New Clients New City
The Search is On – New Hair Salon Cape Coral
Trying to find new clients, after moving to a new city, is impossible! Not really, but it feels that way. New Hair Salon Cape Coral
I recently made a move to Cape Coral, Fl and it has been wonderful, for the most part. Don’t get me wrong. The weather and time off were much needed. However, when the search for work began, I found myself a little lost. This is pretty new to me.
Working at Jade Salon has been wonderful for the last sixteen years. Everyone there became my extended family and support system. The salon owner, John Donofrio, is my first mentor and he encouraged me to get into our industry. The salon kept me in a steady flow of new clientele for the beginning of my career. As my clientele grew so did the word of mouth referrals and before long I was sitting pretty as one of the salon’s top earners. Now I find myself without a salon and without the resources I am familiar with. So what should I do?
Ideally there was a salon to be purchased and I would walk in as a new owner. Confident and optimistic, I would raise the bar by providing education and quality control to the existing stylists and clientele. That would increase retention and sales, bringing my salon to the apex of the city’s elite salons. Well… my original plans didn’t work out. I’m okay with that. Things don’t often go exactly to plan and I enjoy the challenge of thinking on my feet and problem solving. I have some money to live off of, rent is cheap, and my family is supportive and wise. So let’s figure this out!
The Plan
Here is what I’ve come up with:
1. Get a business card – the rest of my family/business partners believed this was a must. How do I network without one? Makes sense. Check!
2. Get involved with the city – I joined the Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce Leadership 2016 program to get a better working knowledge of the city, make influential friends, and discover ways to give back to the community. So far so good, with eleven weeks to go. Check!
3. Offer complimentary and concierge haircutting/hairstyling services – This is some of what I did at the start of my career. Free haircuts are a great way to show your working knowledge and start word of mouth advertising. Just don’t go all willy-nilly (whats that even mean?) be selective. Usually you’ll be looking for influencers within your core demographic. Check!
4. Keep looking – This is where I am right now in my “new” plan. I still look for salons to buy and places to work. I am even trying to see if I can put together an educational aspect to my website and offer those services to salons in the area. Ahem… coming soon, pinky swear.
5. Don’t go it alone – Unless you have all the time, money, and positive attitude in the world. Without the support I am getting I wouldn’t have made this move. It’s scary but accomplishable. My mentor/boss gave me great support as I left, increasing my confidence. My family gives me constant reassurances and provide me the ability to take my time to do things right. Maybe this point should have gone first? Oh well, check!
First Cut
So I did connect with a fitness instructor (influencer) and offered my services. A complimentary haircut later and Gael couldn’t be happier! Soon her husband will be looking to get his haircut next. We all know how hard it is for a guy to leave his barber. I just made some recommendations that were in line with how he was already feeling about his hair. When Scott realized I could see what he needed, the switch was easy.
I explained to Gael that the difference in her naturally curly texture existed from a lack of layering. I added some layers to give a uniform curl from the base line up when worn natural. The layering will also cut down on drying time (less hair) and lighten the shape adding body and bounce when styled.
I finished her hair by blow drying with my hands, then giving a round brush feel by adding wave with a flat iron. A little bit of a light silicone sheen and some hairspray to complete her look.
The smile and confident look in her pictures says enough.
What’s Next?
I am open to ideas, comments, and suggestions. This is a new space for me and I would appreciate any input I can get. Please share this if you know someone who could help or may need a place to start. Check back for future posts to keep up with my growth in my city and the growth of my new hair salon Cape Coral.
Or contact us for an appointment!
August 29, 2016 @ 12:16 pm
Thanks, Domi!
I am learning tons of great things about the city and I look forward to networking and meeting more people. I appreciate you reaching out and offering advice. Keep an eye out for me in your inbox. If I have some questions I will contact you.
August 28, 2016 @ 5:14 pm
Deroc, I started fresh in Cape Coral myself not too long ago, but alas, you are in luck, this city is filled with movers and shakers and people are ALWAYS interested in new ways to look and feel their best.I too have about 18 years in the industry and had worked in Fort Myers, moved to NC, then back to Florida, but since about 5 years had passed since being in Florida, I decided to search for an upscale salon that catered to coloristd, and began building in a commission based setting. It took a little less than a year to become the salons top earner.It is (like anything worth doing) not an eaay task, and because the majority of people here are working within tight budgets you MUST remember to treat your loyal clients well, give freely of yourself, and make yourself available to them with ease. There are SO many great people here from all over this coubtrt and have even found myself with quite a large group of German clientele. Great news is, they LOVE to refer to their friends and family. I continue to offee referral discounts, but am now happily nestled in a quaint booth rental salon, right in the heart of Downtown Cape Coral. Sounds like you have quite an extensive knowledge of your craft, and that you enjoy educating your guests, that alone will take you far. Remember your humble beginnings, this is a small tiwn where everyone seems to know everyone, so try not to “down talk” other stylists work, instead focus on what makes you different, and will therefore enhance their beauty routine. I am ALWAYS open to meeting and networking with othee proffessionals in my field. Feel free to contact me via email and we can exchange info from there! Beautiful work on Gael, and Im interested in following your journey in this great city. Its a beautiful place to call home!
August 25, 2016 @ 5:53 pm
Thank you so much Gael! I’m looking forward to our continued professional and business relationships. You were awesome as well! I’m excited in my new city because of awesome people like you!
August 25, 2016 @ 11:10 am
Honestly Deroc is a MAGICIAN!! I cannot believe the difference in my hair and how much easier it is to take care of now, especially with the humidity down here in Florida. (My husband Scott and I also recently moved to Cape Coral from Colorado.) Not only does Deroc cut your hair in a “artistic” and functional manner, he educates you along the way so that YOU can create the same look for yourself well after he is gone. I am absolutely thrilled and will be recommending Deroc to all of my friends, clients, and associates here in the sunshine state.
August 24, 2016 @ 11:50 pm
Between you and Karen, I might start to cry. Thanks for your kind words. I will be around sooner or later. We will definitely get your hair did then!
August 24, 2016 @ 11:49 pm
Thanks, Shannon! I am sure I will need all the help I can get, so I appreciate it. Let me know when you would like me to take a look at your daughters hair.
August 24, 2016 @ 9:01 pm
You will do great I know you will! You have all the skills and more!! I wish I was Gail because I haven’t had luck looks like I need to move down to FL to continue getting your special touch as you are my favorite!!!
August 24, 2016 @ 8:18 pm
I think you are going to be amazing here in Cape Coral and I can’t wait to see your business journey unfold. Your entrepreneurial outlook and energy are sure to lead to success. I have been here a year and have found it very difficult to find what I am looking for in regard to hair care and of course you know my dilemma with my daughter. I will happily pass out your business cards in our school family and beyond.
August 24, 2016 @ 8:02 pm
Awwwwwwww…Karen! I miss you guys too!
I just talked to John today and found myself missing the salon as well. I’m sure I’ll be back in town sooner or later. We can reconnect then and I will give you FIFTEEN years younger!
August 24, 2016 @ 6:31 pm
I’m jealous that Gael gets to have her hair done by you. Missing you in Ct. very much and so is my Mom my husband and son. Thanks for all the years you made us look amazing!!! 10 years younger in my case and my Moms every time we left your chair.! Feel free to give my name as a reference!!