covid-19 Archives - Salons by JC

Tag: covid-19

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Franchise News

Kendall Palm: Salon Suite Success During COVID-19

For Peter and Cyndi Scher opening their Salons by JC Kendall Palms location was going to be like clockwork for these seasoned salon suite veterans.  The 2019 Franchisees of the Year did not think that they would be going head to head with a new competitor to their market, COVID-19.

Pivotal Marketing Moves 

The Scher’s quickly went to work to make changes to an already successful marketing campaign.  “We changed our marketing from no weeks free to 4 weeks free, then 8 weeks free”, stated Cyndi Scher.  “Everyone who started with us on our opening day received 8 weeks free”.  They didn’t stop there.  Cyndi and Peter increased their marketing spend on Google and also began advertising in Spanish to reach their target market.  Their Kendale Lakes and Kendall Palm locations are located in the Miami-Dade area which is predominantly Latino markets. 

Salons by JC Kendall Palm

Suite Assurance

They made sure suite owners and their guests would feel comfortable and safe while coming to the location.  “The suite concept is a blessing during this time of social distancing. The suite owners can be in their suite one on one with their clients, wearing their masks, while having complete control of who they see.”  The Scher’s also put up signs in English and Spanish letting everyone know that masks were required at their location.  They also removed all seating to prevent anyone from lingering in the hallways.  “We also have a thorough cleaning service come to our location several times a week,” stated Peter Scher. 

The Concierge

Maribel, the Kendall Palm Concierge, has been a tremendous asset to the leasing success of this location during this pandemic.  “Our suite owners immediately feel at ease knowing Maribel is just as concerned about COVID-19 safety as they are,” stated Cyndi.  “She was available to help with furniture and product deliveries and leading each and every guest to their suite for services.” Maribel has been working with the Scher’s for over two years.  “Her overall knowledge of how the suites are managed, how she genuinely cares for each suite owner’s success, and her professionalism are felt by all of our potential suite owners when they inquire about leasing.”

Concierge, Maribel, and suite owner

Making Successful Adjustments

Peter and Cyndi rolled with the punches of this pandemic and have come out on top.  Cyndi has always practiced using FaceTime or WhatsApp Video to connect with her suite owners so it was not a far stretch for her to begin touring via these video apps.  “We toured using FaceTime and WhatsApp and also took all the necessary precautions and wear masks to make any potential suite owner feel comfortable when they arrived to tour in person,” stated Cyndi.  “We also always sent our tours to our Instagram page to view the suites we had featured.”  The Scher’s also stated that they were very patient and took the time to answer all questions presented to them.  

One of the many creative suites at the Kendall Palm location

 

Some Words of Advice

Cyndi and Peter cannot stress enough the important role their concierge played in communicating and being responsive during the early stage of the pandemic.  “Your concierge will make or break you.  If you have a fabulous concierge, then it will be that much easier to have prospects join your suites, retain suite owners, and referrals.  Pay them well, look for property management experience, and show your appreciation for them often!.”  Cyndi also added, “be ready to offer more free weeks than you have planned- you never know.”

Peter and Cyndi Scher

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 is written by:

Marlene Romo Flores – Salons by JC Franchise Marketing Manager

 

 

 

Categories
Guides & How-To Training & Education

COVID-19 Financial Resources for Suite Owners

This page is designed to be a quick reference guide to resources

At Salons by JC, our suite owners are the very core of everything we do. We know that with the recent outbreak of COVID-19 many of our suite owners may be facing difficult financial challenges. This is why we have compiled this page of resources as a companion for the large number of educational blog posts we’ve created to help you through this difficult time. Those posts, located in our blog, are designed to be a more active and depth guide to help you through this time.

 

 For even more resources, visit our new dedicated

Salons by JC COVID-19 resources website.

 

 

1A. CARES Act- Economic Stimulus Program  

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Securities Act (CARES Act) provide eligible individuals with a one-time direct deposit of funds to provide immediate financial relief, based on your 2018 or 2019 tax filings. For those who filed taxes in 2018/2019, deposits will be automatically made to your bank account, if it was used when filing.

The following guidelines outline the program in more detail.

  • Single filers earning up to $75,000 or joint filers earning up to $150,000 will receive around $1200 per person or $2400 per couple in a one-time payment.
  • Single filers earning up to $99,000 or joint filers earning up to $198,000 will receive around $500 per person or $1000 per couple in a one-time payment.

If you have used direct deposit for payment or refunds with the IRS in the past year, funds will be deposited directly in your account. If not, you can expect a physical check in several weeks.

 

1B. Extra Unemployment Benefits for Self-Employed Individuals

Another benefit of the CARES Act is the expansion of unemployment insurance and payments to self-employed workers and/or independent contractors. This includes independent salon owners who are registered as an LLC, Sole Proprietor, etc.. The changes the CARES Act implements include up to an additional $600 a week in addition to the individual state unemployment benefits. Currently, this change is set to last for up to four months, ending on July 31st, unless further updated. Pay for unemployment will vary state by state, but the CARES act amount is universal across all states.

To apply for unemployment benefits, visit your individual state’s unemployment website:

 

2. Taxes Filing Deadlines Have Been Extended

The deadline has been extended from April 15 to July 15, 2020. No additional forms or information is required to file your taxes.

For more information visit the IRS website.

 

3A. State and Local Changes to Private Residence Evictions

Many state and local governments have made changes to the process of evictions. This may include extended deadlines or actual pauses to any eviction processes. For the most up to date information, speak to your landlord or local government officials and let them know you are unable to pay rent due to the Coronavirus.

 

3B. Deferred Mortgage Payments

Much like the changes for renters made by state and local governments, your financial institution may have programs in place to pause or defer your mortgage payments. Contact your mortgage lender to learn more about specific steps they may be taking.

4. Deferred Auto Loan Payments

Similar to the previously mentioned changes for mortgages and rent, many financial institutions are implementing similar procedures for auto loan payments. These may be automatically deferred payments or options deferments upon request. Contact your lender to learn more.

5. Families First Coronavirus Response

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act) requires certain employers to provide employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. The Department of Labor’s (Department) Wage and Hour Division (WHD) administers and enforces the new law’s paid leave requirements. These provisions will apply from the effective date through December 31, 2020.

Generally, the Act provides that employees of covered employers are eligible for:

  • Two weeks (up to 80 hours) of paid sick leave at the employee’s regular rate of pay where the employee is unable to work because the employee is quarantined (pursuant to Federal, State, or local government order or advice of a health care provider), and/or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and seeking a medical diagnosis; or
  • Two weeks (up to 80 hours) of paid sick leave at two-thirds the employee’s regular rate of pay because the employee is unable to work because of a bona fide need to care for an individual subject to quarantine (pursuant to Federal, State, or local government order or advice of a health care provider), or to care for a child (under 18 years of age) whose school or child care provider is closed or unavailable for reasons related to COVID-19, and/or the employee is experiencing a substantially similar condition as specified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Secretaries of the Treasury and Labor; and
  • Up to an additional 10 weeks of paid expanded family and medical leave at two-thirds the employee’s regular rate of pay where an employee, who has been employed for at least 30 calendar days, is unable to work due to a bona fide need for leave to care for a child whose school or child care provider is closed or unavailable for reasons related to COVID-19.

To learn more, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website

 

6. Professional Beauty Association COVID-19 Relief Fund

The PBA COVID-19 Relief Fund is designed to help support the licensed beauty professionals who have not been able to work or are experiencing financial hardships due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The Relief Fund will provide $500 to licensed beauty professionals who are unable to work due to COVID-19. The funding is intended to be an emergency aid for short-term immediate needs.

For more information, visit their site here.

 

7. Horst M. Rechelbacher Foundation – COVID-19 Relief Fund

These $1,000 grants will provide financial assistance to beauty professionals or students of beauty programs, whose lives have been drastically changed by the mandated closures in response to COVID-19. Available to beauty professionals and students who are unemployed and cannot maintain their regular income during this time, these one-time $1,000 grants will be distributed directly to the applicant to provide temporary financial relief. Applications are open starting April 1, 2020.

To Qualify Applicants Must:

  • Be a resident of the U.S.
  • Be a licensed beauty professional and have been employed for 12 months on or before March 16, 2020. OR They must have been attending a program to become a licensed beauty professional on or before March 16, 2020.
  • Live in a State or County that has mandated the closure of non-essential business.
  • Must currently not be earning an income.

Visit their website to learn more and to apply.

 

8. United Way 2-1-1

United Way 2-1-1 provides resources for those seeking assistance finding food, paying hosing bills, and other essential services. Call 211 or text your zip code to 898-211 for information.

 

9. CND x BCL Nail Professional Relief Grant

These grants will provide financial assistance to nail professionals, whose lives have been drastically changed by the mandated closures in response to COVID-19. Available to licensed nail professionals who cannot maintain their regular income during this time, these one-time $1,000 grants will be distributed directly to provide temporary financial relief. Applications are open starting April 1, 2020.

To Qualify Applicants Must:

  • Be a resident of the U.S.
  • Be a licensed nail professional and have been employed for 12 months on or before March 16, 2020.
  • Live in a State or County that has mandated the closure of non-essential business.
  • Must be currently not earning an income

For more information and to apply, visit their website.

 

We strongly suggest you speak with a certified financial advisor for professional financial advice and guidance.

Categories
Business & Marketing Community Involvement

Opening after COVID-19: Strategies for Success

As we prepare to come back to our salon suites, we must keep in mind that creating a healthy environment for our clientele means more than just carrying the proper equipment, products, etc. to ensure a safe visit.

Communication will be key to making sure your clientele will be coming back to you in a healthy state and you will be providing them a safe environment to service them of their beauty needs.  Since our industry is one where we come into contact with our clientele in a close space, we need to take all precautionary measures to adequately protect each client and their families as well as ourselves.

Here are some things you can do to communicate with your clients on new procedures that you are setting in place as you prepare to open up your business:

Vet your clientele

Reach out to your clients and ask them if they’ve been in contact with anyone who has been sick or was exposed to the COVID-19 virus.  If they answer yes to any of these questions, ask them to take the proper precautions, to quarantine, and to reach out to their primary care physician.  This vetting process of each client will ensure that you will not be allowing someone who is in a sick state to receive a service that may cause an outbreak in your suite or the salon as a whole.  This is also the time that you should also let your clients know if you’ve experienced any symptoms or were exposed to the virus and the steps you’ve taken since.

New arrival protocols

As our salons reopen, be aware that new procedures will be put in place to ensure the safety of all who walk into our shared spaces.  Let your clients know that they will no longer be allowed to wait in the hallways.  Once they arrive for a scheduled appointment, ask them to call you to make sure they are able to come into the salon.  If you are still with a client, ask them to wait in their vehicle and that you will let them know once it is okay to enter the salon.  This will ensure that we are abiding by the “6 feet apart” rule.

Deep clean your suite

Prepare to deep clean your suite prior to re-opening.  Make sure you have all the proper products to disinfect after each client.  You will need to a lot time after each service to properly clean all surfaces thoroughly, as well as your chairs, door handles, etc.  Taking this extra step to ensure you are taking every measure to sanitize will be appreciated by your clientele.  Consider sharing these extra steps by video or stories to provide visual confirmation to your clients and create a sense of comfort and safety.

Work with your Concierge

Your Concierge will continue to be the first point of contact for all who enter the facility, exactly like they have in the past.  When reasonable, your Concierge should try to open the door for customers. Realistically, this won’t be possible every time, but it is a good practice as it will limit contact transmission on door handles at the entrance. Furthermore, as often as possible, your concierge should care to properly clean and sanitize all touchpoints used by clients entering and exiting the salon. Your entryway should provide hand sanitizing stations to all your customers, as these products become available. Once entering the suite, each suite owner should likewise, offer hand sanitation to each client if these products are available for owners to acquire.  We also encourage you to place signage at the front of and throughout your location instructing anyone who has a temperature or may even just feel unwell in general, to reschedule their appointments and consult with their primary care doctor as soon as possible and to self-quarantine until that time.

Now is the time to prepare to reopen and with a different outlook than before. Our business will be focused on offering the top service with the most sanitized and safe environment for our clients.  To provide even more evidence of the steps you are taking, here is a link to a certification you can do online on infection prevention and control. Simply click here.

Taking these extra safety steps will ensure we are doing everything we can to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus and give confidence to our clients, suite owners, and vendors that Salons by JC is a safe place to continue to visit and get your services done.  While there may be some frustrations with the new procedures, we’re positive that the large majority of clients will abide by them and champion you and the salon for taking extra measures to keep them safe!

We encourage you to visit our blog and to reach out to your franchise owner for more information, helpful tips, and for any other questions you may have.

 

Blog written by 

Marlene Romo Flores

Marketing Manger

Salons by JC

 

 

Categories
Beauty & Wellness Business & Marketing Community Involvement

Self-Care during COVID-19

 

Being the beauty professional, our business has always been the main provider of “self-care” rituals for our clientele.  From spa days, massages, hair, nails, the list goes on and on. Beauty professionals provide an escape for many when it comes to rest and relaxation.

But what happens when those clients are no longer able to de-stress with us?  Each of our salon suite owners took great pride in creating the ultimate salon, providing each client with a way to lose themselves for a few hours as a beauty professional took care of their needs.

How can we still provide “self care” away from our salon suite?

As social distancing and self-isolation is being practiced across the country, the social interaction that made the trips to visit your beauty professional have temporarily ceased.  Here are some ways you can still provide that escape during social distancing.

Show me your roots!

Ask your clientele to show you their roots.  From either a text with a photo, or a FaceTime call, you will be able to see your favorite clients and also check on their hair growth.  For many, including myself, I am not ready to release my inner grey.  Giving practical tips on how to hide the greys by choosing different hair styles and also making sure they avoid box color are key to them returning to your chair with healthy hair.

Nail care and polishing tips

While some of us are longing to get back in front of our nail techs as our talons grow to new lengths, our nail techs want to make sure that we don’t ruin our nail beds.  Reach out to your nail clients and have them show you their nail growth.  Give them tips on filing them down instead of cutting them.  Also, give them the best tips to remove their shellac or dip polish by using the proper methods to avoid nail damage.  Tips on how to do an at home mini manicure are a fun way to connect, you can also use this time to show off cool new Spring colors.

At home massage

While stress seems to be an underlying theme in our present lives, there are many ways that we can relieve some stress at home before getting back in contact with our clients.  Connect with your massage clients and share weekly tips from basic breathing techniques to short pulse point massages they can give themselves to relax.  Sharing some basic insight with them will encourage calmness and also create the synergy and focus they are seeking from you while away from your suite.

One brow or two?

Being away from our brow tech can be something to cause panic in some.  At home tweezing may lead to more work on your part once we are able to visit the salon.  You may want to encourage proper upkeep that can be done simplistically and with ease.  We all know friends that have gone tweeze crazy and ended up with microscopic brow, we don’t want that.  Taking the time to show videos of basic brow clean up can help your clients stay away from mishaps.

15-minute facials

A good facial always makes your face feel great and also perks up your spirits.  Sharing tips on moisturization, proper water intake, and face washing will help your clientele keep their glowing complexion.  With added stress, our skin will react.  Rejuvenate your skin with what you have at home.  Connecting with your clientele will put their mind at ease and also keep their skin clear until their next appointment with you.

At Salons by JC we are here to support our salon suite owners and their clientele.  Remaining positive and ready to tackle the future is what we are focusing on as we get ready for our grand comeback, maintaining a constant presence in each of the lives of those we have connected with through our talents.

 

Blog written by

Marlene Romo Flores

Marketing Manager

Salons by JC

Categories
Community Involvement

Wait For Us: Things Your Salon Suite Owner Wants You to Remember

Wait for Us

With salon suites closing temporarily across the country alongside traditional salons due to the outbreak of COVID-19, independent owners of the salon suites are doing everything they can to come out positively when the time comes to reopen. It’s well known that great, long-term relationships are formed between stylists and their clients, often becoming like family. Like family, your stylists are striving to keep in touch. From reaching out to their clients on social media, email, phone, and text, to developing creative strategies for maintaining cash flow, these entrepreneurial spirits are working harder than ever, and you can help them succeed.

At Salons by JC, we, as well as our over 3,000 independent salon suite owners, ask that you keep the following in mind when it comes to your favorite salon suite owners.

Not all locations are closed

While the large majority of salons and salon suites have been temporarily closed to limit the spread of coronavirus, there are still many areas of the country where operations are continuing as normal, or as normal as possible. These locations are still accepting appointments and scheduling new appointments as well. We encourage you to reach out to individual salon suite owners or the Salons by JC location nearest you and find out if they are open if there are any changes to their typical hours, and when you can schedule an appointment.

If you have to cancel an appointment, reschedule for another time

This is a major one. If you know that your salon suite owner had to temporarily close, and you had an upcoming appointment, rather than simply canceling your appointment or assuming it’s been canceled, reach out to your stylist and schedule a tentative date change. With forecasts for COVID-19 related closures expecting to end anywhere from mid-April to early June, there is a wide timeframe that you could schedule one or more tentative appointments. This will not only allow you to have some much-needed self-care to look forward to but provide your stylist with much-needed support and an expectation of at least some normalcy and income.

When they reopen, remember the hygiene benefits of a salon suite

Salon suites have many benefits over the traditional salon, most of which, you have probably come to enjoy during the time you have had a relationship with your stylist. Some of these though probably went unnoticed in the past, but with the current crisis, are more important than ever. Salons are typically large, open room facilities and are often very crowded, sometimes with 10,20, or even more people in a single space. In comparison, salon suites are very often a private, 1 on 1, or possibly 2 or 3, individuals in a single room, including your stylist. This creates an inherently safer environment due to the lower number of possible viruses and germ-carrying individuals, the ability to clean the entire environment much more often and much quicker, and a distinct, individual relationship in which you know your clients and how they are feeling much more.

You can still get stylist support in the comfort of your own home

We know that it may have been weeks since your last stylist appointment. Your roots may be showing, your ends may be split, and your nails may be chipped, but we strongly encourage you, do not try this at home. Chances are your stylist has worked with you for months or years to help you develop a great personal style while maintaining healthy hair, nails, and more. Don’t ruin all this effort (and your hard-earned money) with cheap, off the shelf products which may cause serious damage, to your looks and your body, and when you return to your stylist, your wallet, because they’ll have to fix all that damage.
Instead, ask your stylist for tips! They may have products or kits you can take home or order during the time period between appointments. Additionally, many salon suite owners are providing virtual consultations, often at little or no cost to their clients, in which they can give you ways to keep your style in check as well as a roadmap for the future until you can get back into the suite.

Social media and reviews are a great form of support

Sometimes the greatest gift you can give is a kind word. Salon suite owners are no different. We encourage you to find your stylist on social media and give them a positive review. Let others know how great they are, the ways they helped you, and how excited you are to get back into their salon suite. Even more, they are probably very active on social media right now, so share their content, leave a kind comment, or maybe send them a direct message supporting them during this challenging time.

Gift cards are a great way to support your stylist until you can get an appointment

Do you want to support your stylist even though you can’t physically attend an appointment? Ask your stylist if they offer a gift card. Gift cards are a great way for you to provide your stylist with immediate income while also pampering yourself with some future self-care. It’s a win-win for everyone involved and it helps to ensure your salon suite owner will be around for a long time to come after the current crisis ends.

We truly hope you keep these tips, and your salon suite owners in mind, during this time. We know everyone has their own unique challenges to face but one of the greatest things you can do is reach out and help others. Your stylist will be extremely grateful. We’ll be extremely grateful.

From all of us at Salons by JC, stay safe and healthy, and we look forward to seeing you very soon!

 

Read more articles with tips for overcoming these challenging times in our other blog posts: 5 Ways Suite Owners Can Self-Promote During COVID-19, 5 Tips To Manage Your Business Online During Challenging Times, and Why Now Could Be A Good Time To Own Your Own Salon Suite.

 

Written by Nicholas Dunlap

Director of Marketing
Nicholas D. Dunlap
Director of Marketing
Categories
Business & Marketing Training & Education

Why Now Could Be A Good Time To Own Your Own Salon Suite

Across the country and throughout the world, many people are facing difficult challenges due to the outbreak of COVID-19. While we’re all working hard to take steps to keep ourselves and others safe and healthy, now may also be the opportunity in disguise you’ve been waiting for to start your own business as an independent salon suite owner.

During a recession, many people may tell you it’s a bad time to switch careers, start a new business, or make any other work-related changes. Don’t listen to the naysayers.  Many of the most successful companies in the world were started just after, or during a recession. The list includes hugely successful companies like Uber, WhatsApp, Walt Disney, and Costco. While these are certainly different than an independent salon, it goes to show what can be accomplished, even in difficult economic times. If you have the dream to be your own salon owner, the will to create your vision for the future, and the skills and experience to put to the test, then now could be the best time to become your own boss at Salons by JC. Here are three tips that we think can help you on your way.

 

1. Get feedback from your professional network and community about your business plan

 

While family and close friends can be excellent sources of support and feedback, especially when you’re taking on the challenge of starting a successful business, oftentimes they don’t have the direct business experience or more impartial feedback that you may need. Presenting your business plans and ideas to a fellow professional, ideally, someone who has successfully made the transition from renting a salon chair to their own salon suite already can be exactly what you need. This person can point out mistakes they already made, shortening the learning curve and increasing the effectiveness of your plan. Don’t stop with just one person though! There’s always more than one way to accomplish a goal, learn from as many people who have already been down the path your starting, as possible.

 

2.  Be prepared to bring more than passion to the table

 

Passion opens the door. Passion for what you do may have been a leading factor to where you are today, but it won’t be enough to start, and more importantly, keep a successful salon business going for the long haul. You’ll need your current skills and expertise and a willingness to never stop learning, always mastering the newest and most in-demand skills too. You’ll also need determination. Determination to make it through the slow periods where you have fewer clients, determination to work extra hours, determination to identify the roadblocks in your way and persevere around or through them. The flip side of determination and resilience will also be one of your greatest assets. You may not be able to control what happens in the economy, the industry, or how major events like those currently impacting so many people affect your business, but you can control your responses. Staying positive, resilient, determined, and yes, passionate, will all aid you as you build a successful salon suite business.

 

3. Become comfortable with being accountable to your new boss – yourself

 

Self-accountability is the name of the game when starting your own business. That goes as much for a salon suite as it does for a new tech company in Silicon Valley.  While the benefits of being your own boss are great, no company politics, no worries about fighting for the next promotion or the awkward requests for a raise or more time on the clock, you also have to take on the responsibility of being fully accountable for everything about the business. Sometimes, you will have to be a boss who’s a jerk and makes you stay late or come in early, work on extra projects around your salon, or spending extra time answering emails and social media messages when all you really want to do is go home and sleep. This means you’ll have to hone your personal level of discipline. You’re ultimately successful for your own level of success.

 

Bonus tip: You may be on your own, but you’re never alone

 

One of the hardest things about starting a new business is that you’re on your own. You set the hours, the prices, the services, and so much more. But, that’s a little different at Salons by JC. One of the greatest aspects of owning your own salon suite at one of our 100+ locations is that while you’re on your own, you’re never alone. We’re incredibly proud of our passionate and dedicated community of over 3,000 professional beauty, health, and wellness professionals. Each and everyone is part of a network that you can reach out to for support, ideas, and more. In fact, many of our salon suite owners become close friends with their salon suite neighbors as well as salon suite owners throughout the salon.

Another benefit is the opportunities for continuing education Salons by JC provides through our Empowering You program. Throughout the year Salons by JC hosts events with our partner network to bring you professional speakers, educators, and other opportunities for development. Even more, we regularly share content like training videos, blogs, tips, and more to help you be as successful as possible. individual franchise owners also have the opportunity to provide even more local events for networking, community, and more.

Right now, times may be difficult, but don’t let that slow down your dreams and goals. Adversity reveals character and hard-work builds it. You can do this. We encourage you to reach out to your nearest Salons by JC and inquire about the opportunities available to own your own salon suite. Even in areas where salons may be temporarily closed, being proactive and taking the first steps will help to ensure your success in the near future when we all persevere through the current challenges facing us.

It’s time to take your future in your own hands. You may be on your own, but you’re never alone.

 

 

Check out our other recent articles, 5 Ways Suite Owners Can Self-Promote During COVID-19, and 5 Tips To Manage Your Business Online During Challenging Times.

 

Written by Nicholas D. Dunlap

Director of Marketing
Nicholas D. Dunlap
Director of Marketing
Categories
Business & Marketing Community Involvement

5 Ways Suite Owners Can Self-Promote During COVID-19

At this very moment, our lives have been turned upside down, both professional and personal. What we formally knew as our normal daily routine is no longer relevant, as we band together, by staying apart, to stay safe against an invisible enemy.  

There’s little doubt that at this point you have seen many other retailers creating new programs and incentives to aid their companies in these challenging times, including offering free shipping when online ordering and restaurants offering curbside pickup or selling off their groceries. As beauty industry professionals you’re probably asking yourself, “what strategies can we utilize to remain afloat?    

Here are five of our best tips that you can implement today to remain present and increase clientele support you during this difficult time:

1. Stay active on social media

Remain active on social media just as you were before.  This is a great time also for those who have shied away from social media to take the time to explore what platforms will benefit your business growth the most.   Give your clients tips on how they can care for their hair, nails, face, and well being from the comfort of their home. Instagram stories are a great way to showcase mini at-home facials, how to care for your nails as your dip polish grows out, and even how to hide the grey hairs as we all wait to get our roots done.

2. Host free consultations

You miss them and they miss you so reach out to them and offer free consultations via FaceTime or other video apps.  Your salon suite is a place of relaxation and at times a mini getaway from a hectic life pace for your clients. Create that space over a conversation.  Grab a cup of coffee or tea and video chat with your client. Discuss their concerns while they are away from you for an uncertain amount of time. Giving them a sense of reassurance will go a long way.

3. Ask for family and friend referrals

How many times have you heard this before, “Everyone loved my look and I told them all about you!”.  Now is the time that your praises need to be sung from the highest balcony that is 6 feet away from everyone as we keep our social distance- ok, you get my drift!  Reach out to your clients and ask for referrals from family and friends. Through a free cut with their next service if they refer a new client to them. It is that simple and also it helps! 

4. Quarantine promotions

Now is a great time to come up with exciting ways to entice your clientele to book a future appointment with you.  For example, offering a free cut or free hair conditioning service with any color or highlight is something that can go a long way.   Adding a paraffin hand treatment to any nail service or even including a free brow wax with anyone who books a future appointment.  

5. Work on your brand

Now is a great time to work on your brand.  Take this time to review your presence on social media and see how you can take it to the next level. Experiment with IG Stories and Live Videos.  You can also look at your brand colors, logo, and how well you represent yourself in the industry. Come up with a keen marketing brand that can assist in boosting your presence.  You always hear people say that they don’t have time because they are so busy working, right now is the time to work on that brand.

 

Salons by JC was created on the foundation of empowering small business beauty professionals.  Allowing them to create their ultimate salon experience with support throughout the process. From day one when you signed that lease and grabbed your key until this very moment, know that you are on your own, but never alone as a salon suite owner at Salons by JC.  

For up to date information regarding our locations that are affected by this pandemic, please visit our website page Coronavirus Updates.

 

Blog written by

Marlene Romo Flores
Marketing Manager
Salons by JC
Categories
Franchise News

Coronavirus Updates

This page will be updated regularly with news and updates regarding Salons by JC and individual salon locations. We will also post related updates from other blog posts, news, etc. that is relevant to this page. Please check back regularly for the most up to date information.

Some locations have been closed in accordance with state, city, or federal government guidance. For more detailed information on these closures, we encourage you to reach out to them directly.

 

Tuesday, April 7th, SBJC COVID-19 Update

We have teamed up with our amazing partners and have created a dedicated website for COVID-19 resources. You can find this website here. This site is a resource for all independent workers, so essentially all salon suite owners. We encourage all suit owners to review this site carefully. You will find many helpful resources to aid you during these challenging times.

Additionally, you will find our COVID-19 Financial Resources for Suite Owners page on our blog, with a list of resources and direct links in a short format.

 

Friday, March 27th, SBJC COVID-19 Update

For salon suite owners who are identified as Sole Proprietors, the Small Business Administration has loans that you may qualify for. We encourage you to visit their website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/apply-for-disaster-loan/index.html for more information.

 

Thursday, March 26th SBJC COVID-19 Update

We’ve shared our latest blog post, titled, 5 Ways Suite Owners Can Self-Promote During COVID-19, with digital tips for our salon suite owners.

 

Wednesday, March 25th SBJC COVID-19 Update

We’ve shared our latest blog post, titled, 5 Tips To Manage Your Business Online During Challenging Times, with digital tips for our franchise owners. Additionally, we’ve launched the first episode of the Salons by JC Podcast. You can listen to it on Anchor or Spotify.

 

Monday, March 16th SBJC COVID-19 Update

We’ve posted a new blog article with helpful tips and information for both salon suite owners and franchise owners. There are helpful tips on staying safe and healthy as well as tips and examples for communicating effectively on social media. You can read the entire article, COVID-19 Communication Information, here.

Categories
Community Involvement

COVID-19 Communication Information

It can be difficult to stay positive when all the news concerning Coronavirus (COVID-19) is so overwhelming. Certainly, your clients feel this and everything you can do to communicate your knowledge and empathy about all that is surrounding us is critical for you and your business. As an independent beauty professional, you have the ability to speak directly to your clients about the steps you are taking to make sure that your business adheres to the state agency mandated sanitation as well as any extra precautions you are taking above and beyond those measures. The most distinctive advantage you have over traditional salons is the fact that you can control client flow into your suites and even the hours you are offering services. Clear, concise and responsible social posts aimed directly at your clients that convey your willingness to support them in challenging times can go a long way to keep you top of mind as both a beauty professional and a trusted friend.

The best and most proactive way to do this by starting with direct phone calls to your clients ensuring them that you are open for business and that you have taken direct steps to ensure their well-being. During the call it would be prudent to let them know the following:

  • You follow the state board rules for sanitation and cleanliness
  • You have taken extra measures to exceed sanitation requirements in your suite
  • Salons by JC as a company has reinforced its commitment to ensuring the facility is sanitized
  • You have the advantage if a lockable space with low activity as compared to other retail businesses
  • (If you are willing) You can adjust your hours to provide services at low volume times in the salon

A second and just as important outlet is to provide your clients updates on your social media platforms. With social media, it’s important to speak from your personal voice sharing your authentic concerns while remaining positive, which may help many people at this time. Short, simple and clear messages directly aimed at the following topics should be useful. We would encourage you to address the following topics

  • Cleanliness/Sanitization
    • During this time, the safety, health, and well-being of my clients and community is my number one priority. While everyone is facing challenges surrounding the virus, I encourage you to maintain the practice of self-care. I certainly hope that includes my services, but your general health and that of your family is of even greater importance.
    • Remember that the community, support, and care you’ve come to expect is not absent during these challenging times. I encourage you all to spend time with family, take any steps necessary to ensure your health, and do what you can to help others. Together we will all come out of this.
    • To all my clients: I am keeping you all in my thoughts during these challenging times. Know that I am still open and here for you to take some time for self-care. I am taking even greater steps to ensure the cleanliness and safety of my salon, so please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns about your upcoming visits or to schedule a new appointment.
    • Based on recommendations from the CDC and WHO, I am enhancing the frequency and scope of my salon cleanliness practices by following new health and safety standards to maintain a clean and healthy environment for my salon and my clients.
  • Cancellations
    • To any of my clients who may feel ill during this time – I would ask that you stay home and take care of yourself. Your health is the most important thing and taking steps to maintain it, such as drinking plenty of fluids, speaking with your physician, and eating healthy, are all the most important forms of self-care. I am currently waiving any cancellation fees, no questions asked, and I am more than happy to help assist you in rescheduling your appointments for a future date.
    • In order to ensure the safety of my clients and salon, I ask that any of my clients that may feel unwell to cancel any appointments you may have.  I am waiving all cancellation fees at this time, no questions asked. Thank you all so much, and stay healthy!
    • I would like to ensure you all that I am taking as many steps as possible to maintain a clean and healthy salon environment. However, should you like to cancel your appointment and reschedule for a later date, I am more than happy to assist you. I will be waiving all cancellation fees, no questions asked. Your health is my number one priority at this time.
  • Your hours of business
    • Yes, I’m open! I am taking all the required steps as put forward by the CDC and WHO to ensure my salon is as clean and safe as possible. For any questions or concerns, you may have, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you.
    • During this time, my hours will be adjusted to meet the needs of myself and my family, as our situation has changed due to virus-related factors. My new hours are [INSERT HERE]. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
  • How you can be contacted directly for questions
    • You can reach me by phone, or email, for direct questions.
  • What Salons by JC is doing
    • The Salons by JC family is closely monitoring communications and news about the COVID-19 situation and will take all necessary actions necessary to keep our salons and communities safe and healthy during these trying times. I will keep you all updated with any news or changes that come my way. Stay safe and healthy.
    • As the situation with COVID-19 progresses, I will continue to keep you all informed of any changes at my salon or Salons by JC. Your health, safety, and comfort are all my highest priority and I am keeping you all in my thoughts.

Social distancing may be the current trend for the near future but doesn’t mean that we should forgo social/business togetherness with communications that show your caring connectedness to the community. Your clients are surely wondering what they should do for their next appointment, so reaching out by phone, text and or social media will be appreciated by them and provide stability to your business.

We will continue monitoring official guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) and communicating regularly with our franchisees and salons.

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