If you want to grow your business, you need to get clear on where you are right now.
Listen, itโs a noisy world out there. Itโs hard to not get caught up in it when social media is so accessible on our phones, to not compare yourself with the stylist next door, to think that if you copied that other salon owner, you could have what they have.
But what about what you want?
This industry is full of possibilities and opportunities just waiting for you to grab them. But before you can, you need to clarify who you are, where you are, and where you want to go.
Thatโs why today, weโre breaking down the three categories many of todayโs stylists fall into and share some resources to help you level up.
Category 1: Passive Stylists
Weโll be 100: โPassiveโ does not mean โlazyโ or โunsuccessfulโ. Often, passive stylists are extremely talented, well-trained, and experienced. They are hopeful things will turn around and start looking up, but they donโt take the steps to make it happen.
Signs of a Passive Stylist
- Can have a full clientele and work up to 50 hours a week taking clients.
- Hopeful things will turn around.
- Work the schedule they know clients want them to work.
- Post on social media when they can or if they like it.
- Run late or long, assuming their clients will understand, they donโt mind.
- Believe struggling is cool or normal. The work they do is just a job, not a passion. Major success wonโt happen, but youโre doing it and it chips away at the bills.
- Often aspire for more, but they arenโt doing the work it takes to get there.
Passive Stylist Mindset
Passive stylists often operate from a place of survival or fear. They work the typical stylist schedule (TuesdayโSaturday, mix of nights and weekends) because they either donโt know any better or assume if they change it, clients will be mad.
They focus on things theyโre comfortable with. This is normal. As human beings, we donโt like being uncomfortable, so itโs our default setting to focus on the comfy. This is often also why they donโt invest in education. They donโt have the time or money, or know where to startโฆand getting those things are outside the comfort zone.
Passive stylists can be wonderful team members, but if theyโre toxic from burnout, resentment, or something else, it can fester.
Passive Stylist Resources
If youโre a passive stylist and want to level up, hereโs a few resources that can help:
- Tested Pricing Dos & Donโts to Know in Today’s Economy
- What to Do When Your Success Feels Fragile or Fleeting
- How to Jumpstart Your Success as a New or Struggling Stylist
- Allowing the Higher Self to Make Decisions Instead of the Ego
- It’s Time To Ditch Fear-Based Decisions
Category 2: Artist
Artists represent a good chunk of the industry. They see their work as a true craft and treat it as such. Many artists have a servantโs heart and want to be their clientโs ride-or-die.
Signs of an Artist
- Perceived in the industry as deeply authentic because they know who they are and wonโt sacrifice their values.
- Show up in whatever way feels more aligned to them, whether itโs in their salon space, pricing, social media, guest experience.
- Truly believe in their craft and they do it because they enjoy it.
- Comfortable, but just getting by financially.
- Support and rally for their clients in a very deep way.
- Like to do things by their own rules.
- Donโt follow social norms or standards, but arenโt lazy.
- Big into the community aspects of the industry without any interest in being an influencer.
Artist Mindset
Artists are fueled by human connection and impact. They like networking, going to classes, meeting new people, and engaging with educators.
They also like building with people who arenโt in the industry and becoming a pillar of their community without any financial expectation. They donโt often reach their fullest financial potential but find deep emotional fulfillment and are beloved, so their heart is full.
Artist Resources
If youโre an artist and want to continue to grow your business, hereโs a few resources that can help:
- The Ultimate Guide to Move Into the Abundance Zone ASAP
- The Marketing Funnel: Brand Awareness
- How to Feel Inspired, Driven, and Motivated as a Beauty Professional
- Building A Personal Brand
- How to Elevate Your Pre-Visit Guest Experience
Category 3: Wealth Builder
Wealth builders see themselves as a business owner or entrepreneur at the core. And listen, thatโs not always easy. It means making the hard decisions and sacrifices to build that wealth. This doesnโt mean theyโre bad people or sellouts. You can still be a kind, empathetic person who has a profitable business.
Signs of a Wealth Builder
- Run their business as a business.
- Have big financial goals. They aspire, they want to go places.
- Arenโt afraid to talk about money or have nice things, depending on their goals/dreams.
- Think about retirement and financial planning.
- Prioritize paid education and mentorship.
- Network with other people who want to be successful in the industry.
Wealth Builder Mindset
Wealth builders believe in short-term sacrifice for long-term gain. Many want to be the breadwinner and/or financially independent. They are simply built a bit differently.
Becoming a wealth builder isnโt easy, but itโs worth it.
Wealth Builder Resources
If youโre a wealth builder and want to keep building, hereโs a few resources that can help:
- How To Do Social Media In Just 3 Hours A Week
- Retirement Planning 101
- How to Make a Referral Program Work
- 7 Shifts To Make To Be A Six-Figure Stylist
- How to Maximize Your One-Year Growth as a Beauty Professional
Take a moment to think about which category you resonated with most. Donโt judge yourself on your answer. Recognizing where you are and deciding if thatโs where you want to be is the first step to finding true fulfillment and joy in this industry.
If you want more support as you grow your business and in the industry, join us in Thrivers Society!