We were lucky to catch up with Brandy Robinson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Brandy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s easy to look at a business or industry as an outsider and assume it’s super profitable – but we’ve seen over and over again in our conversation with folks that most industries have factors that make profitability a challenge. What’s biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?
That’s a good question. I see a couple of issues that have affected our industry as far as profitability goes, but the main area that I will speak on today is the internet and its accessibility of “educators” with no education. Unfortunately, many people believe what they may see on the internet as opposed to the Beauty professional that have years of experience. This has caused many to attempt professional services without the professional. What I can say is that I’ve never done so many corrective processes in my life, but that’s not the goal.
Brandy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Yes! My name is Brandy Robinson and I’m the owner of Straight or Knot Salon in Downtown Fairfield, Ca. I’m a salon owner of 13 years and a licensed cosmetologist of 30 years. I’ve always known that I would be in the beauty industry, doing hair specifically. Between my dolls, younger brother, and grandmother, my skills began to develop from a young age. I actually feel really sorry for them (including the dolls), that I used them as guinea pigs! Thankfully it worked out for me…. Not them so much! I’ve always loved to cut hair and today, that is my specialty. My salon is multicultural and we specialize in many things pertaining to beauty. We have stylists who because of their specialties, have also made successful careers for themselves. We offer coloring, braiding of all types, different weaving techniques, custom hair cutting, natural styling chemical services, upgraded conditioning treatments, eyelashes, facial and backcial services and we’ve recently added massaging. Our salon encourages a relaxing, yet fun atmosphere. We know that many people today are dealing with a lot, so our aim is to offer an enjoyable experience as well as either beautiful hair, skin, or body mechanics. I’m so proud of the reputation that we’ve built in and around our city. We volunteer for various events whenever possible. For several years in a row, we’ve shared our talents to adults with special needs as well as domestic violence survivors.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
As cliche’ as it sounds, you have to treat people how you would want to be treated. When you are dealing with adults who are all very individual in personality, it’s a challenge to manage at times, especially when friendship is involved. But frequent communication and reassurance solves almost anything. It’s funny, I was just speaking of someone today who is extremely unhappy with their job and it’s mainly due to poor management. They spoke of the high turnover rate. Hostile management techniques aren’t successful. You get more honey from happy bees. (Not sure if that’s true with bees, but it is with people. When you are willing to help, listen to understand as well as take the lead in what you want the results to be, the moral is overall better. I’ve initiated a weekly message with things that need improvement as well as things that they are rocking throughout the week. This way, we can all work on any areas that were weak. At times though, there are some who can’t take any type of constructive correction, ordinarily these ones don’t match. Their time would most likely be short. Lastly, team building exercises are great. It gives the opportunity to show support, rely on one another, bond with the team, and let our hair down. (Figuratively)
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
My most effective way of growing clientele has simply been working mouth. A happy client is going to be your best advertisement. A beautiful hairstyle, glowing skin, amazing lashes or a body that is no longer on pain, will by far reach the eyes and ears of many. So many times I have received a call or text from someone that has ran into my client at a store and wants their hair “just like that!” I supply my clients with business cards. And taking pictures of your work and sharing them online has let so many know what could be in store for them
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.Straightorknot.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/straightorknotsalon/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Straightorknot