Spark Your Passion in School
There are 2 jobs available for each graduate. The average salon income, including tips, is about $18.50 per hour in the United States, according to the NACCAS. Since the average income is over $38,000 per year, there is money to be made in the beauty industry.

If you are fresh out of school, trying to find a better job in a salon or getting back into the field after being out for a while, this series will help gain tremendous insight and enable you to find your niche.

Working in a salon, you can meet another friend every hour. This is a relaxed, playful, and creative career. Jobs in the beauty salon industry are low in stress. Most people enjoy visiting beauty salons because you make your client happy and beautiful.

Enrollment in cosmetology schools is at about half of what it was two decades ago, creating a shortage of licensed technicians. Yes, salons need more licensed people to fill their chairs. More so, 75% of students don't make it through their first year in the profession. I feel there are too many students who get discouraged too soon because they don't know enough yet. They have not experienced that point of confidence that takes time to develop. (Can it be true that someone would dislike being in one of the most enjoyable professions there is?)

You will learn the importance of continued education, creating your professional image, work area supplies and more importantly, why some people succeed and others fail.

Available in Salon Success Secrets, Book 1, you will find details in performing the services, learn about states licensing requirements, where to find the requirements, hours involved and supplies needed to perform the services. Some services described are: hair, massage, nails, skin care, body treatments, hair removal, body piercing and tattooing, permanent makeup, receptionist, and salon sales.


Students, Forge Ahead!

What's next? Uh-oh, working on clients. ... YIKES!

The best way to excel as a student is to be eager to learn! Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the Ark and professionals built the Titanic. When clients go to beauty schools for services, they UNDERSTAND you are learning.


Fresh Out of School Where Do I Go?

Adventures of the Job Search.

Selecting a great salon will be the foundation your new profession is built on! Many salons prefer a fresh tech right out of school so that they can train and mold them. Look for progressive salons with growth. Part of the 75% failure rate in the beauty profession is caused by a graduate's first job. At the first place I worked in, I had to learn the hard way what it feels like to experience most of the unfavorable job circumstances that cause new techs to give up so fast. I'm not sure if you can even call it work since I never actually earned any money. The guess work in job hunting is removed for you in the following pages. Outlined are key points in selecting your future employer. Understand the difference between high-end vs. volume salons. Will you prefer high-paced, busy salons or a calmer, two-chair salon? You have to decide which salon best fits your personality.


Rent or Commission

"Should I go on rent or commission?" "I found a job; the rent is only $70 per month. Is that good?" Is 50% commission fair? Can I get benefits? Should I work for a chain salon or a private owner? You will understand which methods are best for you and why.


Dress for Success

Ponder what impressions you have of people around you by their appearance. "There are no ugly women, just lazy women." Observe people around you. Is it apparent which people take great pride in their appearance?

If you're serious about being in the beauty business, remember that the salon will attract what it represents, including you. You can find excellent bargains at consignment shops. People can always improve their appearance, their personality, their skills and talents if they want to!


Approach the Salons of Your Choice

Once you have chosen the type of salons you want to work in, it's time to make contact. Stop in and meet the salon owner or manager. They will make room for someone who impresses them. The beauty profession is primarily based on interactions with others, more so than talents.


Rev Up Your Rsum & A Fail-Safe Interview

Don't be too concerned about writing a rsum. Almost all the people going into a salon looking for a job don't even present one. But if you want to be better than the rest of the applicants, Salon Success Secrets, Book 1 outlines how to develop a resume and be prepared for the interview. Most salon owners (or managers) will go by first impressions and intuition. They are concerned about your personality since that is almost more important than technical skills. They look for people with an enthusiasm for learning and working. Listed in the book are open-ended questions you may be asked during the interview and responses they look for. If they ask you to return to demonstrate your talents, smile, you passed the most difficult part!


Wow, I Found a Fabulous Job!

Your first day of work at a new, unfamiliar salon in a totally new profession can be tough, but we all have to start somewhere. Find out how to select mentors in your new career and walk in with confidence. Start out on a good note, bring in brownies!

Finally, Focus on Your Goals! Where were you 5 years ago? Have you moved ahead? Will you still be there in 5 years? The opportunities to find a great job are numerous in the wide-open salon market. Take your time and select YOUR best opportunity!


Have faith that you can succeed, and anything is possible!