We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Angie Williams. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Angie below.
Angie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
Every business owner, no matter the industry, will tell you that with success comes struggle. If they say owning a business is easy, don’t do business with them !
Being an entrepreneur is about taking risks , assessing the risk vs benefits and becoming successful.
When Intentional Hairdresser Workshops was in the infancy state , I struggled with pulling the trigger. I knew that I had experience and knowledge to give share and I knew that others were offering similar services , but I had a hard time believing in myself and that people would want to hear what I had to say.
Years before I was an Educator for a major manufacturer in the beauty industry , on the way to my first class I remember pulling over feeling nauseous and wanting to turn aroundand go home . I felt like a phony and didn’tknow if i could actuallypull off this class . Once I arrived I spoke with the Facilitator and he said , ” Just breathe!” I was hoping that my fear wasn’t that noticeable . Apparently it was 😆 I thought for sure that I was risking my career that day. Once I calmed done it was a great training.
There were several occasions that I felt tested my attendees . Sure I had plenty of experience and always continuing my education within and beyond their company; however there were times I would be presenting and someone would say , “Why should we trust you ?” Or they would give me the wildest color formulas that made no sense to simply try to test my knowledge. Again those feelings of ” imposter ” creeping in.
About year into the position my now Husband said to me , ” They are paying you to represent them because they trust and believe in you and your talents ! ”
Bam !
I was reborn as an Educator! I began walking taller , more confident, owning my knowledge and presence.
If I hadn’t taken the risk to audition to work for that company I wouldn’t have found my way to Entrepreneurship .
Years later Intentional Hairdresser Workshops was born! Like old times those feelings of ” imposter ” crept in . But this time I had a plan , potential clients , a calendar of events and a support system.
The benefits definitely outweighed the risks . Since 2017 Intentional Hairdresser Workshops has helped thousands of Stylists and Cosmetology Students work more intentionally to map out their success, offering zoom and in person trainings , Accountability Calls , Social Media Management and Photography .
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Angie here ! I’ve been a Stylist for over 20 years and have been an education junkie since the beginning. Our industry is ever changing , if you aren’t continuing to learn and grow then you are limiting your potential in income. Many states don’t require Cosmetologist to continue education to maintain licensing. I noticed many Stylists struggle alongside myself and I decided something gotta give!
Before attending Cosmetology School I wanted to be a Teacher but I attended an Open House at a Cosmetology School and was immediately intoxicated by all things hair , either by the smell of the perms or the fumes of hair spray or the energy from the students and Educators , I enrolled that day walking away from teaching or so I thought!
Fast forward 10 years , the urge to teach was on the horizon! Sharing knowledge and techniques with like minded Hairstylists make me so happy !
I started Intentional Hairdresser Workshops to help Cosmetology Students get a leg up and not have to struggle for 3 years before they were able to eat , literally! I remember as a newbie Stylist I had a 4 year old and was dead broke . It wasn’t until a year into my life behind the chair that a fellow Stylist was switching careers and handed over her books to me . It was like Christmas morning! She saved my life and showed me what the industry should be like .
Unfortunately at the time many Salons had so much animosity towards other Stylists without any explanation . It was a dog eat dog world for sure .
I’m so grateful to see the changes the industry has made. Seeing Stylists support and motivate each other without even knowing each other . The use of social media has made a major impact on the shift .
After a class at a Cosmetology School a Stylist reached out to me via Social Media and asked if I’d be interested in teaching at their Salon.
” Heck Yes!”
Things have been nonstop since then . Intentional Hairdresser Workshops now provides trainings to Iowa, Missouri, Kansas , Illinois and Oklahoma.
I have always been an in person type of learner but when Covid – 19 hit us like a tidal wave our business shifted to Zoom and FB Groups . I was hesitant to move in that direction even though I knew that it was the new way but I really enjoyed being in person, seeing the light bulbs and the feeling the energy when the information clicked . But the benefits outweighed the risks so we changed lanes . Adding that to our menu made a huge difference in our audience.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
The hardest lesson to unlearn was “Work hard , Work long hours and give your all .”
The first Salon I worked at I was in the salon from 9-7 5 M-F , 9-5 Saturday , with Sunday being a literal day of rest, while being a single Mom and attempting to have a social life ( I was 20 at the time ). I maintained that schedule for 18 months before I was offered a position at a chain Salon . My hours were Wed-Sat 11-7 , Sunday 12-5 . I thought I was in heaven, more walk in clientele, less hours and education was included !
Lesson learned but I still had the first employer in the forefront of my mind when I became a Self Employed Stylist. I knew everything was up to me and I had an additional child to think of . So I went back to 9-7pm si
Mon-Fri and 6am-4pm on Saturday , working long days and missing out on family time .
Lesson learned the hard way . Take time for yourself, family and slow down. More people doesn’t equal quality.
The next lesson was to refuel yourself! Rest ,eat and repeat! For years I would eat on the run or worse not eat just to stay on schedule. During May 2015 a long time guest once arrived to her appointment and refused to let me color her hair because she said , ” You need a break !” Of course I was grateful to her but as soon as I sat down I was unable to get up . I had run myself into the ground. That day was filled with prom updos , Mother’s Day colors and graduation styles , leaving no time for lunch or snacks .
I know urge my clients to build in time to eat , drink and bathroom breaks . Sounds silly but as a Service Provider we often will take a guest early to avoid them sitting even if they are 30 minutes early . What I’ve learned is that my time is important too , I am worthy of breathing, eating and sitting. We are worth more when we are fueled.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
I’ve found that word of mouth and consistency are the most effective way to grow your business. Social Media is a very instrumental tool in attracting an audience and can aide you in getting your message out but if you are anything like me you like the personal touch and you can’t get that through a keyboard.
You have to be consistent especially on the days that you feel that you are getting anywhere. Many Salons that I work with say that they notice the numbers change more when they are unmoving in their posts , follow up and service . We all have bad days but you only get one chance to make a first impression.
I love when Stylists send their friends my way ! The best way to attract your ideal clients is for your ideal clients to share their stories! Like attracts like ! The Salons that I currently work with are hardworking, eager and exceptionally talented. They are open to new ideas and eager to grow both in techniques and profits .
Watching these teams grow makes the struggles, tears and sweat worth it .
Contact Info:
- Website: Intentionalhairdresserworkshop.com
- Instagram: Angie_intentionalhairdresser
- Facebook: Intentionalhairdresserworkshop
Image Credits
Intentional Hairdresser Workshops photography Emma Dorge Photography