Manager or Owner?: Operating a Successful Salon

Salon manager holding keys to business

Want to become a hairstylist? Do you want to manage or own a salon some day? Working in the beauty industry is highly rewarding. Whether you specialize in hairstyling or your goal is to become a master manicurist, there are many possibilities for career growth. After you graduate from a cosmetology program, you may decide to become a salon manager or owner. There are many differences and similarities in these roles and understanding the variations can help you to become the best manager and owner possible.

Whatit Takes to Run a Successful Salon

Whether you are a salon manager or owner, there are many things you need to know to successfully run a salon. Managing financials is important to ensure the salon is profitable. The management of staff, as well as supplies and facilities is crucial for both managers and owners. Providing a high-end experience for your customers is imperative to success for both a manager or owner.

Even more, a salon is only as successful as the number of customers it has. There are several aspects that go into obtaining and keeping customers. These aspects include hiring skilled hairstylists offering a positive experience. It also includes the use of proper marketing techniques and reasonable pricing. Opening a business in the right area is also an important key to running and owning a successful salon. Think about the different variables of a successful salon and keep improving it over time.

Managersand Owners: What’s the Difference?

Salon Managers

Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of a salon. They hire, interview, order supplies and schedule employees. The salon manager is responsible for running the salon. It is the manager’s job to identify problems and ensure the business thrives under their management.

Salon Owners

In contrast, owners of salons plan out the business and create it from the ground up. The owner works on building their business using marketing and advertising techniques. In some cases, an owner acts as both owner and manager. Many owners decide that they are too busy to manage the salon and have managers on duty. They may also operate multiple salons and need a manager that is responsible for each salon.

Which Role is Right for You?

Salon Owners and Entrepreneurship

Knowing which job is right for you will help you succeed in your role as owner or manager. Owners are at the forefront of the business. Business owners are always there when they are needed. This can become difficult if the owner is operating multiple salons. In order to consider ownership, you need to have the entrepreneurial spirit to create and run a business. This involves financial planning, funding, marketing, advertising, accounting and hiring the right staff.

Salon Managers: The Problem Solvers

Similarly, managers handle day-to-day business operations, while reporting to the owner. Business operations may include handling employees and customers. Salon managers are responsible for resolving problems. The manager is also in charge of ordering, scheduling and hiring. Managers need to be tough enough to handle difficult situations, like disciplining employees. However, the manage also needs to be empathetic enough to handle customer complaints.

WhyBoth Roles are So Rewarding

While all professions have their difficulties, being either a manager or business owner can be incredibly rewarding. Having ownership of a salon allows you to reap the financial benefits of your entrepreneurship. You have a skill and are using it to create a service. Managers also reap the rewards, such as running a successful business and earning a reasonable salary.

How An Education Prepares You

Whether you choose to go into a managerial role or you’re looking at salon ownership, your career starts with the right education. Education allows you to know the ins and outs of cosmetology and become a true asset to the field. After all, whether it involves hair cutting, makeup or nail care and design, your skills are the reason customers come to the salon in the first place. Repeat customers are the backbone of successful salons. The best way to create a repeat customer is to provide them with a highly-skilled service with great customer care.