Did you know that if you have your cosmetology license, you’re a business owner?
Yes, even if you work in a commission salon where somebody else sets your hours, even the dress code, you are still responsible for your business.
When you think of it that way, being a business owner can feel seriously overwhelming, right? So today, we wanted to dig into the 7 business tools every stylist (even you!) needs to invest in so you can work smarter (not harder!) in and on your business!
A good camera
One of the biggest questions we see from stylists is “Do I need to buy a digital camera like a DSLR?”
Short answer? If your smartphone has an excellent camera, that’s all you need. If not or if you really want to invest in a good digital camera, go for it! Just know that you might need to invest in a digital photography course to learn how to use it properly because most models have a steep learning curve.
So what exactly is a good camera? One that takes crystal-clear photos, has a timer, and can do video!
Really, video? Absolutely. Marketing trends have been leaning into the video space for a while now and all signs show that it’s going to continue moving this way. So make sure you’re prepared and your camera (on your phone or otherwise) can take clear, beautiful video for your social media lives.
A dependable laptop
The second biggest question? “Can’t I just run my business from my phone?”
Listen, we totally get it. We’re never far from our phones either and today’s smartphone can do SO. MANY. THINGS. But imagine trying to build or edit your website from your smartphone. Or design your welcome packet. You might be able to pull it off, but it’s going to be a lot harder and take more effort, right?
Having a high quality, reliable laptop is an amazing tool when it comes to running a successful business behind the chair. The best part? A lot of the models on the market today are inexpensive and lightweight, making them easy on your wallet and your work bag.
So what should you look for in a laptop? That depends on what you want to use it for. If you plan on just building your website, maybe some light photo editing, and uploading social media, a laptop with basic storage and lots of memory is enough.
If you’re planning on editing video or your photos on the laptop (and you probably are), make sure it has extra storage, a good video card, and extra memory.
Basically, a good laptop to buy is one that fits your business and lifestyle. For example, if you’re a traveling or bridal stylist, look for a lightweight option that you can take on the road with you. If you plan to do most of your admin work at home, a more solid laptop that lives on your desk might be a better fit.
Best place to start? Make a list of what you need your laptop to do and find one that matches.
Reliable business systems
If you’ve been hanging around with Britt and the Thrivers team for a while, you know we love systems! Here’s a few that we recommend every stylist and salon owner have:
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Morpholio Board is a great way to visually build your target market board, your dream salon style, or anything else you express best visually
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Google Analytics is key to knowing what’s working (and what’s not) on your online presence
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Dropbox lets you save everything in one handy, easily accessible place
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Canva is our go to to build graphics, welcome kits, and so much more.
Have a business system you know and love? Snap a screenshot, share it on your Instagram Stories, and tag @thethrivingstylist!
A true community
Have you ever heard the African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together”?
It’s never been more true than it is in our industry because as people pleasers at heart, we are wired to give, give, give…sometimes forgetting to refill our own inspiration cup.
Having a community at your back to help you remember to stop and take a moment for yourself, to lend a helping hand when things get tough, or just to simply listen can save you from burnout.
So ask that new stylist out for a coffee and chat. Call your mom and ask for help if you need it. Tap into your favorite stylist resource network and see if they have any ideas to pump up your spring promotion. Don’t be afraid to lean into the people who want to support you.
A wind-down routine
Have you ever gotten into the car to head home after a busy day in the salon and felt like you just couldn’t relax? Or maybe logged off your computer after doing your last Facebook Live of the day and still felt wired? A good wind-down routine that tells your body it’s time to stop working and start relaxing can make all the difference in the world.
The beauty of these routines is they can include anything you want. Here’s a sneak peek at one of the Thrivers team member’s routines:
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Check inbox
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Update planner
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Select tomorrow’s top 3 tasks
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Write downs wins and lessons learned
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Brain dump
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Tidy office
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Meditate
This way, she knows that everything is taken care of for the day, tomorrow is ready to go, and it’s time to unwind!
Here’s some ideas to add to your routine:
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Make a list of 5 things you were grateful for that day.
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Listen to a favorite podcast (like the Thriving Stylist Podcast!) on your commute home.
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Review tomorrow’s appointments or to-do list so you feel fully prepared when you walk into the salon.
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Go for a walk.
Create a routine you look forward to and helps you disconnect from the day and be fully present in the evening.
Supportive shoes
It’s a saying because it’s true: If you take care of your body, it’ll take care of you. And let’s be honest: as a stylist, our bodies go through a lot of wear. We’re standing on our feet for six, eight, sometimes 10 hours a day…and those shoes you’re wearing might not be helping.
That doesn’t mean showing up at the salon in your dirty at-home sneakers. As beauty professionals, we want our appearance to inspire confidence in our clients, right?
If high heels are your thing (or your salon dress code’s), look for insoles to protect your feet. If you have more flexibility, experiment with snazzy flats, cute sneakers, even stylist wedges to give your feet a little more support and still show off your style.
Yourself
You are your biggest asset in your business and you are worth investing in. Create a line item in your business budget for your education so you can keep moving, keep growing, and create the business of your dreams.
So sign up for that color workshop, take that new cutting class, and invest in business-building programs like Thrivers Society. You (and your business) won’t regret it.
You’ve worked so hard to create your beautiful business behind the chair. And if you invest in a few key business tools, it’ll grow and allow you to work smarter, not harder.