The Business of Style Beauty Council

Welcome to "The Business of Style"! Today, we're excited to share our conversation with Kirstin LeBrun, owner of Kharma Salons in Victoria, BC. Kirstin's story is packed with inspiration and practical tips for anyone looking to make it in the beauty industry.

Starting Small, Dreaming Big

Kirstin started her beauty journey 10 years ago. Now, she owns almost four locations in Greater Victoria and manages a team of nearly 50 staff members. What's more impressive? She's still a full-time service provider, staying hands-on with her clients while running the show behind the scenes.

Balancing Acts: Behind the Chair and the Desk

Being both a stylist and a business owner, Kirstin knows the ins and outs of the beauty world. Her husband plays a key role too, handling crucial tasks like payroll. This teamwork lets Kirstin focus on both the client experience and business growth.

Always Learning and Growing

Kirstin is all about continuous learning. She offers a variety of services, including permanent makeup, waxing, and laser treatments. This keeps her business fresh and appealing to a wide range of clients.

Giving Back and Helping Others

One of Kirstin's passions is sharing her knowledge with others. She posted on Instagram to help those thinking about starting or expanding their salons. She felt alone when she started and wants to make sure others have the support she lacked. Transparency about the true costs of running a salon is key for her.

Facing Financial Realities

Running a salon isn't cheap. Kirstin talks about the importance of understanding costs like rent, products, and unexpected expenses like staff premiums. She believes in adjusting prices regularly to keep the business sustainable, even if it feels uncomfortable.

Building Community and Being Honest

Kirstin values honesty with both her staff and clients. By educating her team about the financial side of things, she creates a supportive work environment. She encourages salon owners to communicate openly with clients about price increases and to offer different service levels to suit various budgets.

Advice for New Salon Owners

If you're thinking about opening a salon, Kirstin suggests finding a mentor. Learning from someone who's been there can help you avoid common mistakes. Building a network and continually seeking knowledge are crucial steps to success.

Reflecting on the Journey

When asked what advice she would give her younger self, Kirstin talks about the importance of passion and resilience. The journey has its ups and downs, but the rewards of building a successful business and watching others grow make it all worth it.

Final Thoughts

Kirstin's final advice is about self-motivation and community support. Surround yourself with like-minded people and never stop learning. To keep up with Kirstin's journey and get more tips, check out her Instagram. Her openness and dedication to sharing knowledge make her a fantastic resource for anyone in the beauty industry.

In the 12th episode of the Business of Style Podcast, hosted by BeautyCouncil, we welcomed Kieran Nock from Apollo Insurance for a friendly chat about insurance essentials for beauty professionals. Kieran broke down the ins and outs of securing insurance right from the start of your beauty career.

Kieran pointed out that getting insurance coverage early on is a smart move. He noted, "the moment you have dollar one coming through the door, you're going to want to have some sort of coverage in place." This is vital because even activities like advertising, done before you actually start earning, could expose you to legal risks such as copyright infringement.

Here's what we covered that you'll find super helpful:

* Getting Covered Early: Starting with insurance coverage as soon as your business kicks off can shield you from unexpected liabilities.
* Understanding Liability Insurance: This type of insurance is crucial for covering damages for which you might be responsible, like injuries at your workspace or damages during a service.
* Professional Liability Insurance: Also known as Errors and Omissions Insurance, this is essential for services that impact clients directly, such as treatments. It protects you if something goes wrong during a service or if you forget a critical step.

Kieran also discussed specific scenarios, like renting a chair in a salon, which require particular attention to insurance needs. He emphasized that professionals in these situations should not only have general liability insurance but also consider additional coverage tailored to their arrangements.

For those new to business insurance, Kieran recommended chatting with an insurance professional to understand what coverage fits best and ensure it aligns with any contractual requirements.

This podcast episode is packed with straightforward advice for anyone in the beauty industry, from newcomers to experienced pros looking to understand their insurance needs better. Whether you're running a salon, renting a chair, or working independently, managing your business risks with the right insurance is key to keeping your operations smooth and secure.

In episode 11 of the Beauty of Style podcast, hosted by Greg Robins and brought to you by the BeautyCouncil, we delve into an essential topic for home-based beauty professionals: insurance. Our first member question episode features a query from Maya, a listener from the Sunshine Coast, seeking clarity on insurance for her home-based business.

Understanding Insurance Basics

Insurance is a safety net, covering unexpected events like injuries, damages, or lawsuits. While home insurance protects your personal assets and liability, it doesn't extend to professional activities conducted at home.

Why Home Insurance Isn't Enough

Your home insurance is tailored for residential use, covering scenarios like theft or property damage. However, it doesn't cover professional liabilities or accidents that occur during business activities.

The Need for Specific Professional Insurance

For home-based beauty professionals, having a separate professional insurance policy is crucial. This policy should encompass:

1. General Liability: Protects against accidents on your premises, like a client slipping on stairs.
2. Professional Liability: Covers incidents directly related to the beauty services you provide, such as a client suffering an infection from a treatment.

Additional Coverage Considerations

Consider insurance for your equipment and supplies, especially for high-value items. Be transparent with your insurance agent about the services you offer and any changes to ensure comprehensive coverage.

Choosing the Right Insurance Provider

The Beauty Council recommends trusted providers like Apollo or Zensurance, who understand the unique needs of the beauty industry.

Key Takeaways for Beauty Professionals

* Separate your professional activities from your home insurance.
* Ensure comprehensive coverage for both general and professional liabilities.
* Regularly update your insurance policy to reflect changes in your services.

Insurance is not just about protecting your business; it's about ensuring peace of mind for you and your clients. Listen to the full episode for more insights and tips on securing the right insurance for your home-based beauty business.

In this special episode of the Business of Style podcast, Greg Robins chats with Caylee about a topic close to every salon owner's heart: increasing income without relying on traditional sales tactics. If you're in the beauty industry and looking for ways to enhance your earnings without the sales pressure, this episode is a must-listen.

**The Five-Step Approach to Increased Income**

Caylee shares a five-step process that goes beyond the usual advice of pre-booking and upselling. Here's a quick rundown:

1. **Check Your Mindset About Making Money**: Start by examining your thoughts on financial success. A positive mindset towards money is crucial for attracting it.

2. **Set a Target**: Define what more money and time mean to you. Make your goals specific and meaningful.

3. **Set Targets with Each Team Member**: Involve your team in the vision. Help them understand their role in achieving the salon's financial goals.

4. **Use a Powerful Consultation**: A thorough consultation can uncover client needs and lead to tailored solutions.

5. **Offer Solutions with No Emotions Attached**: Present solutions to your clients' problems without letting personal feelings influence the conversation.

**Changing the Narrative Around Sales**

Caylee emphasizes the importance of shifting our perspective on sales. It's not about pushing products but about providing solutions to clients' problems. By adopting a more consultative approach, salon professionals can enhance their clients' experience and, in turn, boost their income.

**Practical Tips for Implementation**

The episode is packed with actionable advice, from setting smart goals to mastering the art of consultation. Kaylee also highlights the importance of practicing and getting comfortable with the sales process, ensuring that it becomes a natural part of the salon experience.

Increasing your salon's income without the hard sell is achievable with the right mindset and approach. By focusing on providing value and solutions, you can create a more positive and profitable salon environment.

Feeling swamped by endless admin tasks and paperwork, wishing you could get back to what you love? It's time to meet your new powerhouse assistant: artificial intelligence (AI). I'm Greg Robins, and in this episode of the Business of Style podcast, brought to you by the Beauty Council, we dive into how AI can revolutionize your salon, spa, or barbershop.

**What's AI, Anyway?**

AI is tech's buzzword, but beyond the jargon, it's a tool poised to transform routine tasks. From drafting social media posts to revamping your website or handling complex calculations, AI's capabilities are expanding. Imagine AI managing appointments or analyzing market trends for you—this is not the future; it's here.

**Three Ways AI Can Boost Your Business This Week**

1. **Social Media Savvy**: AI can craft engaging posts, complete with perfect grammar and tailored to your brand's voice, freeing up your time for creativity.

2. **Website Wizardry**: Let AI suggest enhancements for your site, ensuring it stands out and ranks higher on search engines.

3. **Math Magician**: Why struggle with figures when AI can adjust your pricing strategy accurately and efficiently?

**Accessing AI: No Cost, No Fuss**

Curious? Start exploring AI possibilities with tools like CHAT GPT. Signing up is free, and you'll soon find yourself leveraging AI's full potential to streamline operations, engage customers, and stay competitive.

Dive in and discover how AI can be your salon's best asset, making administrative chores a thing of the past and letting you focus on your passion. Tune in to the Business of Style for more insights on leveraging technology in the beauty industry.

In the beauty business, parting ways with a team member is tough but sometimes necessary. It's not just about saying goodbye; it's about knowing the hows and whys so you can do it the right way.

Getting the Basics Right

Ending a job is never easy, whether it's a decision from you (termination) or them (resignation). Chris Drinovz, a pro in employment law, sheds light on this delicate process.

The Early Days Matter: The Probation Period

Newbies have a trial period. If things aren't clicking, you can part ways easily in these early days, especially in the first three months. Just remember, the rules change once this period is over.

Full-time or Part-time: Same Rules Apply

Whether your team member is full-time or part-time, the game's the same when it comes to ending their contract. It's all about their average earnings when figuring out their dues.

Understanding 'Cause' and 'No Cause'

There are two ways to say goodbye: 'with cause' (like serious issues on their part) and 'without cause'. Going the 'with cause' route doesn't need notice or severance, but you've got to have your facts straight.

Steering Clear of Legal Bumps

As a salon/spa owner, watch out for legal traps. Mistakes like not giving enough notice or being unfair can lead to big headaches.

Smart Moves for Salon Owners

* Be picky when hiring.
* Use clear contracts.
* Keep records and follow steps before letting someone go.

Privacy is Key

After saying goodbye, keep it classy. Their story isn't for sharing with the team or clients.

Wrapping Up

Letting someone go is hard, but knowing the ins and outs makes it smoother. Stay informed, stay fair, and keep your salon or spa a great place to work and visit.