We were lucky to catch up with Kori Phylow recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Kori thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
Have you ever had an “ah ha” moment? A moment in life that would one day become your life-changing event? The start of a good story? Mine happened on a regular Thursday in the salon, taking care of one of my regular clients, pumping her up while she explains her new business adventure. I have an LLC and run my suite salon as if it were a full independent salon, so our hair appointment quickly turned into a business meeting where the two of us brainstormed and got excited for her journey. She picked my brain, asked me several questions, and as I was answering one of them she stops me and says, “Kori… I just paid a business coach $5,000 to teach me what you just explained to me in 5 minutes.” I’ve always known that I take my business very seriously, and follow the rules by the book… but it hit me. Where’s the dang book for salon suite owners? In 2015, Salon Suites were the grey area of the Beauty Industry and I learned everything the hard way. It was in that moment that I decided I was going to “Write the Book.” And The Headstrong Mindset was born.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
After 12 years as a hairstylist, and 6 years as a Suite Renter, I realized that there was not enough information out there to guide Salon Suite Renters. We were just kinda lost in the grey area of booth renter and salon owner and the process was frustrating. Ok sure, maybe there was information out there… but we had to DIG to get it. And I’m here to change that.
I took my suite business from 0 to six figures in 2 years, completely on my own. Now I use what I’ve learned to help people just like you get set up for success and growth in their beauty career. I’ll show you how to properly organize your books, pay quarterly taxes, get all the required licensing, earn more, save more, all while doing what you love for a living!
My story doesn’t start with when I started cosmetology school, when I got my first salon job, or when I first did someones hair. (I was giving out hair and fashion advice when I started talking).
My story starts with me, Kori, I’m more than a stylist. I’m a chronic achiever, coffee drinking capricorn, who is driven by “success”, hardwork, and helping people. From Grade School through Cosmetology School, I was in a leadership position in almost every club you can think of, I’ve had a management role in every job I’ve ever had, and I have taken it all SO SERIOUSLY! I thrive under pressure and controlled chaos and I stay BUSY! And THAT, my friends, is why I started this business. Not because I’m the best hairstylist ever, or the first to succeed in a Salon Suite, but because I am BUSY! I wasted too much time and money piecing my business together like a puzzle and frankly? YOU DESERVE BETTER! So I am going to make it better for you, take away the stressful scavenger hunts, the hours of reading websites, handbooks, and watching youtube videos. I’m going to make it understandable and accessible to you so that you can succeed the way you want to. I’m going to give you all the tools so that you too, can have a Headstrong Mindset.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Let’s make a plan and put pen to paper! I recently published a planner on Amazon! “2023 Hairstylist Survival Planner”
It includes budgeting, bookkeeping, expense trackers, marketing tips, salon tricks, tax reminders, hairshow dates, and so much more! Written by a hairstylist FOR hairstylists! The 2024 planner will be published in the fall!
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
My Motto for The Headstrong Mindset is one sentence that is the foundation of EVERYTHING I DO. “You’re more than just a stylist.”
The Film and TV industry do not paint a polished picture when depicting stylists. With an artist reputation and a quirky spirit; We were taught to work our butts off for little money and be okay with it.
THOSE DAYS ARE OVER.
There’s a big difference between a Hairstylist in Business, and a Business Person in Hair. I am the latter.
So be more than a stylist, be an elite professional, in all aspects, not just the artistic side.
Be prompt, set healthy boundaries, communicate and enforce policies, consider wearing trendy business casual attire, keep the conversation positive and professional.
My clients are loyal, and we have a fantastic relationship, but would they still “love” me if I did fantastic hair but was always late? Or Canceled several appointments? Unlikely. Being “more than just a hairstylist” is what brings people back, and what gets them excited to tell their friends about you.
Contact Info:
- Website: theheadstrongmindset.mykajabi.com
- Instagram: @theheadstrongmindset
- Facebook: @theheadstrongmindset
- Other: The Headstrong Mindet Podcast is FREE on Apple, Spotify, and Podvine! https://open.spotify.com/show/3yH9zlYMhlW0D9AXxAV660 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-headstrong-mindset/id1628602079