Author: SZ Albarez

Salons by JC is proud to announce Blush Beauty Bar Miami as the winner of Suite of the Year for 2020.  Salon suite owners and sisters, Olga Ferrer and Yamilet Lopez are the proud creators of this beautiful suite that is located at Salons by JC Kendall Palms in the Miami-Dade area.  The sisters contacted franchisees Peter and Cyndi Scher in 2018 to join their Kendale Lakes location, but at that time it was at capacity.  Fast forward to 2020 when their newest location Kendall Palms was getting ready to open which had the perfect sized suite they needed for their business.  

Creating the Perfect Suite

“To be successful as a suite owner you should create a beautiful and inviting ambiance where the clients feel relaxed. The experience should be one filled with positivity, uplifting energy, and serenity,” stated Yamilet Lopez.  The opportunity given to them at Salons by JC has afforded them the ability to create the space they envisioned for themselves and their clientele.  Using calming colors and decor, the sisters created their perfect space complete with a charming little coffee bar.  “Clients should feel that the person behind the chair is someone who stays current in the industry and is always consistent in their craft.  Their work should embody passion and kindness. Not only will the clients be excited about their next session but they will recommend you to friends and family.” The creation of their amazing suite was based on their passion for the beauty industry and their dedication to their clients.  Their vision came to life when they became salon suite owners at Salons by JC. 

The Salons by JC Distinction

Olga and Yamilet joined the Salons by JC Kendall Palms community 7 months ago and as they say, “it’s been magical!”  Location owners Peter and Cyndi Scher were ecstatic to find out their suite owners won top honors.  “We were so excited to find out they had been chosen as the winners.  We’re delighted to finally have Yamilet and Olga join our suites.  We started talking to these two marvelous sisters in 2018 and we didn’t have the suite size they were looking for in our Kendale Lakes location.  In 2020 they contacted us again and we had what they were looking for.  They were so excited to join the Salons by JC brand and we knew they were the perfect fit for us. Their work is amazing, their social media is on point, their professionalism is over the top, their personalities are the best, and their suite is just fabulous!  We were so excited when they won Suite of the Year,” stated an elated Cyndi Scher. 

Blush Beauty Bar Miami

Olga and Yamilet chose Salons by JC to grow their business because of how warm and esthetically pleasing it was from the moment you walked in the doors.  “If there is anything that we need our Concierge Maribel or owners Peter and Cyndi will accommodate us.  They have been an absolute pleasure to work with,” stated 20-year beauty industry veteran Yamilet.  Olga Ferrer is a 27 year veteran in the beauty business, former owner of her own salon, and also a former chair renter.  “Running my own salon and supervising the stylists became overwhelming.  We sold the business and moved to a salon in Doral as chair renters.  That salon ended up being sold and that is when we discovered the salon suite concept at Salons by JC,” stated Olga.  “We fell in love with the salon suites and waited for the Kendall Palms location to open.”  After visiting the Kendale Lakes location, the sisters knew that their next place to set up their business would be at Salons by JC.  The duo created a very welcoming and comfortable space for themselves and their guests.  Their cooling colors, rustic, and chic decor highlighted by a radiant chandelier adds that touch of magic that expresses Olga and Yamilet’s unique personality.  What does the former salon owner think of the salon suite life? “This is better than owning your own business. It’s better than having your own salon,” states Olga.  Yamilet adds, “The freedom, the stability, and your success are determined by the choices you make. Why not take a chance on you? Do you have the dedication, the clientele, and the drive to start your own journey? Don’t hesitate and make your dreams come true!” 

Salons by JC salutes Blush Beauty Bar Miami on being named Suite of the Year honor. Olga and Yamilet are exemplary examples of the distinction that makes Salons by JC the place to be.   

About Salons by JC

In 1997, Jack Griffey and Cecil Miller began their journey to transform the beauty industry one salon suite at a time. Like most young entrepreneurs, they started out with a big idea but had to learn how to start and run a business from scratch. After much perseverance and hard work, they opened Salons by JC in Dallas, Texas in 1998, welcoming beauty and wellness specialists who were ready to break free from the traditional salon model. The company has since moved its headquarters from Dallas to San Antonio, where it continues to grow through franchising. Today, Salons by JC has over 100 nationwide and in Canada and are looking to develop 200 over the next several years. For more information about franchising click here.

Blog written by:

Marlene Romo Flores

Salons by JC Franchise Marketing Manager

Salons by JC Valrico have great reason to celebrate as their concierge, Megan Taylor, was named Concierge of the Year for the salon suite franchise.  Megan has been a part of the Salons by JC community since August 2016.  Megan was chosen from several outstanding candidates that were nominated by their franchise owners.  She is the fourth Concierge to receive this honor.

The Vision 

Megan was discovered by Salons by JC Valrico owner, Denise Cooke, in a rather unique way.  “Eight years ago I read a heartfelt letter posted on a neighborhood social media page written by Megan’s employer, at the time, about how amazing she is and how sorry they were to have to part ways with her as they no longer needed a full-time Nanny.  I was not looking for an employee at the time but felt compelled to meet with her.  At the end of that meeting, Megan was hired as our Nanny for my 2-year-old.  I didn’t have a Salons by JC location yet.  Little did she know I had a vision and a plan for her to step into the Concierge role,” stated Denise.    After a little convincing, Megan agreed to become the part-time Concierge at the Valrico location and soon after became full-time.  

Salon Suite Success

When asked what the most rewarding part of her job is Megan proudly says it’s supporting the dreams of so many beauty professionals.  “Most of the time when they walk in for a tour and then sign a lease with us they say how nervous they are or how scary it is for them to take this next step for their business.  It’s amazing to see what happens when they have the support and encouragement from us.  I absolutely love when they come up to me a few months later and say how they have doubled their income, how their clients love our salon, and how it was the best decision of their life.”  Megan loves being in a position to be the salon suite owner’s biggest supporter, cheerleader, and encourager.  

Salons by JC Valrico owner, Denise Cooke, says Megan is an invaluable asset to the salon suite business and is always eager to take on new challenges.  “She has earned the trust and respect of all our beauty professionals. Megan is skilled at juggling a lot while staying calm, cool, and collected.  She can have those heartfelt conversations and the tough ones when needed.  She has a high degree of emotional intelligence, a drive for excellence, and the ability to maintain order like no other all while spreading inspiration and joy.”

It’s All About the Little Things

We asked Megan how she dealt with any obstacles at the salon and how she overcomes them.  “Lots of communication and understanding. Be quick to listen and slow to speak. Whether it is a beauty professional, client, or building problem, the key to a positive resolution is to stay positive and open-minded. Also, working as a team with Denise. We brainstorm and talk through most problems so we know we are making a good long-term decision for the salon.” Megan feels that a Concierge needs to be caring, understanding, professional, relationship-oriented, and have a servant’s heart.  She also shared some advice for those who are in the role of Concierge within our franchise.  “ Don’t forget all the small things we do are actually the big things.  From that big warm smile that welcomes each guest and salon suite owner, cleaning up all the fly-away hairs in the hallway, complimenting their work daily, celebrating a birthday or anniversary, to being a constant listening ear.  It all matters.  It is what created the big ripple effect in their lives and business.  The small things might be mundane and meaningless to you most days, but those are the things that they brag about in the long run.”  Megan has created a positive culture at Salons by JC Valrico, one she takes great pride in and protects.  “You do everything in your power to remain true to it and in turn, the salon suite owners will feel safe in a positive, respectful, and supportive atmosphere.”

Salons by JC salutes Megan Taylor on her Concierge of the Year honor. She is an exemplary example of the distinction that makes Salons by JC the place to be.  Megan celebrates this honor with her husband Ian and their recently adopted 5 foster children.  Congratulations to the Taylor family on their many accomplishments this year.

About Salons by JC

In 1997, Jack Griffey and Cecil Miller began their journey to transform the beauty industry one salon suite at a time. Like most young entrepreneurs, they started out with a big idea but had to learn how to start and run a business from scratch. After much perseverance and hard work, they opened Salons by JC in Dallas, Texas in 1998, welcoming beauty and wellness specialists who were ready to break free from the traditional salon model. The company has since moved its headquarters from Dallas to San Antonio, where it continues to grow through franchising. Today, Salons by JC has over 100 nationwide and in Canada and are looking to develop 200 over the next several years. For more information about franchising click here.

Blog written by:

Marlene Romo Flores

Salons by JC Franchise Marketing Manager

Salons by JC’s virtual franchise owner conference kicked off this week.  The annual conference celebrates the achievements of the company as a whole and acknowledges those franchisees who stand out in the salon suite industry.  The distinct honor of Franchisee of the Year was bestowed upon John and Mindy Ratcliff.  They began their relationship with the salon suite dynasty in 2013.

Welcome to the Salons by JC Franchise

“I looked at several different concepts before signing on with the Salons by JC Franchise,” stated John Ratcliff.  After visiting a couple of Salons by JC locations and speaking with the beauty professionals he discovered how happy they were to be there.  “Once I met Jack, Cecil, and Steve, I knew that these folks were people that I wanted to partner with”.  They opened their first location in Round Rock, Texas in 2014.  The second location opened in Austin, Texas in 2017 and they acquired 3 locations within the franchise system in the Houston, Texas area in 2019 and 2020.

The Empowerment of Being a Franchise Owner

Being a franchisee changed the lives of both John and Mindy with the successful opening of their Round Rock location.  “I went from being a stay-at-home Mom to embarking on a new career”, stated Mindy.  “This industry empowers a large number of women and helps them become a successful and vibrant part of the business world”.  As Mindy was making her mark learning about daily operations and marketing for her businesses, John felt confident enough to leave his full-time job at the end of 2016.  “Just like the suite owners, I am so grateful to be my own boss and set my own hours.  I haven’t looked back since”, stated an elated John.  An added bonus for the Ratcliff’s is watching their salon suite owners become independent just like they did when they invested in the salon suite franchise.  

Advice as You Grow Your Locations

As a Salons by JC franchise owner you are encouraged to grow your enterprise by expanding your salon suite portfolio.  John and Mindy started off with one location in 2014 and in seven years have increased that number to 5 salon suite locations in Texas.  As they developed and acquired their locations, one constant remained – being present.  “Being present at your current location during build-out and leasing of the second location is vital.  The salon suite owners want to know that you are still there for them and won’t be abandoning them as you get ready to open up the next location,” stated Mindy.  The hiring of a rockstar concierge is key to keeping Salons by JC distinct in the salon suite industry.  “Having a concierge that runs the show making sure you are touring well and people are excited about the location makes a huge difference,” stated Mindy.

When they acquired the 3 locations in the Houston area in 2019 and 2020 they created a plan to make sure the transition was an easy one for all involved.  “The first thing that John and I did was have a meeting with the suite owners.  We let them know that rent wasn’t going up and we listened to them and their needs.  The little things that they needed to be done to be successful in the industry,” stated Mindy.  Within the first 4 weeks of ownership, they had knocked out all the things on their list that needed to be done at each salon.  Focus then shifted to the concierges and making sure each was well trained and up to date with everything that was available to them from the corporate office.  Mindy visits the Houston locations monthly and is in constant communication with her team of concierges daily checking in on them making sure everything is running smoothly. 

Words of Wisdom from the Franchisee of the Year

If they could do it all over again what are some things team Ratcliff would change to make it easier on themselves?  “Plan for it! Being a first-time franchisee is more work than you think, but the rewards are worth it,” states Mindy.  John adds, “ Don’t be afraid to ask questions and know that your hard work will pay off!”  They also added that being a part of the Salons by JC franchise system has been the key to their success because you are able to interact with the other franchisees, ask questions, bounce ideas off of each other, and not have to recreate the wheel.  Mindy also added, “If I were to do it all over again, I would have spent more time visiting each location, talking with the suite owners finding out what they like in their suites and what they would change.  Looking at all the options for design and functionality closely.”  This research was key to the success of the expansion of the Ratcliff territories and helped in building out the new Salons by JC locations. 

John and Mindy are currently planning on location number 6 that will be coming to the Austin area in 2022.  Congratulations to John and Mindy Ratcliff for being named the 2020 Franchisee of the Year.  We look forward to your many more years of success at Salons by JC.

About Salons by JC

In 1997, Jack Griffey and Cecil Miller began their journey to transform the beauty industry one salon suite at a time. Like most young entrepreneurs, they started out with a big idea but had to learn how to start and run a business from scratch. After much perseverance and hard work, they opened Salons by JC in Dallas, Texas in 1998, welcoming beauty and wellness specialists who were ready to break free from the traditional salon model. The company has since moved its headquarters from Dallas to San Antonio, where it continues to grow through franchising. Today, Salons by JC has over 100 nationwide and in Canada and are looking to develop 200 over the next several years. For more information about franchising click here.

Blog written by:
Marlene Romo Flores
Salons by JC Franchise Marketing Manager

Adapt. This is what our franchise had to do due to the challenges that they faced with our present circumstances.  Owners had to make sure they were in accordance with new guidelines as ordered by their state’s Cosmetology boards.  John and Susan Roberts are the owners of Salons by JC Southlake in the Dallas area.  They opened their location in July of this year at fifty percent capacity.  Their leasing keeps gaining momentum as they use COVID-19 to their advantage.

The advantage 

“We used COVID-19 to our advantage when leasing,” stated John Roberts. Targeting salon professionals that were ready to be on their own and who were unsure if their traditional salon would reopen was a key factor in their leasing momentum.  “We started advertising for ‘private, clean spaces’ for stylists and their clients.  This worked out great for us.”   

Beauty professionals were searching for a clean and contained space where they would feel safe while working.  “The majority of our suite owners came from large salons where shampoo bowls and other areas were being shared.  This caused concern for cross-contamination.”

The importance of the concierge

John and his wife, Susan share the concierge duties at their Southlake location.  Being at the location every day gives them the opportunity to share the front desk duties and also complete various tasks.  “We love our salon space and it shows when we are giving tours,” stated John.  “We make sure to reply to all calls, texts, and emails as soon as possible”.  

Sharing the role of concierge has allowed John and Susan to discover the needs of their suite owners. “We have found that most suite owners just want someone that they can talk to or express a concern to without filling out a form or sending an email making them wait for a reply that may take days or sometimes weeks,” stated John.  “They love being able to walk to the front desk or send us a text and know that their issue will be resolved right away.”   Taking such great care of their location is encouraging their suite owners to motivate their friends to move over to the Southlake location.  “We have everything that the suite owner wants from ample parking, free laundry, a large break room/training room, and a “Sonic” ice machine.  No one else has that.”

The ideal space for a beauty professional

“Although the pandemic is scary this business model is a great solution,” stated John.  Salons by JC prides itself on creating the perfect space for its salon suite owners to thrive.  “It provided the perfect space for our guests to get their services done without fear that people are going to be close by contaminating their space.”

As suite owners, you have full control over your space.  You control your environment and have the time to keep it clean and sanitary providing a healthy area for your clientele.  This allows your guest to be comfortable as they receive their service.

“We walked everyone through our process of making sure that the salon is cleaned daily, face masks are required, and all COVID requirements were being met and would be enforced at our location.”

Words of advice for new franchisees

We asked John and Susan to share some nuggets of wisdom to new Salons by JC franchisees that are working on opening their locations in 2021.  Some key points he touched on were; be patient, utilize the Salons by JC franchise network, ask more questions, and talk to the corporate office.  “Know that this is not an overnight process and that it takes time.  Slow and steady is the key,” stated John.

Salons by JC is the premier salon suite franchise in the U.S with over 120 locations in 26 states and Canada.  For more information about the Salons by JC franchise, contact us here.

Blog written by:

Marlene Romo Flores – Salons by JC Franchise Marketing Manager

“The Garden State” is the newest home to the Salons by JC salon suite franchise.  The addition of New Jersey to our already illustrious portfolio brings a ray of light during this pandemic of 2020.  

Northern New Jersey

Garret and Mike Bedrin, the 2017 Franchisees of the Year and owners of The Bedrin Organization based in New Jersey, will open the 1st salon suite in Bergen County in Wyckoff, NJ in November.  “We are beyond thrilled to bring seasoned beauty professionals of New Jersey the opportunity to own their own business”, stated Garret Bedrin.  

The Bedrin’s are 3rd generation retailers and commercial real estate developers and have had their pulse on New Jersey’s small business economy for over 70 years.  “There is no doubt that professionals in the beauty, health, and wellness industry are some of the hardest working and talented professionals who deserve the right to own their own business.  We have fought for these rights in Newark at the State Board of Cosmetology and in Trenton at the Department of Consumer Affairs.  Even after 5 years of doors slamming in our faces, we never gave up.  We are excited to open our doors and share Salons by JC with our local neighborhoods.”  In addition to Wyckoff, the Bedrin’s plan on opening up a location in Paramus and Ridgewood in 2021.

Southern New Jersey

Meanwhile, in the Southern part of New Jersey, Jim McGuiness is working to develop locations in Shrewsbury, Middletown, and Marlboro.  “We are very excited to open up new Salons by JC locations in New Jersey.  This is a great market for salon suites given the population density, household incomes, and the number of salons. Most surrounding states already embrace salon suites. New Jersey is late to the game and beauty professionals have been waiting for our state to adopt similar practices like New York, Connecticut, and Maryland”, stated McGuiness.   

The New Jersey Cosmetology board received many requests from salon suite providers and in 2019 decided it was a good idea to approve the “newest” concept in salon ownership. “The approval requires adherence to specific guidelines and requirements.  We feel the opportunity to enter the market and provide salon ownership is a great opportunity and responsibility.”

“The pre-opening interest in our Shrewsbury location is excellent and we look forward to creating the premier salon suite design and opportunity for beauty professionals to build their business and free themselves from the traditional salon model. This is an exciting time and we are proud to enable this change”, stated an excited McGuiness.

A Long Time Coming

“We are thrilled that the State of New Jersey has opened up the opportunity for salon suites to expand.  We have three of the best Salons by JC franchisees in the country that are developing the state”, stated Salons by JC President, Steve Griffey.  

Garret and Mike Bedrin are former franchisees of the year recipients for their work in North Carolina.  “They own 3 beautiful salon suite locations that have been incredibly successful.  Their goal is to open 16 salons in Northern New Jersey.  In the Southern part of the state, Jim McGuiness has stores in development in Shrewsbury, Middletown, and Marlboro.  Jim and his family have developed 3 successful salons in Maryland and Connecticut.  They will bring an incredible amount of experience and support to the salon community in New Jersey”, stated Griffey. 

Vice President of Operations, Drew Johnston added, “Salons by JC is committed to bringing the best in facilities and customer service to salon professionals across the country.  The Bedrin and McGuiness families are fully committed to delivering on the vision and mission of Salons by JC in their home state of New Jersey.”

Salons by JC is the premier salon suite franchise in the U.S with over 120 locations in 26 states and Canada.  For more information about the Salons by JC franchise, contact us here.

Blog written by:

Marlene Romo Flores – Salons by JC Franchise Marketing Manager