Profitable Salon Owner Podcast

Tailoring Style to the Individual | EP. 166 | Profitable Salon Owner

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Profitable Salon Owner Podcast, host Kayla Swanson and guest Vivienne Mackinder dive into the art of client consultations, teaching salon owners how to empower their stylists to go beyond Pinterest-inspired looks. Learn how to tailor styles to clients’ body types, face shapes, and emotions while building trust and confidence with your team and clientele.

Episode Notes

• Consultation Beyond the Picture: The episode emphasizes moving beyond Pinterest-inspired consultations to uncover what clients truly want, not just replicating a look.
• Vivienne Mackinder’s Expertise: Vivienne shares her 40+ years of experience as a stylist and artistic director for iconic brands, providing insight into fashion, style, and consultation techniques.
• Understanding Client Emotions: The discussion highlights that clients often seek to replicate an emotion or feeling associated with a look, not necessarily the exact style.
• Empowering Stylists: Vivienne encourages stylists to assert their expertise, helping clients achieve looks that fit their body type, age, and lifestyle, rather than simply copying trends.
• Improving Consultation Techniques: A large gap exists between stylists who believe they provide consultations and clients who feel they receive one, highlighting the need for better communication skills.
• Design from the Inside Out: Stylists should consider the client’s whole appearance—body type, face shape, and personal style—before recommending a haircut.
• Building Trust and Confidence: Gaining a client’s trust is key; otherwise, the client may take control of the process, leading to unsatisfactory outcomes.
• Tailoring Hairstyles to Body Types: Stylists must consider the client's body proportions (apple, pear, banana body types) to create balanced and flattering styles.
• Leadership in Salons: Salon owners must lead by example, empowering their stylists with the right skills, confidence, and systems to succeed.
• Vivienne’s Advice on Success: Vivienne shares advice on building confidence, creativity, and leadership, and emphasizes the importance of mirror neurons in learning and setting a good example in salons.