We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Melanie Hernandez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Melanie below.

Melanie , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the best thing you’ve ever seen (or done yourself) to show a customer that you appreciate them?

When owning a small growing business, you quickly learn that your clientele is what is going to keep you busy. They are part of the foundation when it comes to starting a business, especially in the beauty industry. I could go on to say that just like any other job when working with the public, you will learn that the customer is always right (to a certain extent and only in some cases). Now although it may not always be the case, I have always told myself that you get what you give. I have always treated my clients just how I would want to be treated if it was me in their place. From the moment they walk in through my door to the moment they leave I make sure that they walk in/out feeling as if they are the only person to exist here on this earth with me. I cater to their needs accordingly. And for the most part, it always keeps them coming back. My clients are what keeps my business going so I like to give back to them as often as possible. Some of the many things I like to do for them is always having a sale to go with the season/month/holiday that we are in or is coming up. Every year during the month of October I host what is called the “Sweet Body 31 Days of Halloween Giveaways”. During this month I give out gift cards, gift certificates, gift baskets, or Sweet Body merchandise. I also take the time to collaborate with other small businesses, giving them exposure for their services and or products that they offer. During Christmas time I do a Toy Drive, this allows my clients to give back but also receive an incentive for doing so. I usually offer them a free service for any unwrapped toy or throw blankets that they bring in.

I feel that by me giving back to my clients only shows them how much I care. Which in turn gives me the exposure I need, by word of mouth. Whether I receive good back, or it ends up being a bust, I still know that I am doing something positive. And that in itself makes me happy.

Melanie , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I started Sweet Body, Body Contouring 2 years ago. And it has been the greatest thing ever. I went from working a 9-5 in Homeowners Insurance, to owning and operating my own business. At Sweet Body, we offer a variety of services. Our main seller is Body Sculpting, followed by IPL Hair Removal, and Teeth Whitening. We take our time with each and every client. We work based on what type of treatment fits best for them and we give and set realistic goals and create treatment plans based on their body. I am also currently working on getting my Massage Therapy License to be able to offer not only relaxation massages but also aid in post-op care. This will be beneficial in the future as it will allow me to work hand in hand with plastic surgeons. I have worked very hard to create an image that shows my clients that we are here for them, not the other way around. We are here to cater to their needs and help them gain the self-confidence that they lack if any.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Growing your clientele in the beauty industry can be very tricky. These days you have to be on all social media platforms, constantly engaging with your followers. What I have learned is that people like to see your work, they want to know what it is you are doing and how it works. For me personally, word of mouth has been good for me as far as bringing in my clientele. What I mean by that is with me giving my clients great service, in turn, makes them go out and tell their family and friends. But again, it all boils down to making sure you engage with your followers, consistently posting on all your social media platforms, as well as the old-school method. Getting out there with the community handing out flyers, attending pop up events will get you the exposure you need to build your clientele.

Any advice for managing a team?

When it comes to managing a team, you have to remember their there to work with you not against you. How you treat your employees shows a lot about your character. You are to treat them how you would want to be treated in the work setting. Teach them, guide them, and influence them to be the best version of themselves.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_sweet.body_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SweetBodyFtWorth