MENU
SEARCHEditor Hannah Lee urges you to see the silver lining in employee turnover.
Hannah Lee
Hannah Lee
Last year NAILS said goodbye to two long-time employees. Before that we hadn’t seen any turnover for about six years and I considered myself lucky. Both editors left to pursue career-advancing opportunities outside of the beauty business. Both left on great terms and are still missed. But in the face of their departures, which happened about six months apart, we set out to find new editors to join the staff.
Hiring new people can seem like a hassle because it’s time-consuming during a time when you’re already short-staffed. Hopefully if your team is anything like mine, it runs smoothly because everyone plays their role to ensure success. So losing two people who helped shape NAILS into such a great magazine was scary. I’m sure it’s the same when you lose a great nail tech.
It’s always hard to lose stellar employees or coworkers. But there are some benefits too. And instead of letting yourself get squashed by the stress of “OMG, what will we do now?” let’s look at a few of the positive points of turnover.
1. Fresh perspectives. Sure it’s hard to replace a really great employee, but just think of all the fresh ideas and new perspectives a new employee will bring to your team. Maybe she is a social media expert who can start a solid social marketing plan for the salon. Or maybe he is extremely knowledgeable about essential oils and he’ll be able to create some new signature service ideas to refresh your menu. Wait until your new employees have a few months to find their bearings and then look forward to the next staff meeting or brainstorming session.
2. A little friendly competition. When someone starts at a job, other employees often step up their game. They want to establish their role in the workplace, and you might see employees who may have become complacent snap to attention. It will even help you as the manager or owner recommit to being your best self at work. (I know it did that for me!) Whatever the case, fresh blood in the salon is sure to invigorate other members of the team.
3. New clients/contacts. For salons, new employees might also mean new clients (if she has an existing clientele). But they also bring their own contacts to the table. For NAILS, that could mean new sources for stories. For you, that could mean manufacturer educators, distributor sales reps, doctor referrals, or even photographers or graphics professionals. Be open to meeting new vendors — it doesn’t benefit you to stay stuck in your ways. And you might even find a new gel-polish line to add or a cost-savings on your printed salon marketing materials.
4. Additional skill sets. Maybe your new nail tech is certified in reflexology. Maybe she was trained to apply eyelash extensions. Or maybe he took a special medical pedicure course. Whatever the case, if you’ve hired someone with a specialty that you don’t already offer at the salon, this is your opportunity to add it to the menu and start reaping the rewards of a new service possibility for all of your existing clients.
Overall, no matter how beloved your former employees were, it’s important to view turnover as an opportunity. We’ve welcomed Brittni (last April) and Tracy (in October) with open arms. We will continue to miss Sree and Tim (just like so many others before them), but we look forward to what’s to come as our new team really gets into a groove. It’s an exciting time.
Square data shows that regular customers tip 11% higher and are shared across 32% of businesses in the same ZIP code, driving thousands of dollars in additional revenue per connection.
When Bowie Lau and Jeffrey Ching opened JBW Jeffrey Ching Salon in 2011, they weren’t just launching another luxury hair destination—they were building a business rooted in passion, artistry, and thoughtful growth.
Sponsored by Amex
Inside the Systems That Power an Elevated Salon Experience From seamless online booking to a team-first culture, J Gold Salon in Atlanta offers more than great hair—it delivers consistent, high-touch service with the help of partners like Boulevard and American Express.
Sponsored by Amex
Want to grow your career as a beauty professional? K18 Sales Manager Sabrina Sanborn shares advice on networking, mentorship, and self-advocacy—from attending hair shows to finding the right guidance to reach your goals.
A combination of clear policies, effective communication, and strong client relationships has helped me create a more reliable and efficient booking system.
Founded by Cleveland serial entrepreneur Shaura Rodgers, Nailtorious has grown to include a nail supply megastore, training facilities, and retail line for nail techs.
This period after the holidays can bring on a huge lull for hairstylists. We asked Cosmo Prof's team of professionals to offer their best advice on how to deal with the January-February slow period.
Key highlights include a push toward inclusive spaces for all abilities, an emphasis on maximizing livable square footage, and a continued love for modern farmhouse exteriors.
The busy holiday season is here, and with it comes jam-packed days, last-minute client requests and booming retail sales. For many salon owners, the highlight of the season is Small Business Saturday® (SBS). This year on Saturday, November 30, consumers can take their shopping into the small businesses in their communities.
Sponsored by Amex
Want to become savvy about your personal finances, but don't quite know where to start? Anna Manukyan identifies six important concepts for building a strong financial foundation.
Salon owner Nuri Yurt had a dream of owning a salon on New York City’s Madison Avenue. "Through perseverance, hard work and stellar customer service, he and partner John Kaygisiz founded Toka Salon in 2007.
Sponsored by Amex
This guide is your one-stop shop for a plethora of technology tools, software and services created to keep your salon or spa thriving.
Anna Manukyan shares a breakdown of what different types of financial accounts should be used for.
Vagaro has consistently been at the forefront of salon software technology, helping businesses be more efficient, create more effective communication, and even improve company culture. Now, Connect by Vagaro, the platform’s two-way communication capability, and Vagaro’s new generative AI tools are giving owners new opportunities to grow and expand.
Sponsored by Vagaro
Young Nails' Greg, Habib, and Tracey discuss whether getting too close to clients can damage your business.
This list of watch-outs from @jodydoesjels prompted us to reach out to her and learn more. We had already fallen for her hand-painted designs and now we wanted to know more about this list she created to help clients decide if she was the nail tech for them.
Education is necessary for beauty professionals to maintain their cosmetology licenses, and paying for that education can be burdensome, but it doesn't have to be. Understand which education tax credits can help you offset those costs.
