Profitable Salon Owner Podcast

How Inclusive Salons Are Changing the Industry | EP. 165 | Profitable Salon Owner

Episode Summary

Learn how to create an inclusive and sensory-friendly salon experience in this episode of the Profitable Salon Owner Podcast! Kayla Swanson chats with Danielle Cherewyk, who shares her journey of making her salon a safe and welcoming space for clients with sensory sensitivities, including those on the autism spectrum. Discover practical tips, from setting up a sensory-friendly environment to training your team, and learn how to offer premium services that set your salon apart. Get inspired to make your salon more inclusive and better serve your community! Text “happy” to (916)258-0720 to receive Danielle’s happy haircuts e-book

Episode Notes

• Inclusive Salon Experience: The podcast focuses on how to curate a sensory-friendly and inclusive salon environment for clients with special needs or sensory sensitivities.
• Host Introduction: Kayla Swanson introduces the episode, featuring Danielle Cherewyk, who shares her personal story of making her salon more inclusive.
• Danielle’s Inspiration: Danielle’s journey started after her son was diagnosed with autism, leading her to make changes to accommodate clients with sensory issues.
• Sensory-Friendly Haircuts: The salon offers “happy haircuts” for children on the autism spectrum, creating a calm and supportive environment with sensory-friendly tools and practices.
• Private Room Setup: Danielle’s salon features a private room where clients can have a quieter, more controlled experience, away from the main salon.
• Staff Training: The salon team receives training to handle sensory-sensitive clients, including strategies like starting a haircut so it looks good even if it’s unfinished.
• Tools for Comfort: Sensory-friendly tools, like weighted capes and lap pillows, are used to help clients feel more comfortable during their haircut.
• Community Support: The salon has become a community resource, offering a welcoming space for parents and individuals with sensory needs, which has strengthened its connection with the local community.
• Paid Premium Service: While sensory haircuts require more time and attention, the salon charges based on the time needed to deliver the service, positioning it as a premium offering.
• E-book for Sensory Haircuts: Danielle offers a free e-book, "Happy Haircuts," as a resource for other salons to implement sensory-friendly practices.