sees your work on film, front covers and more. Whether you are an aspiring session professional in hair, make-up or nails this is the conversation you'll need to hear to get that first step on the ladder. Join Nickie on Instagram Nickie Rhodes-Hill or Session Work Academy Nickie will be taking on founder member students for her blue print course starting in early 2022 so get involved if this is a career pathway that you think is for you.   Don't forget to share, subscribe and leave a review and this episode is also available on my YouTube Channel as a video.

In this episode I chat all things Session Work with award winning session nail tech, Nickie Rhodes-Hill.  Nickie has been in the salon industry for coming up 20 years and ventured into the world of fashion and media about 7-8 years ago.  She's about to launch her Session Work Academy and here we talk about how to get into this amazing career pathway which gives you your name in lights and sees your work on film, front covers and more. Whether you are an aspiring session professional in hair, make-up or nails this is the conversation you'll need to hear to get that first step on the ladder. Join Nickie on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nickierhodeshill/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Nickie Rhodes-Hill</a> or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sessionworkacademy/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Session Work Academy</a> Nickie will be taking on founder member students for her blue print course starting in early 2022 so get involved if this is a career pathway that you think is for you. Don't forget to share, subscribe and leave a review and this episode is also available on my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ7din-c3akjGhDBZTo6D_g" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube Channel</a> as a video.

EP 15  CAREER PATHWAYS - SESSION PROFESSIONAL - NICKIE RHODES-HILL

In this episode of Career Pathways we cover Reception.  The centre of the universe for many salons, receptionists are a huge asset to any busy salon.  Working across front of house and back of house they connect the clients to the business in a way that the pro team don't always have time for.   Managing bookings and rebookings, retail, client experience, payment, stock management and more these angels at the front desk are a fundamental part of salon life.  If you are a great receptionist in the making then hats off to you for starting the journey of making salon clients feel extra special and if you are an old hand that has mastered the wonders of client care then we thank you!  A receptionist can make or break a salon and are ofte worth their weight in gold.

In this episode of Career Pathways we cover Reception.  The centre of the universe for many salons, receptionists are a huge asset to any busy salon.  Working across front of house and back of house they connect the clients to the business in a way that the pro team don't always have time for.   Managing bookings and rebookings, retail, client experience, payment, stock management and more these angels at the front desk are a fundamental part of salon life.  If you are a great receptionist in the making then hats off to you for starting the journey of making salon clients feel extra special and if you are an old hand that has mastered the wonders of client care then we thank you!  A receptionist can make or break a salon and are ofte worth their weight in gold.

EP14 CAREER PATHWAYS - RECEPTION

Once you've taken your initial salon qualifications and your career begins many soon realise there are treatments they love and treatments that are loved a little less.  Harnessing that passion can make you a "specialist" and in today's tough marketplace that can make you more employable or help your business grow in a direction that you will enjoy more and will help you become a more profitable professional. Whether it's as a skincare specialist, colour specialist, nail specialist the options are broad as a salon professional, so find your favoured skill and ramp it up!! Vist the website and download my free guides here Join me on Facebook here

Once you've taken your initial salon qualifications and your career begins many soon realise there are treatments they love and treatments that are loved a little less.  Harnessing that passion can make you a "specialist" and in today's tough marketplace that can make you more employable or help your business grow in a direction that you will enjoy more and will help you become a more profitable professional. Whether it's as a skincare specialist, colour specialist, nail specialist the options are broad as a salon professional, so find your favoured skill and ramp it up!! <a href="https://suedavies.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Vist the website and download my free guides here</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/inspiringsalonprofessionals" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Join me on Facebook here</a>

EP 13 CAREER PATHWAYS - SPECIALISING YOUR SKILLS

This episode gives an overview of CPD (Continued Professional Development) and explains what it is, how you achieve it and how useful it is.   Whether it's practical, business or written skills you are developing you can add to your annual CPD targets required by your trade association and recommended by all industry sectors. Join me on Facebook  and Instagram. 

This episode gives an overview of CPD (Continued Professional Development) and explains what it is, how you achieve it and how useful it is.   Whether it's practical, business or written skills you are developing you can add to your annual CPD targets required by your trade association and recommended by all industry sectors. Join me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/208025277731899" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/_sue_davies/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.

EP12 CAREER PATHWAYS - WHAT IS CPD?

In this episode around developing your career, I'm talking about testing your skills on the competition floor or in online competitions too. As a means of skill growth competitions can make you challenge your day to day techniques, advance them, review them and WILL change how you work going forward.   It shows ambition, drive and willingness to adapt to circumstances.  It shows you can work under pressure and still produce the goods.  For a prospective or current employer, having an employee that wants to compete can only bring positivity to the workplace.  Some larger businesses grow their teams through competition in the workplace as well as at regional, national or international competitions.   I've been involved in competing, judging and managing nail competitions since 2006 and I love being on the competition floor.  Have to say I prefer my role as competition director than competing and love supporting the competitors as they hone their craft and help calm the nerves on the day.  In my role with the Federation of Nail Professionals we are now collaborating with Professional Beauty and as this episode goes live on Monday I'll be on the competition floor for the second day of the London nail comp.  I'll be sharing pics and vids on my Inspiring Salon Professionals group so pop over to see what a nail competition is all about. Find me on Facebook in my Inspiring Salon Professionals group or on Instagram as _sue_davies

In this episode around developing your career, I'm talking about testing your skills on the competition floor or in online competitions too. As a means of skill growth competitions can make you challenge your day to day techniques, advance them, review them and WILL change how you work going forward.   It shows ambition, drive and willingness to adapt to circumstances.  It shows you can work under pressure and still produce the goods.  For a prospective or current employer, having an employee that wants to compete can only bring positivity to the workplace.  Some larger businesses grow their teams through competition in the workplace as well as at regional, national or international competitions.   I've been involved in competing, judging and managing nail competitions since 2006 and I love being on the competition floor.  Have to say I prefer my role as competition director than competing and love supporting the competitors as they hone their craft and help calm the nerves on the day.  In my role with the Federation of Nail Professionals we are now collaborating with Professional Beauty and as this episode goes live on Monday I'll be on the competition floor for the second day of the London nail comp.  I'll be sharing pics and vids on my Inspiring Salon Professionals group so pop over to see what a nail competition is all about. Find me on Facebook in my Inspiring Salon Professionals group or on Instagram as _sue_davies

EP11 - CAREER PATHWAYS - PRACTICAL SKILL COMPETITIONS

Sarah Abel

This week's episode is a big one! You may want to grab a cuppa and a seat as there's a lot of information to take in on the topic of apprenticeships.   A little bit about Sarah           Sarah has been in the hair &amp; beauty business since 2001 &amp; coaches &amp; trains &amp; salon owners to build &amp; grow a loyal &amp; highly skilled teams by accessing government grants &amp; funding to upskill any age &amp; role through traineeship, apprenticeship, adult education funded training &amp; private training programmes. While developing young people to not only have the sector skills but also the soft skills needed to reach their career dreams. She has built &amp; sold 5 salons using government funding streams since 2001 allowing her to retire from the salon floor within 5 years &amp; she now coaches others how to do the same. She has also built &amp; runs a training business that now teaches salon owners &amp; their teams Hair, Nails, Beauty, Client Care, Management &amp; Educating Skills using government funding programmes via apprenticeships, traineeships and adult skills funding     CEO That Nail Place LTD T/A TNB Skills training LTD Training Centre since 2007   Proud Wife Nanny &amp; Mummy and can totally relate to mummy &amp; business guilt     FB Group TNB Skills Employer Support Group   Instagram @sarah_tnbhairbeautytrain  TNB Skills Training website Whether you're looking to be an apprentice or a salon owner wanting to start this invaluable method of recruitment there will be hints and tips that are helpful for everyone. If you haven't heard of traineeships then you may benefit from the information Sarah imparts on this area.  As an ex salon owner this is something I hadn't heard of and I think it would have been very useful to me in the last few years. We cover grants available to employers, the benefits of apprenticeships to both parties and look forward to the future workforce and recruitment challenges in the salon industry.  How to utilise your trainees and increase revenues using the unique opportunity they provide as part of your team. The industry is pushing towards degree level qualifications in the next couple of years and so deserves recognition as the professional power that it is now becoming.   Institute of Apprenticeships as mentioned by Sarah is an organisation that works on Apprenticeship Standards and is a useful place to look for different types of apprenticeship in the salon industry. Also mentioned in the show this week are the beautiful hand-poured candles made by my daughter in her business Nostos Candles.  Started in the pandemic lockdowns, she is now selling direct to consumers as well as offering wholesale to small business and salon owners to retail in their premises for Christmas and all other times of the year You can follow Nostos Candles on Instagram or Facebook.

This week's episode is a big one! You may want to grab a cuppa and a seat as there's a lot of information to take in on the topic of apprenticeships.  A little bit about Sarah   Sarah has been in the hair &amp; beauty business since 2001 &amp; coaches &amp; trains &amp; salon owners to build &amp; grow a loyal &amp; highly skilled teams by accessing government grants &amp; funding to upskill any age &amp; role through traineeship, apprenticeship, adult education funded training &amp; private training programmes. While developing young people to not only have the sector skills but also the soft skills needed to reach their career dreams. She has built &amp; sold 5 salons using government funding streams since 2001 allowing her to retire from the salon floor within 5 years &amp; she now coaches others how to do the same. She has also built &amp; runs a training business that now teaches salon owners &amp; their teams Hair, Nails, Beauty, Client Care, Management &amp; Educating Skills using government funding programmes via apprenticeships, traineeships and adult skills funding     CEO That Nail Place LTD T/A TNB Skills training LTD Training Centre since 2007   Proud Wife Nanny &amp; Mummy and can totally relate to mummy &amp; business guilt   FB Group TNB Skills Employer Support Group Instagram @sarah_tnbhairbeautytrain <a href="https://tnbskillstraining.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">TNB Skills Training website</a> Whether you're looking to be an apprentice or a salon owner wanting to start this invaluable method of recruitment there will be hints and tips that are helpful for everyone. If you haven't heard of traineeships then you may benefit from the information Sarah imparts on this area.  As an ex salon owner this is something I hadn't heard of and I think it would have been very useful to me in the last few years. We cover grants available to employers, the benefits of apprenticeships to both parties and look forward to the future workforce and recruitment challenges in the salon industry.  How to utilise your trainees and increase revenues using the unique opportunity they provide as part of your team. The industry is pushing towards degree level qualifications in the next couple of years and so deserves recognition as the professional power that it is now becoming.   <a href="https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Institute of Apprenticeships</a> as mentioned by Sarah is an organisation that works on Apprenticeship Standards and is a useful place to look for different types of apprenticeship in the salon industry. Also mentioned in the show this week are the beautiful hand-poured candles made by my daughter in her business <a href="https://www.nostoscandles.co.uk/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Nostos Candles</a>.  Started in the pandemic lockdowns, she is now selling direct to consumers as well as offering wholesale to small business and salon owners to retail in their premises for Christmas and all other times of the year You can follow Nostos Candles on Instagram or Facebook.

EP10 CAREER PATHWAYS - APPRENTICESHIPS WITH SARAH ABEL

In Episode 9 of Inspiring Salon Professionals join Sue Davies as she talks about the importance of Work Experience placements for the personal care sector.  This valuable resource begins the journey of the industry's future workforce and covered are how to approach seeking a placement, what employers may be looking for and some thoughts from the employer's point of view and what should be sought in a student placement candidate. First impressions count!  They also go both ways.   Are you a salon that sees work experience students as free labour or potential employees?  As a student do you realise the value of some of those "menial" tasks?  There's a whole lot that's misunderstood around work experience and in this episode I try to dispel some of the myths surrounding this sometimes grey area. Visit my website for more information and to check out my free guides. You can join my world on Facebook and Instagram @_sue_davies

In Episode 9 of Inspiring Salon Professionals join Sue Davies as she talks about the importance of Work Experience placements for the personal care sector.  This valuable resource begins the journey of the industry's future workforce and covered are how to approach seeking a placement, what employers may be looking for and some thoughts from the employer's point of view and what should be sought in a student placement candidate. First impressions count!  They also go both ways.   Are you a salon that sees work experience students as free labour or potential employees?  As a student do you realise the value of some of those "menial" tasks?  There's a whole lot that's misunderstood around work experience and in this episode I try to dispel some of the myths surrounding this sometimes grey area. Visit my <a href="https://www.suedavies.org" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">website</a> for more information and to check out my free guides. You can join my world on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/inspiringsalonprofessionals" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and Instagram @_sue_davies

EP09 CAREER PATHWAYS - SALON WORK EXPERIENCE

This week I'm joined by fellow nail industry veteran, Liza Smith, who has had a successful salon business for 35 years.  Crossing hair, beauty and nails Liza has experience many highs and lows in managing a team and in this interview she shares a few of her thoughts on the subject.  Some useful insights on how your salon "brand" can conflict with some team models, ways to grow your team using apprenticeships and more. Liza is founder of multi award winning salon Bodylines; an Educator for global brands like CND and Nimue for 20 years, and most recently a business mentor and coach for salon professionals, Liza Smith has a deep passion for elevating the salon profession. Giving them the skills now needed to navigate through these toughest of times. “I have had the most amazing career and in my final decade in the industry, my goal is to raise the level of business knowledge among our professionals, to enable our industry to be recognised for the powerhouse that it is”.  Still a working professional, her previous achievements include 15 national nail trophies, UK Nail Salon of the Year 3 times, and a long session career travelling the world looking after the hands and feet of the famous! Her salon currently employs a team of 10 and there is a big ethos of education, with 6 team members currently working towards a higher level apprenticeship. “Education is what got me to here, and will get me to where I want to be! Investing in our business knowledge is as powerful as our original training” You can follow Liza on Facebook and her group is called The Business of Salons Liza is about to launch her new coaching business so if you want to find out more please go over to her FB group.  https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessofsalons

This week I'm joined by fellow nail industry veteran, Liza Smith, who has had a successful salon business for 35 years.  Crossing hair, beauty and nails Liza has experience many highs and lows in managing a team and in this interview she shares a few of her thoughts on the subject.  Some useful insights on how your salon "brand" can conflict with some team models, ways to grow your team using apprenticeships and more. Liza is founder of multi award winning salon Bodylines; an Educator for global brands like CND and Nimue for 20 years, and most recently a business mentor and coach for salon professionals, Liza Smith has a deep passion for elevating the salon profession. Giving them the skills now needed to navigate through these toughest of times. “I have had the most amazing career and in my final decade in the industry, my goal is to raise the level of business knowledge among our professionals, to enable our industry to be recognised for the powerhouse that it is”.  Still a working professional, her previous achievements include 15 national nail trophies, UK Nail Salon of the Year 3 times, and a long session career travelling the world looking after the hands and feet of the famous! Her salon currently employs a team of 10 and there is a big ethos of education, with 6 team members currently working towards a higher level apprenticeship. “Education is what got me to here, and will get me to where I want to be! Investing in our business knowledge is as powerful as our original training” You can follow Liza on Facebook and her group is called <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessofsalons" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Business of Salons</a> Liza is about to launch her new coaching business so if you want to find out more please go over to her FB group.  <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessofsalons" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessofsalons</a>

EP08 BUILD YOUR SALON TEAM - INTERVIEW WITH LIZA SMITH

Salon ownership is a dream many salon professionals aspire to and in this episode we begin to look at how this journey can begin.  This is a highlights only overview of the big world of salon ownership but if it's on your vision board, there's lots of food for thought, guidance and pointers on how to prepare yourself for one of the biggest roles in the industry.   How many hats do you need to wear to be a salon owner? Premises management, staff management, marketing &amp; social media, branding, accounts, legal, leases, business management, events, customer service, retail and so much more. To support this episode you can also download my FREE 8 Top Tips to Starting Your Own Salon Industry Business HERE

Salon ownership is a dream many salon professionals aspire to and in this episode we begin to look at how this journey can begin.  This is a highlights only overview of the big world of salon ownership but if it's on your vision board, there's lots of food for thought, guidance and pointers on how to prepare yourself for one of the biggest roles in the industry.   How many hats do you need to wear to be a salon owner? Premises management, staff management, marketing &amp; social media, branding, accounts, legal, leases, business management, events, customer service, retail and so much more. To support this episode you can also download my FREE 8 Top Tips to Starting Your Own Salon Industry Business <a href="https://suedavies.org/free-guides/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a>

EP07 CAREER PATHWAYS - SALON OWNER

Join me on this episode where I am talking about the role of Educator.  There are so many opportunities to work as an educator in the industry whether it's as a independent academy, brand educator, college tutor or even as on a freelance basis. It can be a rewarding career pathway and one that requires experience, dedication to continuing your development and helping your students grow into great professionals. Covering the types of qualifications required to be an educator (AET, CET, DET, CAVA) and how to ensure your underpinning knowledge is suitable and will get you off to the right start. Join my world at suedavies.org You can also join me on my Facebook Community Group or on Instagram

Join me on this episode where I am talking about the role of Educator.  There are so many opportunities to work as an educator in the industry whether it's as a independent academy, brand educator, college tutor or even as on a freelance basis. It can be a rewarding career pathway and one that requires experience, dedication to continuing your development and helping your students grow into great professionals. Covering the types of qualifications required to be an educator (AET, CET, DET, CAVA) and how to ensure your underpinning knowledge is suitable and will get you off to the right start. Join my world at <a href="https://www.suedavies.org" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">suedavies.org</a> You can also join me on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/208025277731899" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook Community Group</a> or on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/_sue_davies/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a>

EP06 CAREER PATHWAYS - EDUCATOR

Welcome to Inspiring Salon Professionals, the Podcast that allows every therapist, nail tech and stylist to level up, build their career and reach for their dreams. The show is a mix of host, Sue Davies, covering different topical subjects within the salon industry and interviews with salon owners, industry leaders and other professionals that can share their knowledge and experience on practical skills, business skills and creating a client welcoming space. Some of the areas the podcast will cover are: * Career Development * Mindset * Recruitment and Job Hunting * Inspirational Stories from Experienced Salon Professionals &amp; Owners * Sales &amp; Marketing * Client Experience * Building a Brand * Salon Development * Designing your Workspace * How to Start a Mobile Business * How to Start a Home Salon * How to Start a Commercial Salon We'll be covering subjects from the beginning of your career to becoming an award winning business owner and everything in between. Sue Davies is an award winning salon owner and industry professional who has been in the salon industry for 19 plus years and has qualifications in nails, beauty and holistic therapies as well as being an educator and assessor. She has gone from a home/mobile worker to self employed salon based, back home to a dedicated wood cabin and onto salon and academy ownership. Since 2005 Sue has held a few other roles along the way in trade association management, national nail competition management, judging internationally and nationally for practical nail competitions and business categories within the Scratch Stars awards system. Sue has spoken at Professional Beauty events on career development and the journey from mobile/home salon to salon owner and how to make the leap. She is currently Deputy Chair of The Federation of Nail Professionals and has recently sold her successful and award winning salon, Gorgeous Nail &amp; Beauty Emporium in Bexley, Kent so she can take new directions within the industry. From time to time there may be the odd explicit word used although generally this should not occur. A warning will be given at the beginning of any episode where this happens.

Inspiring Salon Professionals

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